Rectory School

P.O. Box 68 528 Pomfret Street
Pomfret, CT 06258
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Rectory School Photo #1 - At Rectory, our students learn by doing. Our academic philosophy focuses on hands on learning, student choice, and teaching students how to advocate for themselves.
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Rectory School Photo #1 - At Rectory, our students learn by doing. Our academic philosophy focuses on hands on learning, student choice, and teaching students how to advocate for themselves.
Rectory School Photo #2 - Express yourself in the Arts at Rectory from the Collins Art Barn to the P.Y. & Kinmay Tang Performing Arts Center. Explore printmaking, pottery, photography in the darkroom, or put on a show in the Spring Musical, Jazz Band or RECappella.
Rectory School Photo #3 - Rectory has 11 dormitories with 150 beds on campus across 138 acres of bucolic landscape in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. Try Karaoke, movie, and mall trips or dorm activities with your roommates and dorm parents. You will build relationships that last a lifetime.
Rectory School Photo #4 - Individualized attention to a young person`s academic, physical, social, and moral development has been a keystone of Rectory School since its founding 100 years ago. In our Learning Services program, students work 1 on 1 with our Learning Specialists to help them with his/her individual needs.
Rectory School Photo #5 - The Placement Department knows the students individually and diligently guides them through the secondary school process. The result is acceptance for each student into the school that's the best match.
Rectory School Photo #6 - Our March Experiential Learning Program (MELP) is a signature week of exploration outside the classroom. Among the 20 possibilities are trips to the Rio Grande, New Orleans, Washington DC, or making African drums, glass mosaics, and rowboats. Rectory students have many opportunities to learn.
Rectory School Photo #7 - Rectory offers 21 sports to choose from including equestrian, soccer, volleyball, basketball, squash, fencing, swimming, wrestling, softball, and lacrosse.
Rectory School Photo #8 - Choose from a range of diverse electives from mountain biking, newspaper, community service, and yoga!
Rectory School Photo #9 - Engage in a bundle of activities with students from across the world and from around the United States. Enjoy the spacious common rooms or a trip to the movies with your peers.
Rectory School Photo #10 - Head of School, Fred Williams, has been at Rectory since 2009. He created the Martin Luther King Jr. day of service tradition, and is always the one to beat in the annual regatta across the Rectory Pond. His open door policy and love for working the middle school age group enable students to get the most out of their experience here at Rectory, often with the helping hand of Mr. Williams himself.
At The Rectory School, students thrive through individualized attention and instruction.
Our program is a successful combination of traditional academics, athletics, performing and studio arts, presented in innovative ways by a caring faculty.
The signature Individualized Instruction Program (IIP) offers unique one-to-one teaching for a variety of learning styles and aptitudes.
Moreover, our focus on developing individual talents permeates every aspect of life on our picturesque, 138-acre campus.
The Rectory experience encourages the spark in its students that ignites their desire to excel.  Our students love it here!

