Student Support

Choate students are supported by a community of caring adults and are encouraged to develop a close working relationship with their advisers, teachers, mentors, and guides. The relationship between students and adults on campus is one of “guided independence,” which appropriately describes our approach to helping our students to grow up well. Of course, Choate students also have much to learn from each other. Peer relationships are fostered in an atmosphere of mutual support, recognition, and respect for what each student brings the community.

Teachers, Advisers, and Deans

Supporting students throughout their days, months, and years of growth is of utmost importance.  Form Deans assigned to each grade and advisers assigned to each student work in groups and individually with students through the transitions, challenges, and joys of their academic, extracurricular, and personal development.

Deans have years of experience in classrooms and dormitories; they share a strong passion for helping each student in their care to successfully navigate the high school years. One of their primary goals is to make sure that every student at Choate is connected to adults in our community in meaningful ways, and so they work to form the web of support we feel is deep and strong.

Faculty advisers play a crucial role in the academic and social development day to day. Resident faculty serve as advisers for boarding students; non-residential faculty serve as advisers for day students. Continuity and regular informal meetings allow students and advisers to develop a close working relationship.

Teachers keep in touch with advisers through communication, which record significant developments in your academic life. Students are encouraged to take advantage of weekly conference periods to discuss work and progress with teachers and advisers.

Mentors and Guides

In addition to teachers, advisers, and deans, the Choate community is full of adult mentors and guides that work with students with different backgrounds, interests, and needs. Programming and support will be offered to students throughout their time at Choate from these, and many other, additional resources.

Director of Residential Life
Director of Day Students
Director of International Students
Advisers to Students of Color
Coaches
College Counselors

Friendships and Partnerships

Sometimes support comes from peers. Students interested in helping and guiding other students are invited and encouraged to pursue various leadership opportunities. Peer mentorship, supported by adults, is an important foundation for a strong, healthy community.

Mentorship and leadership opportunities include, and are not limited to, the Prefect Program, Peer Educators, Assessment Team, Team Captains, Club Leadership, and Judicial Committee Representative. Current events and issues provide various moments throughout each school year for student dialogue, engagement and support.

For Mind, Body, and Spirit

Choate provides 24-hour medical care for all students at the Pratt Health Center. A full-time board-certified pediatrician lives on campus and is on call for emergencies. A staff of registered nurses is on duty throughout the day and night. MidState Medical Center in Meriden and Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven provide specialized care when needed.

Pratt Health Center is also home to a counseling team of full-time counselors available to all students and faculty. Choate works closely with a consulting psychiatrist as needed, and maintains formal relationships with consulting specialists.

The Director of Spiritual Life, visiting chaplains, and faculty advisers are available to the entire campus community for comfort and consultation.

The safety and care of the Choate community is a top priority. Choate Community Safety officers monitor the campus 24 hours a day on foot, by car, and by bike. Access to academic buildings and residential houses is limited by key card access to students and residents. Safety call buttons (“blue lights”) are installed at various intervals around campus. Regular safety drills prepare students, faculty, and staff for potential crisis scenarios.