Students enjoy overall success at RNS because we are a small school with a big school program. As a small school, we offer students the opportunity to be safe, value learning, build meaningful relationships, and be part of a community. Our students are also encouraged to be broadly involved in our robust extracurricular program. Our most successful students excel in the classroom and are often immersed in several Hill or community activities.
In our mission, we state that RNS is committed to developing character, courage, creativity, and a passion for learning. This is an ambitious charge but an important reminder about what you should expect from an RNS education.
Rothesay Netherwood School began in 1877 as Thompson's School, located upstairs in Whelpley Hall near the Rothesay train station. James F. Robertson purchased Thompson's School in 1891, renamed it Rothesay Collegiate School, and moved it to its present location. In 1907, the SchoolSchool was formally taken over by the Synod of the Diocese of Fredericton, and Rev. W.R. Hibbard was appointed headmaster in 1908. To this end, the SchoolSchool strives to maintain a financially stable institution that provides:
- A rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that integrates information technology
- A culture that celebrates effort and success
- A boarding community where teachers and students live and work together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect
- Opportunities for participation in music, fine arts, and drama
- Opportunities for physical activity daily in competitive and non-competitive environments
- Opportunities for the development of leadership skills, team-building skills, self-discipline, self-respect, and a sense of responsibility within and beyond the school community
- Opportunities that promote an appreciation for cultural diversity, tradition and a greater understanding of the global community
- Spiritual support and pastoral care
To this end, each student will
- Strive for individual excellence: academically, artistically, athletically, socially, and spiritually
- Demonstrate respect for their surroundings and environment
- Know and maintain the standards of the SchoolSchool
- Treat everyone with respect and dignity
- Develop an enduring sense of responsible citizenship
- Leave RNS a better school and continue to be active in school affairs
The academic program at Rothesay Netherwood School is diverse and challenging. It is designed to meet students' changing needs as they develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Students have the opportunity to live and study in an environment where intellectual probity and academic achievement are highly valued. This rich learning environment is created through the combined efforts of faculty, students, parents, alumni, and governors. Small class size, caring teachers, extra help, critical study, and frequent reporting facilitate each student's learning.
The academic program at RNS is designed for students to experience courses in both the humanities and sciences. In addition to the academic rigor students experience at RNS, there is ample opportunity to develop the whole student. These opportunities exist in the arts, athletics, and various other extracurricular experiences such as RNS Outdoors activities, student exchanges, and Round Square International service projects.
Students at RNS thrive within today's information technology environment. We capitalize on their intellectual flexibility and integrate technologies into the learning process. As they accrue varied experiences, students develop the confidence required to follow their intellectual interests and participate in a broader intellectual domain. Teachers at Rothesay Netherwood School act as advisors, mentors, and coaches. Advisors monitor each student's progress, academically, athletically, and socially. They communicate regularly with parents through written reports, telephone conversations, emails, and personal interviews. Advisors meet with their advisees' subject teachers, both formally and informally. They also consult with their advisees' houseparents. Reports are reviewed by the advisor and then shared with the student and parents. We encourage regular contact by email and telephone between the advisor and the parents. For contact information, please see our Faculty Directory.
Learning in Grades 9 and 10 is in many ways characterized by the incredible classroom experiences and the dynamic approaches to teaching and learning by our fantastic faculty. However, we are also perpetually determined to break down the walls that can sometimes exist between subject areas with "disruptED" days that meaningfully connect learning – all learning – across the curriculum. In the past, these days have been called Zombie Day, the Escape Room/Catapult Challenge, The Atomic Bomb Joint Simulation, and The Presentation Skills Retreat (to name a few). Teachers further connect learning over more extended periods, such as the English and History exploration of the Civil Rights Movement throughout America in the 1960s.
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