Independent study is also available. The school year is divided into semesters. Examinations take place at the end of the first semester and at the end of the year. Students receive letter grades and teacher and adviser comments four times a year. Progress reports are provided as necessary during the school year.
Day students reside in Springfield and nearby Massachusetts and northern Connecticut towns.
Boarding students currently come from China, Germany, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and the Netherlands. Academic Facilities School life revolves around Rutenber Hall, named for Ralph D. Rutenber, the Headmaster from 1941 to 1972. It houses the classrooms, science laboratories, the computer room, the Sadowsky Family Library, the Sally Fenelon-Young Auditorium, the Jostrom Music and Drama Room, and the dance studio. The visual arts studio is located in South Hall. The School encourages but does not require involvement in athletics.