Rocky Hill School Viewbook

Rocky Hill School | Preschool - Grade 12 | East Greenwich, RI

“A small school environment maximizes your child’s opportunities to experience success, and build on it.”

- Ande Frost, Trustee, Parent ‘10, ‘15, ‘17

FOUNDED: 1934 GRADES: Preschool - 12

MISSION STATEMENT: To educate the whole child: mind, body and spirit. As a nurturing school community, we encourage our students to become good citizens and lifelong learners, guiding them as they strive for knowledge and self-awareness.

MOTTO: Gnothi Seauton, Know Thyself

ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS: NEASC, NAIS, AISNE, SSATB, ERB, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society

BIG Opportunities

At Rocky Hill School, you’ll discover the many advantages of a college preparatory program with an unwavering focus on the individual. You’ll find students engaged in lively discussions around Harkness tables, developing their voices through healthy debate, collaboration and problem solving. You’ll see an 84-acre campus prime for exploration and hands-on activities in garden and waterfront classrooms. You’ll meet a diverse group of preschool through grade 12 students connected to each other in cross-divisional learning and to the world via a cutting-edge, integrated technology curriculum. You will find a community where teachers, advisers and coaches work as a cohesive team with parents to enhance students’ educational experiences. You’ll see that Rocky Hill students, with their myriad talents and passions, are fully supported in their journeys toward self-discovery and empowered to leverage the many opportunities available at one of Rhode Island’s most distinctive independent schools.

“No matter what you do, you are great in the eyes of Rocky Hill. Teachers here see so much in you, and they want to bring the best out.”

- Okailey Okai ‘05

BIG Focus

Rocky Hill School’s faculty and staff are committed to knowing students well, focusing on their strengths and providing the very best educational experiences. With an average class size of 12, teachers spend more time with individuals, adapt to various learning styles, and establish meaningful student-centered relationships. These teacher-student connections lead to increased academic achievement and positive outcomes. By concentrating on students’ passions and abilities, teachers, advisers and coaches are better able to engage them in the pursuit of knowledge. Rocky Hill responds to students’ interests by providing access to educational avenues beyond the traditional curriculum such as e-learning, independent study and diverse co-curricular and after-school programs.

ENROLLMENT: 300 students, Preschool - Grade 12 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 12 students STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO: 5:1 FACULTY: 58% hold advanced degrees ADVISORY: Grades 6 - 12

Watch our Harkness video at www.rockyhill.org/harkness

“The Harkness method and the focus on my ability to express my own opinions have made me a better thinker and public speaker.”

- Ellie Sharpe ‘09, Brown University ‘13

BIG Voices Discussion-based learning in small classes at Rocky Hill School provides an energizing platform for all students to find their voices through debate and an open exchange of ideas and perspectives. By sharing information and actively listening, students become more engaged in the learning process. They become responsible for moving the discussion forward by asking probing questions and defending arguments. Students of all ages express themselves through the written word and can speak in front of a broader audience during events such as all-school meetings, assemblies, advisory groups, eighth grade expositions, community talks and more.

The self-awareness, confidence, and critical thinking skills that Rocky Hill School students develop through finding their voices prepare them for real-world success.

HARKNESS AT ROCKY HILL SCHOOL Originally created at Phillips Exeter Academy in 1930, a Harkness table is oval in shape and seats 12-14 students and one teacher. Harkness tables serve as anchors for discussion in Rocky Hill School’s grade six through 12 classrooms, ensuring that students stay focused, engaged, and accountable. Not able to hide in the back of a classroom, Rocky Hill students have a front row seat and actively participate in every class.

Traditional Model

Harkness Model

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.�

- Benjamin Franklin

BIG Environment

Located on 84 acres along Narragansett Bay, Rocky Hill School’s stunning campus plays an important role in our students’ education. More than a half mile of beach, a 10,000 square foot garden, expansive playing fields, and a learning village comprising a dozen historic and modern buildings provide a safe environment for exploration and discovery. Whether calculating the number of plants needed to fill the garden, performing a salinity study, testing buoyancy in a homemade vessel, or investigating the impact of Phragmites on the shoreline, students of all ages use Rocky Hill’s campus as an extension of their classrooms in all disciplines. They also demonstrate respect for their environment through sustainable activities such as Green Week, single-stream recycling, e-waste drives, idle-free campus and beach clean-ups.

