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

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

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember,

involve me and I learn.”

- Benjamin Franklin

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.

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.).

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

cwashburn@rockyhill.org

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