We asked Nico...
What are the academics like at your school?
It is hard work, but definitely doable. It's nice that teachers mostly know you're name and I have taken advantage of going to see teachers during their office hours way more than I was expecting myself to. They are very nice and friendly here.
I haven't found that students are competitive at all-- only one person has asked me what grades I've gotten.
Education is geared toward learning for its own sake, but then making a difference with the information you've just learned. Joining orgs or doing field work during J-term or the summer is encouraged.