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 5-9
  • Enrollment: 250 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $67,700
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Through the Professional Learning Communities Program, Our Teachers Help Each Other Grow - 02/01/2024
    Here at Rectory School, students are not the only ones learning from our teachers. Thanks to the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) program, our teachers also learn from one another.
  • Jacob Guertin “Howls” with Ethan H. ‘24 in the Latest Episode of Rectory’s Student Podcast - 12/13/2023
    We're excited to present the second episode of The Howl, Rectory's new student podcast, hosted by Jacob Guertin, Associate Director of Admissions. In this episode, Mr. Guertin sits down with ...moreninth-grade class president Ethan. H. '24. hide
  • The New Student Development Leadership Program Sparks Community Spirit - 12/06/2023
    This year at Rectory, a new initiative called the Student Development Leadership Program-spearheaded by Dean of Students Evan Campbell and Director of Academics Lisa Hart-is offering students the opportunity to ...moreenhance their leadership skills, grow their self-awareness, and build community, all while having fun. hide
  • Faculty Feature: For Fourth Grade Teacher Melissa Zahansky, It's All About Building Trust - 11/22/2023
    Fourth grade at Rectory is an exciting year of tremendous growth and change, when Elementary students begin their transition to the Middle School. Recently, we sat down with Rectory's fourth-grade ...moreteacher, Melissa Zahansky, to learn more about this special grade and about her background and teaching philosophy. hide
  • Introducing The Howl, Rectory’s New Student Podcast - 11/15/2023
    I'm excited to introduce The Howl, Rectory's new student podcast, hosted by me, Jacob Guertin, Associate Director of Admissions. In the first episode, I talk with Karla D. '24 and ...moreZoe O. '24 about the importance of relationships at boarding school. hide
  • The Social-Emotional Well-Being of Rectory Students - 11/08/2023
    Ensuring the social-emotional well-being of students lies at the heart of Rectory School's educational philosophy. Recognizing its pivotal role in students' overall growth and future accomplishments, the institution prioritizes the ...morecreation of a safe and nurturing environment that fosters a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Head of School Fred Williams emphasizes the need to be equally aware of each child's social-emotional status as their academic progress, stressing the importance of a socially and emotionally mindful community. This commitment to students' holistic development extends from elementary to middle school, guided by the Rectory School Creed of Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, and Compassion. In this article, we will delve into how Rectory School places a substantial emphasis on students' social and emotional needs, exploring the various programs, support systems, and policies in place to cultivate the emotional well-being of its students and prepare them to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving digital age. hide
  • Safety Is "IT" at Rectory - 11/01/2023
    Teaching students about technology is paramount in today's digital age because it can significantly impact students' social-emotional well-being, and children are being exposed to technology-like social media and smartphones-earlier and ...moreearlier. Rectory School has policies and procedures to stay consistent with expectations and goals for using technology in the classroom and out. hide
  • Social-Emotional Learning At Rectory Is Elementary - 10/25/2023
    Rectory's Elementary School holistically embraces all aspects of child development and includes experiences that support children's physical, language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Director of Elementary Maria Carpenter writes, "To make ...morelearning authentic and meaningful for our children, we start with their safety and a promise to honor their social and emotional development. This is visible as you walk into our elementary spaces, as the first thing you see is a print of a world map, and above it, the words, 'I need you to be all of who you are in order for me to be all that I am.'" hide
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice - 10/18/2023
    Rectory is a close-knit community that prides itself on accepting and celebrating our diverse student body. We recognize the importance of fostering respect for differences of all kinds. In this ...morearticle, Rectory's Co-Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Melissa Zahansky writes, "Educating and providing time and space for [DEIJ] learning was top of mind as we embarked on the new year with no limitations from the pandemic. Our goal was to give faculty the tools they need to have conversations with students about all aspects of their identity and their impact on our community and the greater communities they belong to worldwide." hide
  • The Magic of a Canine-Friendly Campus - 10/11/2023
    As much as the adults at Rectory support our students, sometimes a gentler touch is required-the touch of a paw. Rectory School is a dog-friendly campus with well-behaved dogs in ...morethe classrooms, offices, and dormitories. In this article, School Counselor Donna Grant highlights the benefits of Rectory's canine-friendly campus. Although Ms. Grant regularly brings her therapy dogs to campus, she stresses that the dogs on campus that are not specifically trained in this capacity provide the unconditional love of a trusted friend that some children need. hide
  • Back-To-School Homework - 08/30/2023
    The beginning of a new school year can be a bit overwhelming whether your child is attending a day school or a boarding school. Doing some homework before school starts ...morewill make the transition from summer vacation much easier for everyone. hide
  • 9th-Grade Capstone Project Helped Shape An Intentional History Curriculum - 04/26/2023
    Curriculum design plays an essential role in enriching students' educational experiences. Middle school students require a unique approach to academic learning because they are going through a critical period of ...moredevelopment where they are transitioning from childhood to adolescence. By developing a well-designed curriculum, middle school educators can ensure that students are exposed to a wide range of topics and ideas and provided with the necessary skills to transition from primary education and succeed at the secondary school level. Participating in and then leading Rectory's ninth-grade Capstone Project gave History Team Leader Jamie Haines insight into what gaps needed to be filled in the middle school history curriculum. The result was a curriculum that allowed students to successfully build the skills they needed to rise to the next grade. hide
  • Students Explore Interests and Passions in Middle School Electives - 03/29/2023
    Electives play an essential role in developing middle school students by allowing them to explore their interests, develop new skills, and broaden their perspectives beyond the core academic curriculum. At ...moreRectory, we encourage our students to explore their interests and passions through our dynamic electives program. This program gives our students an exploratory experience in a variety of disciplines. Middle school students must take either an elective or a performing art each trimester. hide
  • The Importance of Community Service in Middle School - 02/24/2023
    Community service is an excellent way for middle schoolers to develop their characters. It provides them with the opportunity to learn about the needs of others and to develop empathy ...moreand compassion. It can help them build leadership and teamwork skills and give them a sense of responsibility and accountability. It can also help them build their self-esteem because they know their efforts matter. hide
  • ...read more