Studies have shown that experiential education is better. According to Kevin Coyle, National Wildlife Federation VP for Education and Training, “...hands-on and real-world aspects of most environmental and outdoor education improve students’ desire to learn and boost their performance on most measures of student success.”

“According to research cited by MIT, students remember 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear and 50% of what they see demonstrated.

But when they’re actually doing something themselves—in the virtual worlds on iPads and laptops—that retention rate skyrockets to 90%.”

- TIME Magazine August 2013

Learn more about the 1:1 iPad program at www.rockyhill.org/middle

MOODLE™ Moodle, a powerful web-based academic resource center, is used by Middle and Upper School teachers to post class syllabi, course documents, and assignments. Moodle also acts as an online discussion board to facilitate communication between and among teachers and students, both in and out of class.

GOOGLE Rocky Hill School is a Google Apps for Education™ school, connecting students in grades 3-12 with faculty and each other. We have a web 2.0 approach to curriculum (i.e., streaming video, classroom blogging, online learning, electronic portfolios, publishing technology projects, etc.).

BIG Connections

Rocky Hill School understands the impact that technology has had on the way students learn.

Not used to waiting and wondering, children today are accustomed to seeking knowledge ondemand, researching, downloading and connecting from a very young age. With hardware, software and online tools authentically integrated into the academic program, Rocky Hill students learn how to judiciously, confidently and creatively adapt their digital prowess. They understand what to search for and gain insight from the information they discover. In addition to being plugged into technology, students are empowered to share their knowledge with each other, their teachers and even peers across the globe. Individuals capitalize on these connections by communicating effectively and working collaboratively, which are essential 21st century skills.

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

ACE

Classrooms with Apple TVs® & Flatscreen TVs

1:1 iPad® Program

1:1 Laptop Program

Co:Writer®

Apps: Notability, Explain Everything, Socrative, Dropbox, Google Drive™

Coursera®

Dragon Naturally Speaking®

Google Drive™ Grade 2 Podcasts

e-Books

Geometer’s Sketchpad® Google Drive™ Kahn Academy®

HP Touchsmart 9300 Elite Touchscreen PC

Grade 4 Flipped Classroom

iMac Computer Lab

MIT Open Courseware

iPads®

iMacs®

IXL® Math

Moodle™

Kurzweil 3000™

Lexia Reading™

Moodle™

Pencast

Lexia Reading™

Mobile iPad® Units

Online Research Databases

SketchUp

Online Research Databases

SMART Boards®

Symphony Math®

®

TI-Nspire™

®

TI-Nspire™ Vernier Motion Detector with Logger Pro®

RAPS® 360 SMART Board® Symphony Math®

Rocky Hill students regularly earn regional and national recognition for their visual and performing arts talents including more than a dozen medals at the Rhode Island Music Education Association’s Solo & Ensemble Festival, and 10 gold and three silver keys at the Rhode Island Scholastic Art Awards during the past two years.

Rocky Hill School has AP Studio Art programs in drawing, 3-D design and 2-D design. Six students achieved outstanding scores for their design portfolios in the programs’ first year.

BIG Talent

Students who never thought they were artistic discover their big talents at Rocky Hill School by engaging in the creative process.

While focusing on building a strong foundation, the visual and performing arts program also encourages young artists to experiment in their work and to take risks. Because classes are small, art teachers can carefully track an individual’s progress, playing a crucial role in helping them achieve rewarding personal goals. With arts integrated into the school day, Rocky Hill students are able to exercise and develop higher order thinking skills including analysis, synthesis and evaluation as well as invaluable work habits like self-control, discipline and patience.

Rocky Hill School partners with Trinity Repertory Company for the production of the School’s theatre performances.

In collaboration with Rocky Hill faculty, Trinity Repertory Company education staff provides students the pedagogical expertise needed to learn the process of theatre and to hone their craft.

A community partnership with this renowned theatre group continues to develop a drama program that is well-balanced between divisions, recognizes Rocky Hill School’s traditions and, most importantly, offers students multiple opportunities to learn and practice theatre arts in a developmentally appropriate manner.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills argues that: “Students’ capacity to create and express themselves through the arts is a basis for success... The arts are among society’s most compelling and effective paths for developing 21st Century Skills in our students.”

