A Powerful Head Start on What Comes Next.
Ninth grade at Rectory is intentionally different. As the oldest students on campus, ninth graders are challenged to step forward—to take on greater academic responsibility, lead younger students, pursue meaningful interests, and prepare thoughtfully for secondary school.
It is the culminating year of the Rectory experience and an important bridge between middle school and what comes next.
"Over the last two years, this community has helped me discover that my high energy and resilient spirit are my superpowers.
Once I embraced that, I have grown in ways I never thought before. I am incredibly proud of my academics and journey here. Learning to ask a question in classes or saying office hours isn't a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. On the athletic field, I have grown too. Winning an athletic award every season is an incredible honor. But what I cherish most isn't the trophies, it's the resilience it took to sprint through a 100 M track event and push to the end.
It's the strength of a squash match, the team spread
on the soccer team, or the pure creativity to choreograph a new dance piece. More than the wins, I am proud of the of the sportsmanship and the teamwork my coaches recognized in me. Being trusted to captain three varsity sports and serve as a fifth-grade mentor taught me that the best leaders are the ones who lift others up."
on the soccer team, or the pure creativity to choreograph a new dance piece. More than the wins, I am proud of the of the sportsmanship and the teamwork my coaches recognized in me. Being trusted to captain three varsity sports and serve as a fifth-grade mentor taught me that the best leaders are the ones who lift others up."
A Year of Signature Experiences.
There is something powerful about having the opportunity to lead before you leave.
Rather than entering secondary school as one of the youngest students on campus, Rectory ninth graders have the opportunity to spend a year as leaders of our community. They are known well by faculty, trusted with meaningful responsibilities, and encouraged to stretch themselves academically and personally. By the time they move on to secondary school, they have already developed and practiced the independence, self-advocacy, leadership, and academic habits they will need to thrive.
Ninth-Grade Capstone
One of the defining experiences of Rectory, the Capstone Project invites students to select an issue or topic that matters to them, conduct extensive independent research, develop informed perspectives and solutions, and ultimately present their work to the Rectory community
Capstone brings together the skills students have developed throughout their Rectory experience: research, writing, critical thinking, time management, communication, independence, and confidence. More importantly, it gives students the opportunity to discover the power of their own ideas.
Secondary School Advising
Preparing for secondary school is woven into the ninth-grade experience.
Rectory's Secondary School Advising team works closely with students and families to identify schools where each student can continue to grow and thrive. Advisors help students understand their strengths, articulate who they are, navigate the application process, prepare for interviews, and make thoughtful decisions about their next chapter.
Leadership With Purpose
Ninth graders don't have to wait until secondary school to discover what kind of leaders they can become.
Throughout the year, students have opportunities to mentor younger classmates, assume leadership positions, support campus traditions, contribute to residential life, and help shape the culture of the school.
They learn that good leadership isn't about being in charge. It is about being someone others can count on.
Academic Challenge & Opportunity
Ninth graders take on Rectory's most advanced academic opportunities while continuing to benefit from the individualized attention that defines our classrooms.
Students are encouraged to challenge themselves, pursue areas of strength and curiosity, and become increasingly independent learners—all with teachers close enough to recognize when to support, when to challenge, and when to step back.
