Loomis Chaffee’s credit requirements mandate students to participate in some kind of after-school activity for all three terms, whether it be through sports, community engagement programs, or other alternatives. Although some may argue that students should be allowed total freedom to decide what to do with their time outside of class, the activities Loomis offers play a vital role in fostering growth and teaching new life-long skills. While we certainly do learn important skills in the classroom, participating in sports and community engagement activities makes use of skills usually not developed during the school day, including coordinated teamwork.
“It is impossible to learn the important lessons that being a part of a team can teach us, if it is not part of our regular routine,” said Mr. Ben Snuffer, the Girls Varsity Tennis Coach. “Working with teammates can allow us to learn valuable skills and lessons, such as discipline, community spirit, and collaboration.” Through requiring team credits, Loomis Chaffee urges all students to apply and practice these essential abilities.
“It is special to be a part of a group that values a common activity and that works together to achieve certain goals, and it is usually during these times in which we form some of the closest friendships of our lifetime,” Mr. Snuffer added.
These experiences not only help each student here on the Island thrive, but also help unite and grow the Loomis community as well. Through these required experiences with the community, students get to know each other better and develop community spirit.
While these requirements do take away some choice from students, Loomis offers a wide array of choices for what these requirements will look like.
“Loomis has a lot of options. So even if you don't like one thing, I’m sure there’s always something you can find across the three terms,” said Jaden Williams ’26.
Loomis Chaffee also allows students to pursue their own interests through the Independent Sports Program (ISP), which gives students the flexibility to pursue their passions while still meeting requirements.
Another concern with these requirements is the balance between extracurricular activities and the academic workload students must carry out. Loomis students face a rigorous academic schedule, and adding more to the plate could be overwhelming.
“Sometimes I do feel a little overwhelmed with having both sports and my schoolwork, but I always figure out a way to balance both,” said Simone Magdo-Krieger ’28.
For many students, just like Simone, managing both extracurriculars and academics may be daunting at times, but these demands ultimately help students to grow and learn new important skills, including time management, problem solving, and organization.
Ultimately, while Loomis’ requirements regarding extracurriculars do challenge students, they help encourage them to learn life-long skills applicable both inside and outside of the classroom.