Choate ROSEMARY HALL
a place of many paths What’s your story? Jack came to Choate with an interest in political science and is now in an Honors Special Program in Law. Elsa Rose spent her junior year at Choate’s Kohler Environmental Center and continues her study of the natural sciences in the California desert where students learn to dedicate themselves to lives of service. Scott pursued his passion for music and theater and broke school and New England freestyle swimming records in Choate’s pool. As you can tell from these glimpses, every Choate story is different – and yours will be too. But there are common threads: students come to Choate curious and eager for something new. They work hard and develop their talents to the fullest. In the end, so many of them achieve amazing goals, all by taking one step at a time and keeping an open mind whenever they see a new path to explore. This can be your story too. Come find the path that’s right for you. Let’s see where it leads.
NEXT: AFTER A GAP YEAR, PURSUING LINGUISTIC “SERVING ON THE
MPILO
STUDIES AT YALE
FOUND HIS AWARENESS OF
TOMMY
POLITICS AND WORLD ISSUES
BOISE, IDAHO
EXPANDING IN EXCITING WAYS. “THERE ARE PEOPLE
STUDENT COUNCIL HAS
WINDSOR MILL,
SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS;
MARYLAND
THERE IS PURPOSEFUL EFFORT
FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE HERE – SO MANY MORE BACKGROUNDS AND
TO INCLUDE STUDENT LEADERS
PERSPECTIVES.”
IN DISCUSSIONS ABOUT SCHOOL AND STUDENT LIFE.”
KATIE SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT WHO CALLS CHOATE HOME
SCOTT “BEFORE CHOATE,
DURHAM, CONNECTICUT
I’D NEVER DANCED, PLAYED
CHOATE HAD ALL MY
ULTIMATE FRISBEE, OR TOUCHED
INTERESTS UNDER
A ROBOT. I BECAME INVOLVED
ONE ROOF
IN DANCE ENSEMBLE, ULTIMATE
“MY OLD HIGH SCHOOL
FRISBEE, AND REPRESENTED OUR ROBOTICS TEAM AT
NEXT:
NEW ENGLANDS.”
ATTENDING
AND I WAS PART OF A MEN’S
BROWN
CHOIR IN HARTFORD. THERE
UNIVERSITY
WAS TOO MUCH TRAVELING
DID NOT HAVE A SWIM TEAM
AND NOT ENOUGH TIME. ”
NEXT: ATTENDING AMHERST COLLEGE AND A COMPETITIVE SWIMMER FOR THE AMHERST MAMMOTHS
JAMES
YASMIN
LOCUST VALLEY,
CAMBRIDGE,
EXPLORING AN INTEREST
NEW YORK
MASSACHUSETTS
IN BUSINESS THROUGH MACROECONOMICS,
LAUNCHED A NEW
MICROECONOMICS, AND NOW
CAMPUS SATIRICAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP. “WE
PUBLICATION, WORKING
FOCUS ON CASE STUDIES AND
WITH DOZENS OF
ARE PLANNING OUR OWN
CONTRIBUTORS – AND UNTIL
SMALL BUSINESS.”
NOW NEVER KNEW HE WAS INTERESTED IN WRITING. NEXT: DEVELOPING A WEBSITE TO BRING THIS WRITING ONLINE
AT CHOATE, STUDIED COURSES IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND DEVELOPED A CAPSTONE PROJECT THAT ANALYZED THE JACK CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT CAME TO CHOATE WITH AN INTEREST IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
CONCEPT OF A UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME. HE EARNED THE GOODYEAR PRIZE FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE. NEXT: ATTENDING UCONN SPECIAL PROGRAM IN LAW
ZOE LONDON, UK
PLAYING JV ICE HOCKEY
ENTERED AS A
EVEN THOUGH SHE’S NEVER
4 TH FORMER
PLAYED BEFORE. “I’VE FIGURE SKATED AND PLAYED FIELD HOCKEY, SO I JUST FOUND A WAY TO COMBINE BOTH PASSIONS!”
paths of discovery
“ I completed a Capstone Program with Mr. Arcand as my adviser. It was about the history of punk rock and included producing an original EP. It was key to have a faculty partner who knew and cared about my topic, and working with Mr. Arcand was perfect.” —Leander, Rocky Hill, Connecticut
MENTOR/GUIDE
TEAMMATES/LEADERS
“ The field hockey team was the first group of people I met as a new student and they positively shaped my experience. As a fouryear player and team captain, my job was to help to create that same environment and team bond that welcomed me.” —Lexi, Warminster, Pennsylvania
“ I came from such a homogeneous high school. Everyone had the same background and beliefs. Here, my friends include an Ethiopian Muslim and a girl from Singapore.” —Donessa, Bloomfield, Connecticut
ROOMMATES/SOULMATES
COLLABORATORS/COMPETITORS
“ The Physics Phlotilla is a 20-year tradition at Choate. Students race across Archbold Pond in a boat of their own design, made from two cardboard boxes, two rolls of tape, and lots of creativity and teamwork. It is always a tremendously fun event for the entire campus!” —Dr. Chris Hogue, science department
A great education
friendships and partnerships is a shared
experience.
