As you learn about The Rectory School, you will notice a common theme of community throughout all aspects of life here. This theme has its roots in the Reverend and Mrs. Bigelow's founding of the school in 1920, to provide individualized education for their own and their neighbors’ children in a caring, home environment. A school like Rectory is more than academics. We purposely retain a community structure in which all faculty and staff take responsibility for each student's well-being and educational success. In such a secure setting, students are free to challenge themselves and take risks that will lead them to realize their full potential.

Although we maintain the traditional values upon which The Rectory School originated, we are keenly aware of the kind of knowledge and experience our students will need to succeed in the future. Talk to any of our faculty and you will find an openness to adopting new teaching strategies, such as experiential learning, diverse ways of presenting information and a comprehensive plan for teaching computers that strengthen and enhance our programs. It is this combination of tradition and innovation that prepares our students for continued success in secondary school.

At the heart of our philosophy is the desire to inspire an excitement about and a love of learning. My goal is that students leave Rectory with an inquisitiveness and a belief in education that they will keep throughout their lives.

Thomas F. Army, Head of School


Mr. Army is pictured with his wife, The Reverend Virginia W. G. Army.