Rumsey Hall School

Students in our co-educational junior boarding and day school for children in Kindergarten through VIIth Form (ninth grade) are valued and celebrated for their unique gifts, diverse learning styles, and innate character. Founded in 1900, our independent school honors the strengths of our tradition; and, we challenge ourselves and our students to grow without limit from the foundation of our deeply-rooted history. Our students serve each other and their community, find the courage to be themselves, and enjoy the intangible benefits of long lasting friendship and connection.

With effort as our main criterion for success, teachers and leaders see every child as a ‘whole person’: a mind to fuel with proven and innovative academic instruction; a body to train with outdoor recreation and seasoned, competitive athletic program; a creative spirit to nurture through music, the arts, and innovation challenges and, a unique personality entitled to feelings, likes and dislikes who can both understand others and be understood. Our students—from the wonder-filled “Kindie” exploring Shepaug’s teeming on-campus riverbed to the “VIIth Former” (9th grader) confidently addressing the student body on the appropriate topic of DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice)—are given the space to stretch, take risks, rebound, and THRIVE. The Rumsey community provides students with a broad base of support, giving students the assurance that they need to embrace new challenges. Bolstered by a dedicated network of teachers and family supporting them, Rumsey graduates go on to the secondary school realm equipped for success.

Located in Washington, in the Litchfield Hills of Northwest Connecticut, our vibrant campus bustles with the energy of 309 students learning and living in 32 gleaming-white buildings on 231 acres along the scenic Bantam River. The artists-within find a place to exercise their creativity in our fine arts and performing arts centers. Children from all over the globe find a sense of home—of family—in our nine dormitories. Athletes of all levels discover the benefits of perseverance and ambition on/in our seven athletic fields, two gymnasiums, hockey rink, indoor crew tanks/facility, and three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts.

Rumsey Hall School is committed to a whole-child approach to education and believes that teaching academics and teaching an attitude of mind are of equal importance. The School emphasizes effort as a criterion for success and is dedicated to helping each child develop toward his or her maximum stature as an educated person, a successful member of a family, and a contributing member of a community.

Doing one’s best becomes more than an objective at Rumsey — it becomes a habit for life. Effort does not start and end with the student. It is a shared responsibility between the student and each faculty member. The result is an environment in which everyone shares in the achievement of success. Students on the Effort and Dean’s Lists earn privileges that reinforce the idea that greater independence and autonomy are the rewards for diligent effort. Recognition of effort builds a respect for self-discipline and personal responsibility. This emphasis on effort becomes an integral part of the student’s everyday life. Effort Is the Key to Success; Effort Controls Your Destiny.

The close relationships between faculty and students are the core of our family atmosphere. Students build key relationships grounded in trust and know they can be themselves without need for pretense. Our nurturing environment includes family-style meals and daily interactions with adults who care. At Rumsey Hall, formative experiences are strengthened by familial relationships. Everyone comes together under one roof. Sustained by traditions, the strong culture and spirit of the School are rooted in the family atmosphere.

In our School community, we know each other by name and appreciate every person’s individual talents and qualities. Our sense of community is anchored by the shared values of honesty, kindness and respect. Inspiring and guiding students to become valuable, contributing members of the community through involvement in all aspects of life on campus are key elements of Rumsey’s whole-child education. Our students enjoy individual opportunities and a satisfying sense of community, a balance of independence and guidance as they strive for personal growth.