Top Rankings

Rectory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Rectory School
Grades Offered (Boarding)
5-9
Grades Offered (Day)
Pre-K-9
School Type
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1920
Campus Size
138 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
250 students
% Students of Color
10%
% International Students
33%
% Students Boarding
65%

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
10 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
60%
Summer Program Offered

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$20 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
Tuition international students
$73,700
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$59,800
% Students on Financial Aid
36%
Merit Scholarships Offered

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Dec. 15 / rolling
Director of Admissions
Lesley Gibbs

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
3
Courses
Calculus, Honors English, Honors Physics

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
24
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Bookworms, Chess Club, Debate Club, Jewelry Making, Newspaper, REC Story (Poems, Short Stories, Art Work, etc.), Robotics, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Young Investors Club

Arts and Music Programs:
9th Grade Ensemble, A Capella, Armed Drill Team, Camera Club, Chorus, Development of Instrumental Music Techniques, Fine Arts Club, Flag Corps, General Music: A History of Jazz Music in America, General Music: A History of Rock Music in America, Jazz Club, Orchestra, Photography, Spring Musical

College Matriculation

Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)

School Notes

  • Students enjoy increasing their skills and revealing new talents in state-of-the-art facilities. The Tang Center for Performing Arts is an exceptional venue for concerts, assemblies, lessons, and special programs. The Collins Art Barn allows students to create in bright studios and develop photography in the darkroom.
  • Every Rectory student is involved in sports and participates on a team. The program emphasizes healthy competition on levels that provide a challenge for the skilled athlete and encouragement for the beginner.
  • The Rectory School community lives its creed: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Compassion.
  • The Rectory School`s four-week summer session, Summer@Rectory, is an innovative, individually designed program that balances academics, sports, art, music, drama, and recreation. Offering a variety of options for enrichment or remediation, Summer@Rectory has enrollment for coeducational day and boarding students who are entering grades five through nine.
  • The morning academic program provides choices for students to explore an interest, challenge their skills, refresh academic knowledge, improve study skills, and increase English language proficiency. Students enroll in four courses for the four-week session. One of these courses may be the one-to-one Individualized Instruction Program (IIP).
  • The afternoon sessions include FOCUS where the students learn beyond the classroom environment. Music camps promote the performing arts with instrumental ensembles, jazz, stringed instruments, and private lessons. Drama workshops allow students to explore theatrical skills, while recreational activities such as tennis, fishing, canoeing, softball, and soccer create personal enjoyment and team play. Students may elect a different option for each week.
  • The weekend schedule of field trips and off-campus activities gives Summer@Rectory students more experiences to remember. Area beaches, an overnight trip to Boston, New England excursions, Six Flags, and a professional baseball game all add to the excitement. Summer@Rectory is held for four weeks during the month of July. Call The Rectory School for more information.
  • Rectory School accreditations: Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), Junior Boarding School Association (JBSA) Small Boarding School Association (SBSA)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Rectory School cost?
Rectory School's tuition is approximately $67,700 for boarding students.
What sports does Rectory School offer?
Rectory School offers 19 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
What is Rectory School's ranking?
Rectory School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Low student:teacher ratio.
When is the application deadline for Rectory School?
The application deadline for Rectory School is Dec. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2016
5.00
Mount Holyoke College
Rectory has far more resources than a typical middle school and has a very significant international student population that allows you to meet students from all over the world.. . .

Class of 2014
5.00
Cornell University
The Rectory School is focused on building a child's character, confidence, scholarship, and social/emotional development.. . .
Submit Review for Rectory School
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