Choate Rosemary Hall - Review #29

Choate Rosemary Hall offers an academic experience for all those with a profound and unrelenting passion for intellectual, spiritual, physical and academic growth. The diversity, coupled with the intense relationships formed between student and teachers is second to none. I owe a great debt of gratitude to this school, for it has more than simply taught me, in the traditional sense, it molded me as individual, and touched my life. The student faculty and staff of Choate Rosemary Hall are truly unique and well educated, most having multiple degrees in their field. The courses are rigorous, yet there is always room to pursue your passion, and in pursuing one's passion there seems to never be enough rigor. Well rounded, mature, intelligent individuals who seek to lead and stand out above the average boarding school, and well above the average high school, who value community, and seek only the finest fruits of the future should apply to this prestigious school.

I miss boarding school. I have no regrets, I made friends for life at this school and I know that Choate will always be a very special place to me. What made all the difference were the people. I visited other boarding schools and I knew from the moment I stepped on campus that I was home.

There is so much to see and do. There are so very many activites and organizations to participate in, endeavor to be an active a part of Choate as you can. Of course as one of Choate's more famous alums said in his inauguration speach, remember to try and do as much for Choate as it will do for you.

Everything.

Visit upper campus, Choate encompasses 500 acres and there is so much natural beauty in the serene upper campus. Also do not be intimidated by the Arts Center, it is a large spledid building but the people are always friendly and there is always room for one more artist. Lastly go to the sushi restraunt downtown, it is just accross the railroad tracks and it very good.

The Capstone Program which allows seniors to have a major of their choosing in those particular fields that ignite their interests. At the end of the year they will either write a senior thesis or have a senior project to display. This program is a unique one among boarding schools, but a highly prized asset for most research universities.

To be honest, I liked that everyone had to participate in some form of athletics. It helped forge bonds among the varied student body, that might not have been formed otherwise. It kept us all in shape, and in a nation whose physical health is in need of attention it taught us valuable lessons. I also loved Choate Crew, and want to wish them the best.

The Paul Melon Arts center and the many talented individuals who perform their steal the show. Go to just one performance and you will see. It will take you to broadway, to Paris, to Bejing. Dance, musicals, plays, movies, the dazzling array of visual arts are too many to give worthy credit to in this short space.

Choate has a volunteer requirenment, and this is important to help mold the total individual which is something Choate constantly strives to do. A well rounded person must appreciate those things the have, and in order to do that truly, one must reach out and to whatever degree possible, aide those whose hardships are truly great. Choate has a wide array of programs headed by the always diligent and ever active Mary Pashley.

The dorm life was pleasant and very structured to be all inclusive, and conductive to learning and study. You will bond, you will learn, and you enjoy the room selectiong process, which is very organized. The furniture and storage is also more than adequate in comparison to college life. You will be spoiled at Chaote.

The food hear is truly spectacular. Again you will be spoiled with the wide variety, and the all you can eat arrangement. Everything is fresh, the staff is courteous, and the dinning hall itself is a work of art. You will relish spending time in the dinning hall laughing and joking with your friends, and enjoying great food. The round tables and chairs set up like a family also increase the community discussion and interaction.

Wallingford is an idyllic town, with picturesque scenery and plenty of history. Only 45 minutes from New York, and about equidistant from Boston, it play host to many large concerts and events. It has plenty to see and do, but has a very small town feel. New Haven is close by for anyone interested in Yale, and its amazing campus. Restaurants and shopping are only a few blocks away down tree-lined streets to the main street of Wallingford.

All those nights at the SAC (student activities center). You will miss the fun dances, and social mixers. The many diverse student clubs and organizations often contact other boarding schools and have parties and dances to help further integrate the boarding school community and let students have fun. Choate is never boring and always full of life, with plenty of school sponsered trips and opportunities to see the New York sky line and the Boston harbor.