Xiaoyang Duan ‘13, RISD ‘17

RECENT ATHLETIC ACCOLADES Boys Varsity Soccer 2013 SENE DIV II Runner-Up 2012 NEPSAC Class D Quarterfinalist 2011 NEPSAC Class D Champion 2010 NEPSAC Class D Quarterfinalist Boys Varsity Basketball 2012-13 SENE Player of the Year Boys Varsity Ice Hockey (Co-op with Rogers/Tiverton/Rocky Hill School) 2010 RIIL DIV III South Champion 2010 RIIL DIV III 2nd Place Coed Varsity Sailing 2012 RI State Championship 2nd Place Coed Varsity Tennis 2013 SENE Player of the Year Boys Varsity Lacrosse 2013 SENE DIV I Tournament Runner-Up 2012 SENE DIV I Tournament Runner-Up 2011 SENE DIV I Tournament Champion Girls Varsity Softball (Co-op with Juanita Sanchez) 2013 RIIL DIV III Runner-Up

BIG Play

Rocky Hill School student-athletes learn the value of contributing to something bigger than themselves and are rewarded not just for elite performance, but for showing improvement and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Rocky Hill’s size affords all athletes playing time and multiple opportunities to try different physical activities. By pushing beyond comfort zones, individuals often discover new talents and develop confidence. Through team-building, friendships are deepened, leaders step forward and shared values are brought from the game back to the classroom. Competitive athletics teach students the essentials of commitment, discipline, character and integrity. The School also champions healthy lifestyles and fitness through physical education, health classes and recess. Flik Independent School Dining fuels all of our students with fresh, locally sourced, balanced and delicious meals and snacks.

“The athletic experience that I had at Rocky Hill was invaluable in preparing me for college and eventually my professional career in consulting and banking. I acquired skills in selfdiscipline, dedication, collaboration and teamwork. It was an environment of healthy competition that pushed me to challenge myself, while supporting others.”

- Monica I. Boss ‘91, Trinity College ‘95, Parent ‘22, ‘23, ‘26

“Rocky Hill provides an atmosphere of understated dignity, both in the School’s attitude toward academic endeavors and in every interpersonal relationship. Students, parents, administrators and faculty combine to make Rocky Hill a place of sincere concern and involvement, where lifelong friendships are established and maintained.”

- Susan Charbonneau, Parent ‘12, ‘13

BIG Spirit

Rocky Hill School provides a close-knit community that supports students’ moral, emotional and civic growth. While small in size, the School has broad connections through its service learning programs and active involvement of parents, alumni and friends. With an open door policy, the School regularly invites parents to engage in their children’s education. Alumni and friends of Rocky Hill participate in events such as our annual golf tournament, homecoming festival, guest lectures, Career Day and more. Students learn how their actions can have a positive impact on others through service activities including tutoring, coaching, building with Habitat for Humanity, and collecting money, food, clothing, and other items for local and international causes. All-school events and cross-divisional learning opportunities promote closeness and collaboration among teachers and students of all ages. As valued members of a spirited community, Rocky Hill students learn about themselves in new ways through experiences that bond them to their alma mater.

Inspired by a student’s original idea, Rocky Hill School’s community unites annually to provide holiday cheer to children in need through the Mariner Box Program. Students (and their families), along with faculty and staff, fill more than 300 small boxes with items that a child or teen would need and enjoy. Before Winter Break, the Community Service Club distributes the boxes among local support organizations.

“ACE transformed my academic performance by providing tools and strategies that have enabled me to learn more effectively.”

- Brendan Lada ‘13, Bryant University ‘17

BIG Diversity

Rocky Hill School believes that the educational outcomes of students are directly dependent on the active recognition and support of diverse backgrounds, from socioeconomic to race to learning style. The School celebrates the broad spectrum of what makes people different, and, with its discussion-based pedagogy, creates a safe and challenging setting in which the expression of difference is key. Our Academic Center for Enrichment and English as a Second Language programs empower individuals to use strategies and tools to embrace their learning differences or language proficiencies. Students have the opportunity to advance their strengths and are supported in reaching their full potential. Students broaden their global perspectives during World Cultures Week, a program that immerses the Middle and Lower Schools in the study of the history, geography, music, arts, religion, food, people, games, architecture and literature of a particular country. Diversity is also championed by the Developmental Designs and Responsive Classroom programs and through the Core Values instilled in each division.

