Rectory School

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Rectory School Photo #1 - Rectory's High Value Learning makes the classroom experience more compelling, and even takes the learning outside of the classroom. Our program allows students to thrive in a compelling hands-on environment where teamwork and creative problem solving are emphasized.
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Rectory School Photo #1 - Rectory's High Value Learning makes the classroom experience more compelling, and even takes the learning outside of the classroom. Our program allows students to thrive in a compelling hands-on environment where teamwork and creative problem solving are emphasized.
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 - Rectory's 138-acre campus, located in beautiful Pomfret, CT is located within 45-minutes of three major cities (Hartford, CT, Worcester, MA, Providence, RI), 1 1/2 hours from Boston, and 3 hours from New York City. Our campus has 25 buildings, including 11 dormitories, the Bigelow Academic Center and the Hale elementary space and Smith Learning Center, opening in 2017.
Rectory School Photo #5 - Rectory's Middle School electives meet twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for an hour. Electives have an academic component and are in an area where the teacher(s) have some knowledge and interest. The goal of the Elective program is to provide opportunities for students to further develop their interests outside of the traditional classroom.
Rectory School Photo #6 - 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 #7 - Choose from a range of diverse electives from mountain biking, newspaper, community service, and yoga!
Rectory School Photo #8 - 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.
Rectory School's mission is to provide students, both early childhood and middle school adolescents, with an enriched and supportive academic, social and ethical community that addresses individual learning styles, aptitudes and needs, while promoting personal self-worth and accountability.
The school community lives the Rectory School Creed: responsibility, respect, honesty, and compassion.
Recognizing how impressionable the middle school years are in a child's life, teachers, coaches, and dorm parents try to model the Rectory School Creed every day for the students through consistent and morally responsible behavior.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Enrollment: 240 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $69,600
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / 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% of private schools in Connecticut for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-9
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia/Language-based/Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1920
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1995

Student Body

Total Students
240 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
31%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Rectory School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
31%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Collared Shirts and Khaki Pants

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Rectory has a Comprehensive Tuition Plan that ensures transparency regarding annual expenses for your child to attend Rectory School.Elementary School Tuition: $18,300 Middle School Day Tuition (5-6): $30,300 Middle School Day Tuition (7-9): $33,300 Middle School 5-Day Boarding Tuition (5-6): $58,900 Middle School 5-Day Boarding Tuition (7-9): $59,800 Middle School 7-Day Boarding Tuition (5-6): $66,900 Middle School 7-Day Boarding Tuition (7-9): $67,700 International Boarding Tuition (5-6): $72,800 International Boarding Tuition (7-9): $73,700
% on Financial Aid
33%
Admissions Director
Lesley Gibbs
Admissions Associate
Jacob Guertin
Endowment Size
$14.2 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
27 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Bookworms, Chess, Debate, Jewelry Making, Knitting Club, Mountain Biking, 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 Cappella, Chorus, Development of Instrumental Music Techniques, Fine Arts, General Music: A History of Jazz Music in America, General Music: A History of Rock Music in America, Guitar, Introduction to Art, Introduction to Instrumental Music, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Photography, Spring Musical, World Drumming

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.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Rectory School cost?
Rectory School's tuition is approximately $69,600 for private students.
Does Rectory School offer a summer program?
Yes, Rectory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Rectory School offer?
Rectory School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Fit, Dance, Equestrian, Fencing, Flag Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball and Wrestling. Rectory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for most sports offered.
What is Rectory School's ranking?
Rectory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Rectory School?
The application deadline for Rectory School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Enrollment: 240 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $69,600
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Connecticut is $23,349 for elementary schools and $41,936 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Connecticut is 69% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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