Through a robust selection of student-led clubs and meaningful community service experiences, students explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and learn the value of working toward something greater than themselves. These programs reflect the School’s belief in a balanced, whole-child education that fosters initiative, empathy, and a sense of purpose.
Student Clubs
Clubs at Rumsey Hall are student-driven initiatives that give learners the opportunity to lead, organize, and explore shared interests. Meeting weekly during the school day, clubs are open to all Upper School students and often bring together members from across multiple grades, creating valuable connections and collaboration.
Each club is led by students and supported by a faculty advisor, but the direction, energy, and ideas come directly from those who participate. The offerings shift each year depending on student interest, and new clubs are regularly launched based on emerging passions and ideas. Students are supported not only in joining clubs, but in founding them.
Recent clubs include:
- Asian Alliance Club – Celebrating culture, food, and identity through shared experiences
- Buddy Club – Promoting inclusion and connection among younger and older students
- Chess Club – Building strategic thinking through friendly competition and peer coaching
- Investment Club – Exploring financial literacy and markets through student-led research and simulations
- Dance Club – Choreographing and performing in a student-created, inclusive space
- Drone Club – Learning about drone technology and piloting through hands-on exploration
- Fishing Club – Combining outdoor adventure with environmental awareness
- Jewish Culture Club – Sharing traditions, stories, and holidays
- Math Club – Engaging in logic games, math challenges, and enrichment beyond the classroom curriculum
Community Service
Community service is a valued and visible part of student life at Rumsey Hall. True to the School’s mission of cultivating responsible and compassionate citizens, Rumsey provides students with consistent, hands-on opportunities to engage with and contribute to the broader community.
Service opportunities are offered throughout the year and are open to all students, both day and boarding. Projects may be integrated into weekend activities, academic or athletic team initiatives, or campus-wide events. Whether volunteering locally or supporting national causes, students are encouraged to participate in ways that are meaningful to them. There are no required service hours—yet each year, more than 75% of Rumsey students choose to get involved, logging over 1,000 hours of service collectively.
Recent annual initiatives include:
- Seasonal drives and food collections for local families
- Environmental efforts such as local beach and garden cleanups
- Collaborations with regional nonprofits and service organizations
- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, raising awareness around domestic violence
- Through these experiences, students develop a deeper awareness of the world around them and the role they can play in improving it—building empathy, confidence, and leadership along the way.
Signature Program: Social and Community Leadership (Grade 9)
As part of their culminating year at Rumsey, ninth-grade students take part in the Social and Community Leadership signature program. This experience offers a more structured, in-depth opportunity for civic engagement, guiding students through leadership training, ethical discussions, and meaningful service work. Designed to prepare them for life beyond Rumsey, the program helps students reflect on their role as leaders—on campus and in their communities.
