The Williams School

The Williams School is a coeducational, college preparatory, day school for students in grades 6-12. The Williams School's mission is to foster the intellectual, moral, aesthetic, and physical development of young women and men in preparation for college, a lifetime of learning, and active participation in a changing society. Founded in 1891 in New London, Connecticut, The Williams School encourages learning and self-discovery in a collegial atmosphere that provides academic challenges and personal rewards. Williams engenders respectful and collaborative relationships throughout all facets of the community.

The facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, two gymnasiums, the Dayharsh Fitness Center, Daren Performing Arts Center, Drama Studio, digital imaging lab and darkroom, library/media center, Math and English Smart Rooms, computer labs, the Weissman Student Center and the Williams Room, an area used for receptions, gatherings, and classes. The Head of School administers the school and a volunteer Board of Trustees establishes broad policies and oversees the financial health of the institution. Membership on the Board of Trustees includes the President of the Parents Association, the President of the Alumni Association and the Head of School.

The Williams School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As an Independent College Preparatory School celebrating 127 years of educating students, we are committed to a strong liberal arts curriculum, which emphasizes outstanding writing, communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills. Throughout all grades, our classes focus on relevance, synthesis of ideas and critical thinking. A purposeful emphasis on study skills, particularly in the middle school, builds a child’s foundation for success. As students become increasingly proficient in the use of technology, active learning spurs complex thinking. In the Upper School, all courses are college preparatory, and we require our students to be proficient in both a modern and classical language. At the most sophisticated level of our college preparatory curricula, each department features Honors Courses and an Advanced Courses program. Our Advanced Courses go beyond the limitations of the traditional AP curriculum, allowing our students and faculty the freedom and flexibility to explore subjects with greater depth.

The Williams learning experience is appropriate for each stage of a student’s academic and social-emotional development. Extracurricular opportunities in athletics and the arts promote our students’ physical, creative, and leadership growth. A health and wellness program infused in all grade levels helps our students develop the necessary skills and confidence to self assess and advocate amid the challenges of a 21st century world.

The Williams School aims to foster the intellectual, moral, aesthetic, and physical development of young women and men in preparation for college, a lifetime of learning, and active participation in a changing society. Teaching and Learning Principles

• Maintains high standards of academic excellence.
• Inspires intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and imagination.
• Fuses the connection between intellect and emotion through the arts.
• Supports the physical development of students and nurtures their appreciation for athletics.
• Fosters respectful and collaborative relationships.
• Promotes the development of responsible and thoughtful behavior by expecting honesty, fairness, good sportsmanship, and civility.
• Appreciates individual, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
• Creates an atmosphere that encourages students to take meaningful risks.
• Emphasizes the importance of service to the community: school, local, and global.
• Enhances the learning environment by providing access to technology.

The Williams School combines the excellence of a classical liberal arts education with a commitment to preparing students to thrive as they become engaged and engaging in our our rapidly changing world. In the context of a reading and writing intensive curriculum emphasizing process and product, outstanding teachers spark and nurture students’ intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and imagination. While elective courses are available throughout the program, older students enjoy even more flexibility in creating personalized schedules to help them pursue their passions and achieve their goals. Furthermore, in addition to Honors and Advanced level work, several seniors each year qualify to take courses at Connecticut College.

At Williams, all community members collaborate to perpetuate an open atmosphere of mutual respect, providing a supportive context that encourages students to take meaningful, developmentally appropriate risks as they pursue their own academic, artistic, and athletic goals. In the classroom, students analyze and integrate complex material, find comfort in ambiguity, and are expected to avoid generalization and facile thinking. Through the arts, service, and athletics, students stretch themselves, knowing that their efforts will be recognized, supported, and appreciated by their peers. In all of these endeavors, students learn that only with collaboration, empathy, and self-discipline, is the excellence they seek attainable.