Williams School (Connecticut)

The Williams School
Location
New London , Connecticut USA
Coordinates	41.3763°N 72.1038°W / 41.3763; -72.1038
Information
Type	Private
Established	1891
Head of school	Mark Fader
Enrollment	236 total
Color(s)	Blue and White
Mascot	The Blues
Website	www.williamsschool.org

The Williams School is a coeducational, college preparatory, day school for students in grades 6-12 located on the campus of Connecticut College in New London, Connecticut.

History

The school opened in 1891 as Williams Memorial Institute (WMI), which remains the legal name of the school. It was privately endowed by a bequest of real estate and personal property from the estate of Harriet Peck Williams as a memorial to her son, Thomas W. Williams II.

WMI served as the high school for girls of New London and several surrounding towns. Tuition for attending students was paid by the City of New London and other towns. With the opening of New London High School in 1951, the WMI program became college preparatory rather than comprehensive. In 1954, the school moved to its present location on the Connecticut College campus. A middle school was added in 1955. In 1971, the school became coeducational. The school remains a day school and the present student population of approximately 240 students draws from more than 40 communities (from West Haven, CT to Charlestown, RI). On April 25, 2013 the Board of Trustees of The Williams School approved the addition of a sixth grade to the school’s offerings starting in the 2014-2015 academic year.

The former home of Williams Memorial Institute now operates as one of the courthouses in the Connecticut State Judicial system, which includes archival postcard images and a brief history on its website. The building is also listed on Historic Buildings of Connecticut.

Mission of Williams

The Williams School is a coeducational, college preparatory, day school for students in grades 6-12.

The Williams School mission is to foster the intellectual, moral, aesthetic, and physical development of young women and men in preparation for college, a lifetime of learning, and active participation in a changing society. Founded in 1891 in New London, Connecticut, The Williams School encourages learning and self-discovery in a collegial atmosphere that provides academic challenges and personal rewards. Williams engenders respectful and collaborative relationships throughout all facets of the community.

The school's facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, two gymnasiums, the Dayharsh Fitness Center, Daren Performing Arts Center, Drama Studio, digital imaging lab and darkroom, library/media center, Math and English Smart Rooms, computer labs, the Weissman Student Center and the Williams Room, an area used for receptions, gatherings, and classes. The Head of School administers the school and a volunteer Board of Trustees establishes broad policies and oversees the financial health of the institution. Membership on the Board of Trustees includes the President of the Parents Association, the President of the Alumni Association and the Head of School.

Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

Member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Member of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce

Notable alumni

• Stephen Trask, composer (class of 1984)
• Cassie Ventura, model/singer (class of 2004)
• Jesse Metcalfe, actor (class of 1996)
• Noah Bean, actor (class of 1996)
• Clancy Philbrick, artist (class of 2004)
• Valerie Azlynn, actress (nee Asselin)

External links

• Williamsschool.org Official Website