1920 Reverend and Mrs. Frank Bigelow founded The Rectory School in the rectory of the Christ Episcopal Church, Pomfret, CT. The Bigelows established the school because their son, John, was not receiving the education necessary to prepare him for university study. John was joined in his studies by the late George Chandler Holt. 1920-1921 John and George were joined by a third student, and in 1921 by three more students. 1922-1923 The Bigelows needed to accommodate even more boarding boys so they acquired Greystoke, a vacant building located on the north side of Christ Church. 1924 Father Bigelow formalized the school and developed a structured program, which challenged junior high school students intellectually, guided them morally, inspired them artistically, and encouraged them athletically. The program also emphasized self-discipline and independent thought. 17 boys were now enrolled in the school. 1925 In the spring, Greystoke burned to the ground. No one was injured, but the publicity about the fire resulted in publicity about the school. John Bigelow later recalled that the result was the enrollment sharply increased the following year. After the fire, the Bigelows rented Out of Bounds (a faculty house now owned by Rectory School) as a dormitory. In the fall, the Bigelows, with the financial backing of a Christ Church parishioner, acquired a very large house and more than 100 acres across the road. That house is now the Main House on Rectory's front circle, and the land is the site of the campus which now encompasses 135 acres. In September, 1925 Rectory opened on its present site with 36 boarding students. 1929: A Dining Hall was constructed (by the old Putnam Trade School) consisting of two floors of dormitories over the dining and kitchen areas. 1935 Rectory was incorporated as a non-profit organization with a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees, thus ending Rev. Frank and Mabel Bigelow's personal ownership of the school. Also, by this time, an old barn on the property had been converted into a small gymnasium, sports fields had been landscaped and three tennis courts had been built along with two cottages and several outbuildings. 1937 John Bigelow (Mr. John) became Headmaster. Mr. John developed the one- to- one tutoring program, known today as IIP, to serve children with dyslexia pioneering the use of the Orton-Gillingham method of remedial training. 1940s, 1950s, 1960s The school expanded its IIP, and academic program to meet students where they were academically from remedial to gifted. Secondary School Placement guidance was formalized to ensure the continued academic success of each Rectory School graduate. 1974 Mr. John retired; Mr. John Green became head of Rectory. Mr. Green expanded school facilities and formalized the Individualized Instruction Program(IIP) to include underachievers and students with a wide range of mild learning disabilities. 1980s New academic building and new gymnasium are opened. 1990s In 1990, Mr. Tom Army became Headmaster. Warm, nurturing community was reaffirmed. Curriculum was broadened: new math and science curricula, foreign language, expanded programs in fine and performing arts, athletic participation, community service, March Experiential Learning Program were added. Technology was updated. Long Range Capital Program commenced. New science wing added to academic wing building. 1994 Rectory was recognized as a “School of Excellence” by the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools Program 1996 John Brittain Bigelow Academic Building renovated; Science facilities and Day Student room added. 1998 Construction of the North-South Dormitory completed. 1999 Renovation of the former Chapel/ Assembly Hall into the new Day Care facility completed. 2000 Perkin addition to the Hettinger Library completed. 2001 Main House renovated, construction of the Performing Arts Center and Auditorium completed. Construction begun on the new maintenance facility. 2002 Construction completed on the new Dining Hall and the maintenance facility. 2003 Construction of the Collins Art Barn completed.