“ an auditorium of ideas” THAT’S WHAT PULITZER-PRIZE WINNING PLAYWRIGHT AND CHOATE GRADUATE EDWARD ALBEE ’46 CALLED OUR ARTS CENTER WHEN IT OPENED IN 1972. THAT BUILDING AND ITS NEWEST COMPLEMENT, ANN AND GEORGE COLONY HALL WILL CELEBRATE THE COMMUNITY AND THE ARTS.
Our Arts Program promotes a courageous exploration, selfawareness, and cultural fluency through a collaborative approach that allows each student to discover their unique creative voice.
Students in our Arts Concentration Program in theater, visual arts, dance, or music can explore their specific discipline in breadth and depth by completing a series of prescribed courses and by devoting a significant portion of each week to practice, rehearsal, or studio work.
Imagination in action Create something cool – like Chinese Scrabble
And end up creating something even cooler – like a model prosthetic hand
Realize the possibilities technology offers
how to make almost anything Welcome to the Lin i.d.Lab You could say that the “i.d.” in “i.d.Lab” stands for “imagination and discovery” or for “industrial design” or maybe for “interdisciplinary.” Or you might say it stands for the “i.d.EA” that every student should have the space it takes to dream really big. In any case, you’d be right. Located in the beautiful Cameron and Edward Lanphier Center for Mathematics and Computer Science, the i.d.Lab is full of tools and technology – from hammers and drills to 3-D printers and Arduino code kits. It’s also full of possibilities. Students and teachers prototype and problem-solve here, making everything from solar-powered drones to turtle habitats to mathematically inspired art. Concepts from literature and history collide with those from math and science. Projects evolve in unexpected ways. Questions lead to answers that lead to new questions – all in this playground for the mind.
COUR SE S B A SE D IN THE I.D.L AB INC LUDE : START-UP DESIGN AND INNOVATION STUDIO INTRO TO ROBOTICS REVERSE ENGINEERING: HOW THINGS WORK TOPICS IN ENGINEERING ADVANCED ROBOTICS CONCENTRATION
Mayumi, from Tokyo, Japan, signed up for about 10 activities at club fair, and is now focusing on the ones she’s most into – a great way to explore.
the choice is yours PICK FROM HUNDREDS OF COURSES, EIGHT SIGNATURE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS, AND COUNTLESS EXTRACURRICULAR OPTIONS TO PLAN AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT MATCHES YOUR UNIQUE INTERESTS AND GOALS.
service
specialize
Get involved in a tutoring program, or care for the elderly, or join an environmental group. Skate or swim with partners who have disabilities. Volunteer close to home or travel abroad. Choate offers a number of options for getting involved in service and helping those in need.
Fascinated with politics, mathematics, the science of the human body, or almost anything else? Chances are, you can choose a cluster of courses that will let you follow your interest in-depth – almost like a college minor.
clubs & activities
explore
If there’s an interest you would love to pursue, the odds are excellent that you’ll find other Choate students who share it – whether it’s dancing with the Step Squad or writing for the newspaper, competing in Model UN, joining the Orchestra, or becoming a member of the C-Proctors, a student environmental task force.
With nearly 300 courses, you can pursue topics you’ve always wondered about and even things you’ve never heard of – from Playwriting and Screenwriting to Game Theory, Experimental Design to The Chemistry of Food, Intensive Greek to Environmental Economics.
Will, from North Haven, Connecticut, says, “One of my favorite takeaways from term abroad in China was spending a week with classmates exploring cities even many native Chinese had not explored. I learned a lot from my teachers as well as my classmates.”
Study Abroad Add an international dimension to your education through a language immersion program in China, France, Japan, Jordan, or Spain, or a classical studies program in Rome.
Environmental Immersion Program Develop your passion for the environment by living and learning in the natural world through this intensive, yearlong program, based at the Kohler Environmental Center. Study Ecology, Environmental Policy, and Literature in the Landscape.
Advanced Robotics Concentration In this three-term honors program students work collaboratively to prepare for and compete in the FIRST® Robotics Competition, a premier international robotics competition.
Arielle, a sophomore at Middlebury College, discovered that protecting the environment was her life’s passion. “I am taking all the skills I learned as part of Choate’s Environmental Immersion Program to further my study of environmental science in college.”
Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies
Science Research Program
Build a working knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic, an understanding of the history and culture of the classical Arab world, and insight into the politics of today’s Middle East. This program is unique among American secondary schools.
Do in-depth, independent research in a field of interest to you, working with a mentor scientist at a university research facility during the summer. Consider researching a topic in cell biology, molecular genetics, mechanical engineering, or astrophysics.
8
signature programs Arts Concentration If you have exceptional talents in the visual or performing arts, consider this program as a chance to develop them by crafting your own plan for in-depth study of visual art, theater, music, or dance.
Capstone Program Together with an adviser, chart a concentrated course of study culminating in a final project during the Spring term of your sixth form year – anything from China – U.S. Relations to The Art of Dissent to Preventable Exploitation in the Developing World.
JFK Program in Government and Public Service Inspired by Choate alumnus President John F. Kennedy ’35, this program prepares students with a strong interest in government, politics, philosophy, and economics for a life dedicated to public service.
create
WHAT MAKES THE ARTS SUCH A POWERFUL PART OF LIFE AND LEARNING AT CHOATE? IT’S MORE THAN 50 CLASSES IN THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS: FROM ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TO FILM HISTORY, TECH THEATER TO JEWELRY-MAKING.
IT’S EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES: MASTER CLASSES WITH YALE REPERTORY THEATRE, INSTRUMENTAL
LESSONS WITH PROFESSIONALS FROM NEW HAVEN AND NEW YORK, THE CHANCE TO DANCE WITH MEMBERS OF VISITING COMPANIES AND MEET GUEST ARTISTS EXHIBITING IN CHOATE’S GALLERY. It’s
hundreds of events, FROM VISITING BANDS AND FRIDAY NIGHT JAMS to the
Fringe Festival, student-directed plays and performances starring student actors.
IT’S A CULTURE THAT CELEBRATES CREATIVE ENDEAVOR AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A GREAT EDUCATION. AND IT’S THE
CHANCE TO TAKE YOUR TALENTS FURTHER: “I played
violin for nine years, but it was never a serious part of my life until now,” EXPLAINS SE RI, AN ORCHESTRA MEMBER FROM SEOUL. “I NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS KIND OF ARTS PROGRAM, PLAYING SUCH ADVANCED PIECES FOR SUCH A PASSIONATE CONDUCTOR WITH SUCH HIGH EXPECTATIONS.”
And so much more.
Get off to a great start
Join a ton of clubs
Make a bunch of friends
Settle right in
An Instant Community: At Choate, all first-year boarding students live together in the same section of campus. Everyone is new. Everyone is excited to meet people. Making It Official: All new students – first-years and older – start life at Choate with our Matriculation ceremony. You will gather in the Chapel for the great tradition of signing the register, and exit an official member of your class.
Here to Help: Whether you are moving your belongings in or just finding your way around, look for one of our seniors in yellow. Their shirts say “May I help you?” and the offer is sincere.
from day one Make new friends
and make yourself at home.
“a balance
that works”
“THE CHOATE ATHLETIC EXPERIENCE IS BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF SPORTSMANSHIP, TEAMWORK, AND COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. WE VALUE EACH OTHER, WE RESPECT OUR OPPONENTS, AND WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR SPORTS.” —RONEY EFORD, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
small community/ big possibilities
4:1
RATIO OF STUDENTS TO FACULTY ADVISERS
38 STATES &
42 COUNTRIES
represented in the student body
7
WORLD LANGUAGES ARABIC, CHINESE, FRENCH, GREEK, ITALIAN, LATIN, AND SPANISH
Beyond the Numbers Certain facts impress you – from the acres our campus spans (458) to the range of courses we offer (nearly 300!) But when you talk to students, you find that this sense of big possibilities comes with the feeling of a small community. A Choate education means access to countless opportunities, but the most valuable may be the chance to be known individually and supported fully in everything you do.
18,OOO ALUMNI WORLDWIDE making their mark in an impressive diversity of fields
90% OF FACULTY LIVING ON CAMPUS
OF TUITION COVERED IN AN AVERAGE GRANT 33% of students receiving financial assistance
125 + YEARS
COLLEGE COUNSELORS
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE OF
$389 allowing for interactive, discussion-driven, and projectbased learning
MILLION ENDOWMENT as of June 30, 2018
OF TRADITION, INNOVATION, AND EXCELLENCE
36% STUDENTS OF COLOR
18% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The path may lead you… Located on 268 acres of forest, wetlands, and fields on the edge of campus, the Kohler Environmental Center (KEC) is a part of Choate and a world apart. Here, students and faculty are committed to the mission of understanding all the complex ways in which we interact with nature – and how we can do so better. Through the yearlong Environmental Immersion Program, an honors option for fifth and sixth formers, students live and take classes at the KEC. They complete courses like Ecology, Literature and the Landscape, Environmental Policy, and Research Methods, and also undertake a major independent research project. Students grow food in the KEC’s organic gardens and orchards that is served in their own kitchen, learning about sustainability while living sustainably. If you have a passion for the environment, this is an opportunity like no other.
