Where Academic Challenge Meets Purpose.
An elevated academic experience for students ready to think deeper, go further, and be pushed—with intention.
The Bigelow Honors Program is Rectory’s advanced academic offering for students in Grades 8 and 9 who are ready for greater depth, complexity, and independence in their learning.
Through challenging coursework, interdisciplinary exploration, and advanced study opportunities, students engage in dynamic learning that expands their thinking, sharpens their voice, and prepares them for what comes next.
Depth over speed.
Students move beyond surface-level understanding—analyzing, questioning, and connecting ideas across disciplines.
Application in action.
Learning is driven by curiosity, discussion, and exploration—not rote recall.
Confident, independent thinkers.
Students develop their voice—contributing ideas, thinking independently, and expressing their reasoning with clarity and confidence.
Bigelow Honors is not simply more work—it’s different work.
The program emphasizes complexity, connection, and independent thinking across disciplines. Students engage in a more advanced exploration of core subjects while making meaningful connections across humanities, arts, and technology—all grounded in real-world application.
Students in Bigelow Honors leave with more than advanced academic skills—they grow as confident, capable learners ready for what comes next.
They develop:
- Confidence in their academic voice
- Critical thinking and the ability to navigate complexity
- Independence in how they approach learning
- Resilience when faced with challenge
This growth is made possible by teachers who know how to both challenge and support. Bigelow Honors students are guided by educators who:
- Know when to stretch students—and when to step in
- Provide thoughtful, individualized feedback
- Create environments where students feel safe taking academic risks
It’s this balance that allows students not only to be prepared for the next level—but to thrive in it.