In the last three years, Watkinson graduates have been offered $7 million in merit scholarship college aid?
Watkinson students succeed in the finest colleges in the country. Colleges want Watkinson students because they are known to think deeper, question harder, and engage more fully as they learn. They know what it means to contribute to a seriously enjoyable learning community.
“I have two Watkinson graduates in one of my college courses right now. The way they speak up, the way they question, the way they can analyze and synthesize complex information... this is what we want for our seniors. And Watkinson students are coming in as freshmen already demonstrating this.”
Stefanie Chambers, Professor of Political Science at Trinity College
International research has established that, for students of all ages, happiness correlates with intrinsic motivation — a personal drive to learn. Furthermore, for students in grades 4–12, happiness is positively associated with GPA. Watkinson prioritizes a sense of happiness and belonging in this learning community not just because it feels good, but because happier students literally learn better.
“Because of Watkinson, my daughter knows what she’s capable of. And, also because of Watkinson, she’s capable of a great deal.” — Watkinson parent and professor at Wesleyan University
“When you’re in engineering classes, your creativity has to flow even more than your test-taking abilities. At Watkinson you learn all aspects of academia.” — Aneesh K., Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University
“I don’t want to wait for college for my son to be engaged. I want him to be engaged now, which also changes the colleges he’s eventually going to have available to him and what he’ll be able to get out of it.” — Watkinson parent
“I thought I had to choose between a really rigorous, challenging school and a school where my kid would be happy. Turns out we could get both. In fact I would almost say they depend on each other.” — Watkinson parent
An Info Session is an excellent way to get a sense of what Watkinson has to offer. Info sessions will include
During the summer, we have in-person, outdoor info sessions in the evening. These events include a barbecue, campus tour, and time with our private school leaders, faculty, and students.
Our next morning coffee with Head of School Teri Schrader will be January 14, 2026 at 8am. RSVP to kimberly_mcdonald@watkinson.org if you’d like to join us.
We know independent school is a huge investment for any family — a worthy and important investment, but still a very serious commitment. That’s why we are equally serious about working as hard as we can to enroll and assist the most outstanding and qualified students each year. Our need-based financial aid hopes to provide the opportunity for those families who are unable to afford the full cost of tuition to attend. While we are not able to guarantee financial aid for all students, more than 60% of our students receive some level of financial aid each year.
Watkinson financial aid packages are direct grants, with no repayment required.
Watkinson School’s financial aid program is designed to make a Watkinson education possible for all families who qualify based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Parents may use the Clarity application to help determine financial need based on the information shared in the application, including assets, income, expenses, and debts.
Clarity offers a user-friendly interface, quick completion (under 30 minutes), mobile optimization, and automatic IRS data transfer to enhance convenience for our families. You can save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit.
Watkinson School is pleased to announce that faculty member March Schrader has had his short play Everyday Thursday published in the September 2025 edition of the Mini Plays Review which is an international journal of short plays and monologues. Schrader is a playwright, theatrical set designer, artist, and visual arts teacher. Schrader describes, “The mini
A live taping of the Colin McEnroe Show’s Holiday Special Watkinson is pleased to announce that Colin McEnroe will return to camus on December 4 at 7pm. Join us for a live taping of The Colin McEnroe Show’s Annual Holiday Special featuring music and storytelling by his gang of talented lunatics. Audience singing is encouraged
Watkinson School, Hartford’s oldest independent private day school for grades 6-12/PG, is pleased to announce that the school has been selected to be featured on Empowered Hosted By Meg Ryan to highlight its College Preparatory Education program and showcase the exceptional opportunities and experiences students gain through a Watkinson School education. Empowered produces short-form documentaries
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