St. George's School (Rhode Island)
St. George's School is a private, co-educational boarding and day school located on a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Middletown, Rhode Island. Founded in 1896 as Diman's School for Small Boys, the school later became known for its strong academic program and picturesque campus.
History and Academics
St. George's moved to its current campus in 1901 and implemented the prefect system. In the 20th century, it expanded its curriculum and became coeducational. The school's focus on academic excellence has resulted in a reputation for preparing students for top universities.
Campus and Facilities
The 125-acre campus includes state-of-the-art academic facilities such as the Memorial Schoolhouse, Academic Center, and Hill Library. It also boasts athletic fields, hockey rinks, squash courts, and an eight-lane swimming pool. The school's picturesque chapel, designed by Ralph Adams Cram, is a prominent landmark.
Athletics and Activities
St. George's is a member of the Independent School League and the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council and offers 16 sports. The school also provides a unique school-at-sea program, where students engage in nautical science and marine biology while sailing on a sloop.
Notable Alumni
St. George's has a distinguished alumni network that includes:
- Julie Bowen (actress)
- Howard Dean (former Vermont governor)
- Philippe Cousteau Jr. (grandson of Jacques-Yves Cousteau)
- Tucker Carlson (commentator)
- Ogden Nash (poet and writer)
2015-16 Sexual Abuse Investigation
In 2015, St. George's initiated an investigation into reports of past sexual abuse by school faculty. The investigation uncovered misconduct by six employees, resulting in the school strengthening its policies and procedures to address sexual misconduct and harassment.