Welcome to the Upper School

Dear Parents and Students,

Respect and trust set the tone of the Upper School experience at Rocky Hill School. We believe our mission, to inspire the personal growth of every individual, requires such an environment—one that is at once rigorous and personalized. As a community we share a deep respect for the learning process, and our students thrive in an atmosphere of mutual trust, working with faculty members who are passionate about teaching. We strive to encourage genuine curiosity as well as intellectual confidence, helping each student build a solid foundation for personal success and life-long learning.

Inspired by our extraordinary setting, the Upper School faculty approaches each new day as a fresh opportunity to create memorable learning experiences. Our curriculum is flexible by design, allowing students to forge important connections between distinct fields of study. Indeed, young men and women at Rocky Hill acquire a wide range of skills associated with varied disciplines, and we encourage them to apply these new tools with increasing freedom as they move towards graduation. Some of the distinguishing features about our teaching model are detailed below and throughout the website.

We are committed to building a diverse community of faculty and students. Over the course of four years, faculty members work closely with students, guiding each individual in shaping his or her character. As dedicated teachers and advisers—and often as coaches—Upper School faculty members appreciate the vital role they play in preparing students for admission to college. In fact, helping each student to identify appropriate curricular and co-curricular choices, in addition to rewarding community service and leadership opportunities, is perhaps our most important responsibility as educators. We want to ensure that each graduating class reflects a wealth of diverse learning experiences. As we meet each individual's needs, we move closer to achieving our goal for every Rocky Hill student: success in college and life.

Sincerely,

Stephen Farley

Head of Upper School

sfarley@rockyhill.org

The Rocky Hill Model

The Rocky Hill School Model integrates a vigorous approach to teaching and an innovative learning environment to create a unique synergy of people, principles, and practices. Our approach centers on the meaningful interaction of students and faculty, a core characteristic of our curriculum at every level. The Model requires everyone in the classroom, teacher and student alike, to assume responsibility for learning. Students actively participate in the construction of their own understanding. Indeed, the Model encourages all students to articulate and champion their own ideas, as well as listen and respond respectfully to their peers. Our teachers guide students, evaluating each individual's progress as he or she strives toward intellectual independence and lifelong learning.

Authentic understanding is only accomplished through experience, and experience is only meaningful when students enjoy frequent and diverse opportunities to practice skills, test ideas, and apply knowledge. Our direct, hands-on approach to learning in the Upper School centers upon such experiences.

Harkness Table

The Harkness Table provides an energizing platform for debate, discussion, listening, and collaboration. An oval table with seating for 10-12 students plus a faculty member, the Harkness Table serves as an anchor in each classroom and lab, ensuring that students stay focused, engaged, and accountable. Moreover, an array of technologies in our wireless environment provide myriad "anytime, anywhere" learning opportunities. Combined with laptop learning, the Harkness method guarantees each student a front row seat for learning in every class.

Laptops

Central to the Rocky Hill Model, the laptop/tablet is a far more potent version of the traditional notebook, with information organized and available anytime, anywhere. Wireless technology enables Rocky Hill students and teachers to communicate information and ideas in ways never before possible. Our students participate in a sophisticated dialogue with their peers and teachers, promoting a deeper, richer understanding of subject matter and of their own learning experience. Integrating technology enhances and encourages communication, investigation, and the sharing of ideas. Throughout the day and across campus, our students access information and communicate instantly. Suddenly, distance learning is not only a possibility - it's a daily occurrence.

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