into the woods What’s so great about the KEC? A love of nature inspires serious research
that guides us all in taking care of our Earth
THE KOHLER EN VIRON M ENTAL C E NTE R: The Ultimate Living Laboratory This LEED Platinum facility includes an academic wing with classrooms, labs, and a research greenhouse; a community wing with an open kitchen and common area; and a residential wing with dorm rooms and faculty apartments. Advanced technologies range from geothermal wells to an acre of photovoltaic solar panels meeting 100 percent of the KEC’s energy demand.
“Choate
feels warm” “YOU CONNECT WITH PEOPLE IN A WAY YOU CAN’T AT OTHER PLACES,” SAYS ABIGAIL, A DAY STUDENT FROM WALLINGFORD. “IT CAN BE A COLD DAY, BUT CHOATE FEELS WARM. IT’S LIKE BEING AT HOME.”
compete
WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT CHOATE ATHLETICS? IT’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE WITH 72 INTERSCHOLASTIC TEAMS – VARSITY, JUNIOR VARSITY, AND THIRDS – IN 22 SPORTS (FROM TRACK AND FIELD
“Every year, we have numerous student-athletes excelling in sports they’ve never even tried before arriving in Wallingford.” / IT’S A PROGRAM FOCUSED ON LEARNING SPORTSMANSHIP, TESTING LIMITS, AND STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE. / TO ARCHERY AND WATER POLO).
IT’S OUTSTANDING FACILITIES: BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND SQUASH COURTS, WRESTLING AND WEIGHT ROOMS, A FULLY-EQUIPPED FITNESS CENTER, A ROCK CLIMBING WALL, AN 8-LANE SOLAR-HEATED POOL, A HOCKEY RINK AND ARENA, A TENNIS CENTER WITH 14 COURTS, AN ALLWEATHER TURF FIELD COMPLEX, A BOATHOUSE ON LAKE QUONNIPAUG, AND A CROSS COUNTRY COURSE WINDING THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL REACHES OF UPPER CAMPUS. /
IT’S DONNING THE BLUE AND GOLD FOR ONE OF THE GREAT RIVALRIES IN SCHOOL SPORTS: CHOATE-DEERFIELD DAY. / It’s a winning tradition, with recent league and/or New England championships in baseball, boys basketball, boys cross country, football, boys and girls swimming and diving, girls soccer, girls volleyball, and girls water polo – to name a few.
A NN AN D G E O R G E C OLON Y H A L L A Place to Gather
ST. JOHN HALL A Place to Socialize
The recently opened 50,000-square-foot auditorium and classroom building is an architectural and programmatic complement to the iconic Paul Mellon Arts Center. With ample seating for students, faculty, and staff, the auditorium serves not only as the venue for weekly all-school meetings, but as a performance hall that can accommodate both large and small audiences. Colony Hall is the place where the entire school can gather to share, celebrate, and reflect.
The 37,000-square-foot, three-story student center is designed with open, airy, and interconnected spaces, St. John Hall is a facility for today’s active students. It includes a variety of spaces for small and large group gatherings, the Choate Store and Tuck Shop Café, Deans’ and Student Activities offices, meeting rooms, student project rooms, and club spaces. Hanging out has never been such fun!
THE L AN PHIER CEN TER A Place to Learn The Cameron and Edward Lanphier Center is home to the mathematics and computer science department. Along with light-filled classrooms and study rooms, it houses Choate’s robotics lab, the Lin i.d.Lab, and a café. A hub of creativity and collaboration, it’s a popular spot to connect with friends and study.
New facilities
designed with purpose
are designed to
enhance the student experience.
close and connected
A parent’s point of view Choosing a new school is a big decision not just for students but for their parents too – especially when that choice involves boarding. But when you talk with Choate families about their experiences, it’s striking to hear how quickly they have adapted to new ways of staying close and connected. Through a flow of texts, calls, FaceTime sessions, and visits, parents keep in touch with their kids and the flow of daily life at school. In fact, many say they feel more connected. “Our conversations tend to be more substantive,” says Sheryl, mom of Shade, from Ormond Beach, Florida. “We learn more about Shade’s life and friends, and when we visit or Shade comes home, it’s great. Shade loves to see us, and we enjoy every minute of our time together.”
A pleasant surprise Send your child to a school a continent away
Yet. . . Feel closer than ever
Come visit
what a place to be
Choate
Rosemary Hall
C HOATE .E DU 333 CHRISTIAN STREET / WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT 06492-3800