Choate Rosemary Hall

In 1890, Rosemary Hall, a school for girls was founded by Mary Atwater Choate. Six years later, Mary’s husband, Judge William G. Choate, established The Choate School for boys. The two schools merged in 1974, building on the strengths of common roots, and inspiring excellence for future generations of students. The School continues to balance tradition with innovation, acknowledging our accomplishments while always looking for new levels of success as a leader in secondary education.

Matriculation - This ceremonious event marks the official registration for new students during the beginning of the school year. Each student formally signs a statement pledging to personal growth, integrity, self-discipline, and caring for others.

Choate-Deerfield Day - Every year, the interstate athletic competition ends each school's fall season. The community demonstrates school spirit like never before, kicking off the event with a pep rally before various team competitions the following day. Go Choate!

Last Hurrah - Students enjoy an end of year ball celebrating the final days at Choate that culminates in a dance competition where students showcase what they’ve learned from weeks of senior dance lessons.

Garden Party - Rooted in Rosemary Hall tradition, senior girls pass down traditions to junior girls in this pre-graduation event full of flowers and special dress.

Lessons and Carols -  Based on the service held for years in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, this annual Winter Term candlelight event always fills the Seymour St. John Chapel. Anthems by Choate choruses and other musical groups alternate with carols sung by the congregation to celebrate the yuletide season.

Physics Phlotilla - Each May at the Science Center pond about 20 teams participate in a boat race. Students are given two double-mattress cartons and two rolls of masking tape to design and build a vessel to race across the pond, learning about the principles of buoyancy.

Our faculty is committed to providing students with the tools and guidance needed to think critically and to approach complex issues and problems with a clear perspective. Choate’s academic departments all offer traditional core courses as well as a variety of electives. In addition to traditional curriculum, students may expand their learning in one of our eight Signature Programs - Advanced Robotics, Arabic & Middle Eastern Studies, Arts Concentration, Capstone Program, Environmental Immersion Programs, Science Research Program, and Term Abroad.

What brings the student experience to life is music, dance, art, and performance. More than 50 classes are offered in the visual and performing arts with hundreds of events on the stage, in the studios and galleries. Choate’s Arts program fosters a culture which celebrates creative endeavor as an essential part of a great education. Students also have the opportunity to further explore their talents in the Arts Concentration signature program.

Choate Athletics has something for everyone with 81 interscholastic teams - varsity, junior varsity, and thirds. Whether you want to explore intramural programs or compete on teams like ice hockey, crew, squash, or basketball, you’ll be donning the blue and gold with admirable sportsmanship and determination. Facilities include the athletic center, several fields, pool, ice hockey arena, tennis center, and outdoor track, cross country trail, and off-campus boathouse.

Students explore new and existing interests beyond the classroom with over 100 clubs and organizations with a wellness, community service, political, spiritual, creative, and academic focus. The social hub of student life is in our LEED Gold Certified St. John Hall which includes a game room, video room, commons spaces, student project rooms, club meeting rooms, the Tuck Shop café, the Choate Store, and several department offices. Weekends don’t stop at Choate. Exciting activities are offered on weekends like dances, athletic games, and service opportunities. The Choate experience also extends beyond the campus into the neighborhoods and community of Wallingford, just a short walk away.