Our
Pillars

arts & Athletics

"I have noticed that often the first glimpse of our boys' transformation appears on the athletic field, or the basketball court, or the wrestling mat. "

–TASHI PHUNTSOK, Dean of School

Woodhall’s Arts and Athletics Program emphasizes physical exercise, teamwork, and accountability in action. The program provides students with the physical activity necessary to maintain a sound mind and body, encourages discipline through organized practices, and fosters sportsmanship and enjoyment during competitive play.

The varsity teams compete with neighboring independent schools in Connecticut and New York.

The Fall and Spring Outdoor Challenge teams strengthen teamwork and leadership skills while hiking, climbing and canoeing. The team has placed in white water canoe races on the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers.

The Woodhall School drama troupe known as The Woodhall Players have staged several theatre productions in the Abigail J. Woodhall Theater. Student actors, designers, and technicians collaborate with staff and guest artists to create high caliber productions that have been lauded by audiences and recognized by the Seven Angels Theatre Halo Awards. This ensemble experience allows students to sharpen communication skills, build confidence, and find a new voice. In June 2020, The Woodhall Players commissioned a new troupe and inducted 8 students into the International Thespian Society, a national honor society for high school theatre students.

Six days a week each term, all students participate in one of the following program offerings:

Athletic Code of Conduct

1. Officials, coaches, teammates and the athletes of other teams will be treated with the same respect you would expect to receive from them.
2. During practices, training and games, coaches provide the guidelines for leadership, skill-building and instruction in individual and team play. Their guidance is to be followed with respect and accountability. Students who are not able to accept the teaching and leadership roles of the coaches will be held accountable and may be asked to leave the team.
3. The rules of the game are designed to provide both teams with a fair and safe contest. They must be considered as mutual agreements and no one should try to evade or break them.
4. Decisions by officials, no matter how unfair they may seem, must be accepted completely by players, coaches and spectators.
5. To win is always preferable, but to win at any cost utterly defeats the purpose of the game.
6. The only advantage to be sought over your opponent is that of superior skill, athletic ability, teamwork or effort.
7. Losing does not mean being unsuccessful. When the team or an individual improves, they will never really lose.
8. Visiting teams and spectators are honored guests and should be treated as such. While visiting other schools, athletes will conduct themselves as gentlemen and be considerate and respectful of the rules and culture of the school being visited.
9. Athletes are expected to completely abide by this code.