Cultural Diversity

17% Students of Color

10% International Students

“With a teacher who encourages all students to speak their minds and respectfully listen to others, classroom discussions with students from varying backgrounds are rich and dynamic, fostering critical thinking skills. Students learn there are a range of perspectives on issues, motivating them to study and thoughtfully define their own views.�

- Eileen Kugler, Award Winning Author & National Advocate for Diverse Schools

RECENT COLLEGE MATRICULATION Alfred University Arizona State University Barnard College Bentley University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Brigham Young University Brown University Bryant University Castleton State College Claremont McKenna College Clark University Clarkson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross Community College of Rhode Island Connecticut College Curry College Dickinson College Drexel University Eckerd College Elon University Emmanuel College Eugene Lang College: The New School for Liberal Arts Florida Gulf Coast University Franklin & Marshall College George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Harvard University Hobart College Hofstra University Hood College Ithaca College Johnson & Wales University Loyola University, Maryland Lynn University Manhattanville College Merrimack College Michigan State University New England Art Institute New England College Nichols College Northeastern University Parsons: The New School for Design Pepperdine University

Plymouth State University Quinnipiac University Rhode Island School of Design Rhodes College Roanoke College Roger Williams University Rollins College Saint Joseph’s University Saint Michael’s College Salisbury University Salve Regina University Savannah College of Art and Design Siena College Simmons College Skidmore College Smith College Springfield College St. Lawrence University St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stonehill College Suffolk University Syracuse University The University of Maine The University of Montana The University of Tampa Tufts University University of California at Riverside University of Colorado at Boulder University of Denver University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of New Hampshire University of Rhode Island University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy University of St. Andrews University of UAE University of Vermont University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Wheaton College Worcester Polytechnic Institute

“Rocky Hill gave me the confidence to explore new things. I carried that confidence into a large university, where I never felt afraid to challenge myself and pursue new opportunities.”

- Kate Corvese ‘05, Vanderbilt ‘09, Yale ‘11

BIG Future

Rocky Hill School equips students with the skills necessary for success in the next phase of their education and beyond. In addition to a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, the School offers a college counseling process which is highly personalized and cooperative.

It seeks to match students with colleges and universities ideally suited to their personal and academic needs and aspirations. With fewer than 40 in the senior class, our Director of College Counseling is able to empower students to make informed decisions based on comprehensive research. While the college search begins in earnest junior year with individual meetings, freshmen and sophomores work with the Director of College Counseling for goal setting, academic motivation, and curriculum development. Rocky Hill’s discussion-based classrooms replicate a university seminar setting, and our Senior Internship and Senior Seminar programs give students access to real-world situations and challenges. By leveraging the many opportunities offered at Rocky Hill, students become novel and adaptive thinkers with the self-awareness and confidence to succeed at any level.

100% of Rocky Hill School seniors are accepted into a college or university of their choosing, with guidance from our full-time, on-campus Director of College Counseling. Rocky Hill also utilizes Naviance college and career readiness software to assist with the college admission process.

COMMUNITY VALUES STATEMENT Rocky Hill School considers responsible citizenship, dedicated scholarship, and good sportsmanship essential to strong character. Community members act with integrity, treat others with respect and kindness, and demonstrate a commitment to learning and personal growth.

BIG Decision

We understand that choosing the right school is a big decision and one that will have an enormous impact on a student’s future. Our admission process is very personalized and designed to educate families about the unique advantages of the Rocky Hill School studentcentered experience. Our admission staff is ready to guide you every step of the way. At this point, if you want to see for yourself if Rocky Hill is a great match, we invite you to attend an upcoming Open House or to schedule a campus visit.

CAMPUS VISITS The Admission Office hosts Open Houses in October, January and April.

Tours are conducted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Please call 401-884-9070, ext. 107 to schedule a visit.

APPLY The application deadline is February 15 for an early March acceptance notification.

Visit www.rockyhill.org/admission to download application forms or apply online using SSAT’s Standard Application Online (SAO) at www.ssat.org/admission/the-sao.

CONTACT Catherine Washburn Director of Admission & Financial Aid cwashburn@rockyhill.org 401-884-9070, ext. 104

Take the next BIG step! Contact the Admission Office to schedule a visit.

530 Ives Road | East Greenwich, RI | 401.884.9070 | www.rockyhill.org

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