In The News

Multi-award-winning former Cirque du Soleil juggler Thom Wall will perform at Choate’s Paul Mellon Arts Center (PMAC) Main Stage Friday evening, September 22, at 7:30 p.m. His performance, the first in the School’s 2023-24 arts line-up, is free and open to the public with tickets reserved at the PMAC Box Office. 

On Monday, September 4, Head of School Alex D. Curtis and Head of Student and Academic Life Jenny Karlen Elliott welcomed new students at the New Student Matriculation Ceremony. 261 students signed the School Register pledging their commitment to the principles and values of the School. It was previously a tradition called “Signing the Register.” New students vow themselves to personal growth, integrity, self-discipline, and compassion for others. 

Choate students, staff, and faculty gathered in Ann & George Colony Hall on September 5 to celebrate the formal start to the academic year. Head of School Alex D. Curtis convened the meeting, calling a new academic year “the point from which the rest unfolds.” Curtis said the 861 students representing 35 states and 54 countries comprise the most racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse student body in the history of the School. He introduced Head of Student and Academic Life Jenny Karlen Elliott to deliver the Convocation address. 

Choate’s turf fields will be a temporary home to Sheehan High School athletic teams this fall until the Wallingford high school’s new track and turf project is completed. Sheehan field hockey, and boys and girls soccer teams will hold practices and home games at Choate for at least the first six weeks of the season.

This year Choate Summer Programs celebrated 108 years with a record number of 743 students. Students from 31 countries and 30 US states and territories participated in an array of program offerings.  Students ranged from 5 years to 20 years old, and 90 participants returned for their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th summer experience with Choate.  

This summer, in continuation of a tradition running for over 15 years, Choate is donating gently used technology equipment to Wallingford agencies to help serve the local community. 

On July 1, 2023, Choate graduate William Gilyard ’98 began serving as Dean of Students.