Academics
It’s the experience of always becoming, always broadening your vision, always deepening your thinking.
Our approach to education transcends labels. Informed by research, inspired by experience, we do what works best for our students. With intention, with ingenuity, and with deep respect for child development, we invite students to ask hard questions, dig deeper, take smart risks, and think in new directions.
As a K-9 school, we give lower school and middle school students the attention they deserve — and the resources they need to thrive. We’re also able to create a community where childhood has integrity, where joy and wonder are prized, where students have the space and the support to grow into their most authentic selves.
The Lower School Experience
Our priority is establishing a lifelong love of learning as early as possible. We encourage our students to ask questions and tap into their natural curiosity through imaginative exploration, play, and creation.
The Middle School Experience
Building on the academic strength and curiosity fostered in Lower School, Middle School students try new things, take more risks, navigate failures, and develop independence.
The Ninth Grade Experience
In ninth grade, rigorous high school courses are complemented by travel experiences and deeper community connections through sustainability and service work.
Foote Factor: Language
Foote is one of the only schools in the area — public or private — to require language in every grade (K–9). Language offerings include Spanish, Chinese, and Latin.
In addition, every grade includes theater, art, and P.E. classes — with double periods dedicated to art, allowing students ample time to focus on their projects in each class.
Competitive Sports
Starting in sixth grade, all students have the opportunity to join interscholastic sports teams in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Teams include soccer, field hockey, basketball, squash, swimming, volleyball, fitness, rock-climbing, Ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse, baseball, and softball — and we're adding more every year!
Extracurricular Music Opportunities
In sixth through ninth grade, students can choose to participate in Chorus, String Ensemble (4—9) and/or Jazz Rock Ensemble.
Private, fee-based music instruction is also available. Teaching artists from the greater New Haven community provide weekly individual instruction through the After School Program (ASP). Current offerings include guitar, piano, violin, cello, drums, and flute. Optional recitals are held at the end of the school year.