Read more details about Rectory School on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
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.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
Going to Rectory set me up well for high school. I formed close relationships with my teachers that are maintained even 8 years later.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would try out multiple sports teams at the beginning of the term rather than just randomly picking one. I was not a fan of many of the sports teams I was on.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
The teachers! Getting to be in all your classes with the same people could be tough at times but also allowed you to form close connections with your classmates.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Try out a sport you've never done before, maybe you'll like it!
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The teachers are very kind and supportive. Years later they still remember me and I have been back to visit them several times since leaving Rectory. Most classes are standardized and your level is determined at the beginning of the year by testing that occurs in the first several days. You have a choice of foreign language.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Athletics are mandatory each term. I was particularly fond of the fencing team which I did every year I was there. There is usually a varsity and JV level for each sport available and the JV teams are not that competitive. Varsity teams also compete against high schools.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Participation in band is mandatory for 5th and 6th graders. There is also an orchestra for people who have been playing their instrument for at least 2 years, so anyone in 7th grade and above can join. There is also a choir. There is one musical every year. It is possible to join both choir and orchestra. One term a year students will take a music elective about the history of music in a specific genre. E.G jazz. You also have visual art every year in the very nice art building known as the "Art Barn"
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
Student organization and volunteer opportunities exist but there was not much time for most of them due to the nature of the sports and music commitments when i was there. There is a student newspaper.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student. Dorms are separated by gender and are all in nice condition.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Dining is in one centralized dining hall. The food is ok but there is not much diversity in the menu. Dress code is enforced during lunch.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Pomfret is a very small town. Rectory is right next to The Pomfret School and collaborates with them a bunch. There is one restaurant/cafe within walking distance that upperclassmen can walk to sometimes. There are weekend trips to the mall and other activities.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Rectory has a diverse student population so you can meet people from different backgrounds who share your interests.
Read more details about Rectory School on their 2025 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
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.. . .
The Rectory School is focused on building a child's character, confidence, scholarship, and social/emotional development.. . .
Recent Articles

Why a Progressive School?
Sending your son or daughter to a progressive school sounds like a real leap of faith. It is until you look more closely at the kind of education your child will receive. Then you will understand the idealism in action which progressive schools embody.

Academics: International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement
We compare and contrast the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement. We also explore their distinct educational philosophies, curriculum structures, assessment methods, and global recognition to help students and parents make informed decisions about which rigorous academic program best suits their educational goals and learning preferences.

Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.