The rectory school

After trying out several sleepaway camps over the years—both as a counselor and a parent—I can confidently say that The Rectory School in Pomfret stands above the rest. My ten-year-old son had visited other camps for the previous two summers, enjoying them but feeling like something was missing. Switching to this program was one of the best parenting choices we’ve made. What sets The Rectory apart is an unmatched warmth and personal touch. Because the school maintains a smaller scale, the directors and counselors can truly tailor their support to each camper’s needs. It’s clear that the staff is well-cared-for and genuinely happy, which creates a positive ripple effect for the students. As my son put it, it feels like the counselors just "know how to talk to kids." The variety of activities is impressive, offering something for everyone. You won’t just find traditional options like soccer, basketball, and tennis; there’s also a rich array of specialized "Minor Activities" that are a huge hit. You can choose from around twenty options twice a day, ranging from coding classes and pickleball to Dungeons & Dragons and Magic the Gathering. One of the highlights was "Reading on the High Ropes," where campers read books while suspended safely among the trees before jumping down. These creative, fun elements really capture the spirit of the school. While The Rectory isn’t focused on high-level competition, it still offers exciting events like the annual World Cup soccer tournament and Color War. Participation is encouraged by the staff’s enthusiasm but never forced. The recently renovated heated pool is a great asset, though some other facilities are more traditional than ultra-modern. If you are looking for a shiny, luxury resort-style camp with water skiing, this might not be it. But if you want a nurturing environment that inspires independence and ensures every child feels valued, The Rectory School is unmatched. I can’t imagine a child not thriving here.

My daughter has attended The Rectory School for the past 3 years and she has made great strides academically. The teachers and administration are very dedicated and supportive. The "secrete sauce" of the school is the strength of its community. The community at Rectory is kind, supportive and inclusive. The Rectory Creed of "Responsibility, Respect, Honesty, and Compassion" are not just words on a wall, but woven into the fabric of the community. It's a special place!

We thank The Rectory School faculty and staff for the tremendous support and guidance offered to our two children. Each has benefited from the friendship, mentoring and warmth of the community. The balance of challenge and support has produced in our kids a belief that handwork is rewarding and that failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. We will forever be thankful for the nurturing role Rectory School has played in the development and success of our children.

I am a parent of two Rectory students, a middle school girl and an elementary school boy. Sending our children to Rectory has been one of the best things we could have done as a family. It is a school with programs strong in academics, athletics, and the arts, encouraging students to try new things and to become well rounded. It is the sense of community that we feel at Rectory that has had the most impact on our children. It is like an extended family where teachers uplift, support, and encourage children to strive to be their best- inside the classroom, on the athletic fields, on the stage, and in their community.

Rectory School is a fine school, with many dedicated faculty and support staff. Both of my children attend the school and have grown academically, socially and athletically. I am thankful for all that the school has done for my family!

I began my teaching career at Rectory over 20 years ago, and it gave me the experience I needed to qualify for a public school teaching job, as well as invaluable parenting experience while caring for the boys on my dormitory. After ten years in the public schools of Connecticut, I sought out the opportunity to return to Rectory in order to give back to the school that had given so much to me. That career change has been the most important choice I have made, as my family has grown and prospered as part of the Rectory family. Further, returning to Rectory enabled me to be able to send my three children to the school, and their growth here has been fostered by dozens of teachers, coaches, and staff who truly believe in what they are doing here at Rectory. I am proud to be a part of this community, both as an employee and a parent.

I went to school at Rectory this past year and there are both good and bad things about this school. However, for a student, the negatives outweighs the positives. There are many excellent teachers that have been there for over 10-15 years, but there are also a lot of poorly trained or rough teachers. For example, whenever I walk into my english classroom, I walk out feeling angry and targeted by my teacher (unnamed). Also, there is a big international population here, with a little over half of the 8th and 9th grade being colored students. A lot of kids believe in a myth that the school needs money/funds from full tuition students which are usually international. Being a big community of kids from everywhere, students tend to form their own cliques, generally dependent on race. The friend groups are separated by their backgrounds. If you look into a dinning hall on the weekends, there are tables with only chinese kids, tables with only korean kids, tables with only the "athletes" etc. There are still good things about Rectory though, including its IIP program which I know some kids benefited a lot from. Dorm life is really fun with your friends and dorm parents, other than the fact that we get less than 1.5 hours to use our technology nightly during weekdays before teachers collect them at night.

I have been lucky enough to be selected to work as an assistant in the Alumni and Development office while another employee is out. Although it has only been a few weeks, I can already say I love this place! I've never been happier in a workplace environment and it's safe to say this is my dream job. Everybody I've had the pleasure of meeting or working with is extremely kind, pleasant and welcoming, and all demonstrate a genuine care for the kids and school. The campus is beautiful, the classes and recreational activities for the kids is amazing, the general atmosphere is happy and positive; I definitely brag about my fortunate situation to my friends and family daily :) I truly hope I get to stay for as long as possible.

As a graduate of The Rectory School, I can truly say I loved every aspect of my experience. The campus is beautiful,and the faculty and staff, were like family always willing to help me. The academic programs are challenging and enrichment is offered through music, chorus, art, and athletics. Any child fortunate enough to attend this junior boarding school will have memories to last a lifetime. The Rectory School is indeed a very special place!

My son started attending Rectory this fall and both him and I could not be happier! The campus is beautiful. In the short time my son has been there I can see the dedication that the faculty has in providing a great learning environment inside and outside the classroom. It is a real community and the kids are from all different States, Countries and cultures yet they have become like a family.

Rectory is an excellent school that provides a family-like atmosphere for its students.