Rice Memorial High School: Crafting Leaders of Faith, Academics & Spirit
Founded in 1917 as Cathedral High School and reborn as Rice Memorial in 1959, this Roman Catholic, coeducational institution in South Burlington, Vermont embodies a legacy of faith and scholastic rigor. Guided by the Diocese of Burlington, Rice prepares students in grades 9–12 to recognize their “God-given potential,” balancing spiritual development with academic excellence. The school offers a wealth of Honors and AP courses—including a unique Capstone Diploma program—ensuring graduates are thoroughly college-ready, with a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate. Rice Memorial stands out as one of only two Vermont high schools offering the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma. The school fosters a culture where 94% of students participate in athletics, and around 41% qualify for tuition assistance—a testament to its inclusive and spirited community.
The campus underwent a major $90 million renovation in 2015, modernizing classrooms, a library tech hub, cafeteria, gymnasium, and fully ADA-compliant spaces—all earning the Preservation Trust of Vermont Honor Award. These updates ensure students learn in safe, accessible, and technologically advanced environments.
Sports & Arts
Rice’s athletic reputation shines brightly. With 17 interscholastic sports and 32 teams, students thrive in everything from hockey and basketball to alpine skiing and baseball. The Boys’ basketball program is a state powerhouse, with titles in 2022 and 2024; Boys’ ice hockey captured championships in 2024 and 2025. The school has also produced seven Vermont Mr. Basketball winners, most recently Drew Bessette in 2024 and Abdi Sharif in 2025. On stage and beyond, Rice nurtures the arts through music, theater, Visual Arts, and traditions like “Stunt Nite,” a lively, 90 year old showcase at Burlington’s Flynn Theater that deepens camaraderie and creativity.
Special Programs
Rice is singular in Chittenden County for its AP Capstone Diploma, a program emphasizing research, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership. It hosts robust Honors and AP offerings, spiritual and service-learning initiatives, and support structures like drivers’ education and boarding for international students.
Awards & Accomplishments
Athletically, Rice teams have claimed multiple state titles: Boys’ basketball (most recent in 2024), Girls’ basketball, Girls’ soccer, Boys’ ice hockey (1994, 1995, 2024, 2025), Girls’ field hockey, and more. Further, six Rice players have earned the prestigious Vermont Mr. Basketball title.
Community & Area Information
Rice Memorial High School sits in South Burlington, a city of roughly 20,000 residents. Burlington—the nearest urban center—is known for its arts scene, lakefront, and vibrant downtown. The closest airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), offering convenient national travel. Adventurers can explore Lake Champlain, hike nearby Green Mountain trails, ski world-class slopes at Stowe, or enjoy Burlington’s craft breweries and live music. Among Rice’s notable alumni are Keith Cieplicki (Vermont Mr. Basketball, coach), Dan Chiasson (poet and author) and Christina E. Nolan (U.S. Attorney for Vermont).
Why Choose This School?
Choosing Rice Memorial means embracing a holistic education grounded in faith, academic challenge, and community engagement. Academically, its AP Capstone and high AP participation nurture young minds for global citizenship. Spiritually, its Catholic values reinforce moral development and service. Athletically and artistically, students find countless platforms to lead, compete, and express themselves. Whether you're an international boarder, student athlete, scholar, or artist, Rice fosters each person’s unique gifts, preparing them to excel in college and life—with the heart of a community that supports every step.
Rice Memorial High School weaves together tradition, innovation, and character to guide students toward excellence—not just academically, but as compassionate, confident leaders for tomorrow.
