Who We Are

Inspiring Students since 1900

Rumsey Hall School in Washington, Connecticut, is a coeducational boarding and country day school for boys and girls in Kindergarten through Grade Nine. Situated in the foothills of northwestern Connecticut's Berkshire Mountains, Washington (population 4,000) is 43 miles west of Hartford, Connecticut and 80 miles northeast of New York City. The 147 acre campus is surrounded by beautiful wooded hills and the scenic Bantam River. Founded in 1900 by Mrs. Lillias Rumsey Sanford in Seneca Falls, New York, the school moved to larger quarters in Cornwall, Connecticut in 1907 and to the present campus in 1948. Thomas W. Farmen, the school's fifth Headmaster, was appointed in 1985. Since its inception, the school has retained its original mission: "Rumsey Hall School is committed to a whole child approach to education and believes that teaching academics and teaching an attitude of mind are of equal importance.  The School emphasizes effort as a criterion for success and is dedicated to helping each child develop toward his or her maximum stature as an educated person, a successful member of a family and a contributing member of a community." Rumsey Hall prepares its students for the discipline required in secondary schools and beyond, through small classes, a tightly-knit dormitory life, a wide range of sports, extracurricular programs and sound academics.  

Academics

Rumsey Hall believes that effort is as important as academic achievement. Effort as a criterion for success opens a new world to the student because the student can use his or her environment to the best advantage. The student determines whether he or she will earn approval, rewards and privileges. Effort does not start and end with the student. It is a shared responsibility between the student and each faculty member.  Just as the faculty expects maximum effort from each student, they promise in return to give each student their very best effort. The result is an environment where everyone can share in the pleasure of success. The progress of each student is discussed and an Effort List is prepared at Monday faculty meetings. Being on the Effort List signifies that a student has come prepared to class each day of the previous week. The Effort List is announced to the entire school Tuesday morning. Students who are on the Effort List in all classes earn privileges such as studying in their dormitories, playing tennis or fishing during free time. The faculty and administration believe that these weekly rewards for effort gradually build a respect for self-discipline and personal responsibility. Achievement should follow as this emphasis on effort becomes an integral part of the student’s everyday life.  

Technology

Rumsey has three fully interactive Computer Labs and over 100 networked computers throughout the school. There is a school-wide intranet system to enhance communication within the community. Two full-time people support the network and its participants. The Weston C. Pullen '62 Computer Lab, located in the Study Hall, is equipped with sixteen IBM Lenovo Desktops and sixteen 15 inch flat screen monitors. The computer lab in the Dane W. Dicke Mathematics Building is equipped with sixteen IBM Lenovo machines that support Vista, as well as a SMART Board and a projector. RT3 (Rumsey Technology 3) is equipped with eighteen Dell machines, and a SMART Board. All labs have high capacity printers. Every classroom is equipped with an IBM Computer and printers are located throughout the school network. SMART Boards are also installed in various classrooms around campus. The School also has campus wide wireless signal.  Our network consists of 2 win 2k servers, a sonicwall firewall/URL filter and a sonicwall email filter. Rumsey also has numerous digital cameras and camcorders. Each Administrative Office, the Trainer’s Room, Athletic Director’s Office and Lufkin Rink are equipped with a PC or a laptop. The MAX (The Maxwell Sarofim ’05 Performing Art Center) is fully interactive with a laptop and projector. Our internet is a T1 line. The Computer Skills Class focuses on many software applications to improve the students’ adeptness at using a computer. These applications are from the Microsoft Office suite, consisting of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. The students learn to create graphics using Selection Tools and Layers with the use of Adobe Photoshop. Their skills are enhanced by reviewing the basic techniques of using each software application. Students become skilled at using Microsoft Excel by learning about different formulas and creating a variety of chart designs. The School's academic curriculum is enhanced through the integration of technology.  

Arts

The arts at Rumsey Hall stress creativity and self discovery.  Students learn to take risks with their ability and to develop new interests and talents.  Teachers work to build each student's skills, confidence and interests in the arts. The arts are structured to enable students to find self-expression through a variety of activities and media.  All students participate in art and music classes.  In addition, there are clubs and activities which allow students to expand their interests or focus on a particular area.  The J. Seward Johnson, Sr. Fine Arts Center is open throughout the day and evenings for students. Students art work is regularly displayed on campus and occasionally at local venues.  Student musicians may arrange practice time through the music teacher and lessons can be arranged for most instruments.  

Athletic Facilities

• Pavek Athletic Field in honor of Veronica D. & Charles H. Pavek
• Scott Evans Seibert ’92 Memorial Field
• The Farmer Family Tennis Courts
• Paul Lincoln Cornell Athletic Field
• The Roy Fitness Center
• Roy Field
• John F. Schereschewsky, Sr. Memorial Center
  • Blue Dog Gym
  • Magnoli Gym
  • Big Top Tennis
• Lufkin Rink
• New Dorm Athletic Field
• Indoor Climbing Wall
• Lower Ropes Course
• Alumni Athletic Field
• Washington Club Beach, Lake Waramaug, CT – Crew
• Mohawk Mountain, Cornwall, CT – Ski/Snowboard