Campus Life

Typical Class Day Schedules

Below are outlines of a typical day in the life of a summer student (the Saturday schedule is slightly different with shorter classes, no meetings, and lots of afternoon fun!).

Immersion Geometry, Theater Arts Institute, and 2-week Workshop programs follow their own schedule of class periods and lunch, but still include built-in time for Adviser Meetings, School Meetings, Conferences, Wellness Programming, Athletics and Activities, and Study Hours.

Daily Schedule
5-Week Program  Daily Schedule
2-Week Workshops

Concerts, Showcases, and Exhibitions

Throughout Summer Programs, there are opportunities to attend various campus concerts, showcases, readings, exhibitions, and performances. All members of the community are welcome, free of charge. Choate hosts the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra’s annual July 4th concert on the steps of the Seymour St. John Chapel.

The Theater Arts Institute culminates with a Performing Arts showcase in the Chase Bear Theater on the final Thursday of the 4-week program. The performance is an original composition by Theater Arts Institute participants that incorporates various elements from the professional shows attended by the group over the course of the session. 

Students enrolled in 5-week Academic Enrichment arts courses exhibit their work in the Paul Mellon Arts Center Gallery in the final week of the program.

The Young Artist Program puts on a celebratory performance in the Gelb Theater at the end of each 2-week session.

Talent Show

The SAC sponsors an annual Talent Show for the Summer Programs community. Students and adults alike are welcome to take the stage to share their passion and skill in a wide array of areas including voice, music, theater, dance, agility, and stand-up comedy. 

Class Dress

While class dress is generally informal, all students are expected to dress appropriately for each occasion. Students may not wear clothing that exposes the midriff, shirts with offensive slogans, bathing suits, or hats in classroom buildings and the Dining Hall. Footwear must be worn in all buildings. There are some events (e.g. the festive dinner and final evening gathering at the end of the 5-week program) where semi-formal attire is encouraged but not required. The John F. Kennedy ’35 Institute in Government program requires semi-formal dress for the Washington, DC trip. 

Interactive Campus Map

Community Safety

Choate’s uniformed Community Safety officers monitor campus 24 hours a day on foot, by car, and by bike. Community Safety oversees daily operations, assists students, faculty, and staff; and prepares the community in the event of an emergency. Officers can be contacted by phone and via call boxes located conveniently across campus.

Campus Facilities

Academic Facilities  Arts Facilities  Athletics Facilities

• Pratt Health Center - The Health Center is a well-resourced and professionally staffed care facility.

• St. John Hall is the home of the Student Activities Center (SAC), school store, student services kiosk, day student lockers, snack bar, and is the hub of student activities. You’ll find information on special events, dances, movie nights, weekend trips, and more. 

• Sally Hart Lodge

• St. John Chapel is a nondenominational chapel that houses the Joan Harris Gelb Theater
   

Housing for Boarding Students

Boarding students live on campus in dormitories used during the academic year. Housing assignments are based on student age, gender, and length of program. Each dorm is overseen by an adult Head of House and staffed with a team of adult resident advisers. Rooms are furnished with a bed, dresser, desk, chair, and wardrobe or closet.

Housing FAQs