rocky hill school viewbook
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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
“A small school environment maximizes your child’s opportunities to
experience success, and build on it.” - Ande Frost, Trustee, Parent ‘10, ‘15, ‘17
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.
BIG Opportunities
“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
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
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.
BIG Focus
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
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.
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.
BIG Voices
Traditional Model Harkness Model
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.”
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.
BIG Environment
“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.
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.).
LOWER SCHOOL
Classrooms with Apple TVs® & Flatscreen TVs
Google Drive™
Grade 2 Podcasts
Grade 4 Flipped Classroom
iMacs®
Lexia Reading™
Mobile iPad® Units
Online Research Databases
Symphony Math®
MIDDLE SCHOOL
1:1 iPad® Program
Apps: Notability, Explain Everything, Socrative,
Dropbox, Google Drive™
e-Books
iMac® Computer Lab
IXL® Math
Moodle™
Online Research Databases
SMART Boards®
TI-Nspire™
UPPER SCHOOL
1:1 Laptop Program
Coursera®
Geometer’s Sketchpad®
Google Drive™
Kahn Academy®
MIT Open Courseware
Moodle™
Pencast
SketchUp®
TI-Nspire™
Vernier Motion Detector with Logger Pro®
ACE
Co:Writer®
Dragon Naturally Speaking®
HP Touchsmart 9300 Elite Touchscreen PC
iPads®
Kurzweil 3000™
Lexia Reading™
RAPS® 360
SMART Board®
Symphony Math®
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 on-
demand, 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.
BIG Connections
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.
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.
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.
BIG Talent
Xiaoyang Duan ‘13, RISD ‘17
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.”
RECENT ATHLETIC ACCOLADES
Boys Varsity Soccer2013 SENE DIV II Runner-Up
2012 NEPSAC Class D Quarterfinalist2011 NEPSAC Class D Champion
2010 NEPSAC Class D Quarterfinalist
Boys Varsity Basketball2012-13 SENE Player of the Year
Boys Varsity Ice Hockey(Co-op with Rogers/Tiverton/Rocky Hill School)
2010 RIIL DIV III South Champion2010 RIIL DIV III 2nd Place
Coed Varsity Sailing2012 RI State Championship 2nd Place
Coed Varsity Tennis2013 SENE Player of the Year
Boys Varsity Lacrosse2013 SENE DIV I Tournament Runner-Up2012 SENE DIV I Tournament Runner-Up2011 SENE DIV I Tournament Champion
Girls Varsity Softball(Co-op with Juanita Sanchez)
2013 RIIL DIV III Runner-Up
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.
BIG Play
“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 self-
discipline, 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
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.
BIG Spirit
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
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.
BIG Diversity
“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
Cultural Diversity
17%Students of Color
10%International Students
Alfred UniversityArizona State UniversityBarnard CollegeBentley UniversityBoston CollegeBoston UniversityBrandeis UniversityBrigham Young UniversityBrown UniversityBryant UniversityCastleton State CollegeClaremont McKenna CollegeClark UniversityClarkson UniversityCoastal Carolina UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of the Holy CrossCommunity College
of Rhode IslandConnecticut CollegeCurry CollegeDickinson CollegeDrexel UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmmanuel CollegeEugene Lang College: The
New School for Liberal ArtsFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFranklin & Marshall CollegeGeorge Washington UniversityGeorgia Institute of
TechnologyGettysburg CollegeHarvard UniversityHobart CollegeHofstra UniversityHood CollegeIthaca CollegeJohnson & Wales UniversityLoyola University, MarylandLynn UniversityManhattanville CollegeMerrimack CollegeMichigan State UniversityNew England Art InstituteNew England CollegeNichols CollegeNortheastern UniversityParsons: The New School
for DesignPepperdine University
Plymouth State UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityRhode Island School of
DesignRhodes CollegeRoanoke CollegeRoger Williams UniversityRollins CollegeSaint Joseph’s University Saint Michael’s CollegeSalisbury UniversitySalve Regina UniversitySavannah College of Art
and DesignSiena CollegeSimmons CollegeSkidmore CollegeSmith CollegeSpringfield CollegeSt. Lawrence UniversitySt. Mary’s College of
MarylandStonehill CollegeSuffolk UniversitySyracuse UniversityThe University of MaineThe University of MontanaThe University of TampaTufts UniversityUniversity of California
at RiversideUniversity of Colorado
at BoulderUniversity of DenverUniversity of Illinois
at Urbana-ChampaignUniversity of Massachusetts,
AmherstUniversity of MiamiUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of Rhode Island
College of PharmacyUniversity of St. AndrewsUniversity of UAEUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaVanderbilt UniversityWake Forest UniversityWheaton CollegeWorcester Polytechnic
Institute
RECENT COLLEGE MATRICULATION
“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
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.
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.
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 DecisionWe 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 student-
centered 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
401-884-9070, ext. 104
Rocky Hil l School does not discr iminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, sexual or ientat ion, age, handicap or national or ethnic origin in the administrat ion of i ts admission,
f inancial aid, employment, educational pol icies or other school programs.
Principles & Practice
RHSVideos
Apply Today
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
@rockyhillschool Rocky Hill School
41°39’N/71°25’W