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Lawrence Academy at Groton
Lawrence Academy at Groton is a co-educational Preparatory School located in Groton, Massachusetts . Founded by Samuel Lawrence in 1793 as Groton Academy, and chartered by Governor John Hancock , Lawrence was the ninth private academy in the United States , and the third in Massachusetts, following Governor Dummer Academy ( 1763 ) and Phillips Academy at Andover ( 1778 ). Lawrence's first headmaster was Samuel Adams Holyoke , a renowned musician. The phrase on Lawrence Academy's seal is "Omnibus Lucet" -- in Latin , "Let light shine upon all." In 1845 , Groton Academy changed its name to honor Amos , Abbott , and William Lawrence , famed alumni, and major benefactors during that era. At the time, Lawrence Academy was considered a ''feeder school'' for America's leading colleges, particularly Dartmouth and Williams College s. In 1868 , during a Fourth Of July celebration, an errantly tossed Firecracker burned Lawrence Academy to the ground. In the mid- 1900s , amidst commencement exercises, fire once again destroyed Lawrence Academy's academic and administrative buildings. Following both fires, Lawrence Academy rebuilt; however, because of these incidents, it encountered financial difficulties through parts of the twentieth century, until the late 1970s . Lawrence Academy's notable programs include ''Winterim'', a two-week adventure term, and ''Independent Immersion'', a year-long program in which a student focuses on a single endeavor, as though at a conservatory. Lawrence Academy is seated upon 100 acres (405,000 m&2) of rolling countryside, in Groton, Massachusetts, 31 miles northwest of Boston , 8 miles south of New Hampshire . At the bequest of James Lawrence, a Lawrence family descendent, it shares the meadows and mansion along Peabody Road and Farmer's Row with another renowned preparatory school, the Groton School , Lawrence's traditional athletic rival. Architecturally, Lawrence's campus features a mix of historic Federalist-Era houses and Neo-Georgian academic buildings. From Lawrence's central Quadrangle , one can see the outline of Mount Wachusett to the west, the pastures of Gibbet Hill Farm, (the site of colonial Gallows and ''The Castle''), to the north, and the fairways of the Groton Country Club to the east. Each year Lawrence Academy enrolls approximately 375 students, (200 boarding students.) As of 2005, students hail from 18 U.S. States, and 16 countries. The student-to-teacher ratio at Lawrence is approximately 7:1, with an average class size of 11 students. Tuition for the 2005-2006 academic year is $36,900 for boarders, $28,100 for day students. 30% of students receive financial aid to attend. Notable recent alumni include Page McConnell of the rock group Phish , Olympic Games gold medalists Steve Heinze and Laurie Baker, 2005 NBA first round draft pick Antoine Wright and Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jonah Bayliss . Lawrence Academy is directed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. It is accredited by the New England Association Of Schools And Colleges and is a member of the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council . Athletic teams compete in the Independent School League . Lawrence Academy has over 3,600 active alumni. TRADITIONS A ''Headmaster's Holiday'' occurs Trimester ly, often before finals week. On this day, to the surprise of students and faculty, Lawrence Academy cancels all classes and athletics. To signify the holiday, Lawrence's headmaster dons a bright orange blazer and walks across the Quad. ''Bos'n Ball'' is a 2-on-2 soccer tournament, named after a faculty member's dog (Bos'n,) who was struck by a car and killed in 1985, the night before the Brooks soccer game. The boys' varsity squad, mourning the loss of their team mascot, went out the next day and beat the top-ranked Brooks squad at Brooks during their parents' weekend. To honor the dog, the team started this tournament, which still runs today. Participants parade in elaborate costumes before playing. A trophy is awarded to the victors. EXTERNAL LINKS
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