“Old School”
Mr. Diman’s Genius
Curated by School Archivist Valerie Simpson, this slideshow focuses on the history of Old School. Headmaster John Diman’s genius lay not only in persuasion, but also in his ability to ignite genuine, sustained enthusiasm. He was the kind of man people trusted—and although the challenges were daunting, the more Diman persisted in his effort to establish a permanent, highly-respected boarding school, the more support he garnered. Five years after founding a tiny institution in a rental property in Newport, Diman launched his plan to build Old School on a beautiful Middletown ocean bluff, a move that proved critical in the long-term success of St. George’s.