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Want to know why…

Watkinson’s Classes of 2022 & 2023 were offered $5 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.

That’s why.

Want to know why…

Watkinson’s unrivaled academic programs — like Exhibitions, Senior Seminar, & dual diplomas — get students accepted into the country’s best colleges?

“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

That’s why.

Want to know why…

100% of Watkinson parents agree that the school is a safe place to learn, where the emotional development of their students is supported?

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.

That’s why.

Top Rated Best Private School in Hartford CT Niche.com

Want to know why

Watkinson has 100+ 5-Star Reviews on Niche.com from parents & alumni?

“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

That’s why.

Where our private school students have been accepted

Coed, college-preparatory day school for

grades 6–12

Average class size

13

Wide variety of

in trimester seasons

Student-to-teacher ratio

6:1

220 students from

40 towns

reflecting a wide range of academic, personal, and socioeconomic backgrounds

Diploma programs in

&

Classes at the

More than

30%

students of color

a unique PG program for high school graduates who are college-bound but not yet college ready

Info Sessions

An Info Session is an excellent way to get a sense of what Watkinson has to offer. Info sessions will include

  • Welcome with Head of School Teri Schrader and Director of Admission John Crosson
  • Hear from faculty and administrators
  • Q & A panel with current students
  • Campus tour

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.

Upcoming Info Sessions...

DEC

8

9:00AM
ON CAMPUS
JAN

19

9:00AM
ON CAMPUS
FEB

23

9:00AM
ON CAMPUS
Play Video

“At Watkinson, we don’t have AP classes, because, in fact, we don’t think they’re rigorous enough.”

Jen O’Brien

Director of Global Studies & Science Teacher

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.

Tuition for the 2023–2024 School Year

6th and 7th grade — $43,400.00
8th to 12th grade — $48,700.00
Academy — $35,100.00
International — $49,700.00

the clarity app

The School and Student Service for Financial Aid

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. 

Latest News

Private school alumnus writes screenplay

Watkinson School Alumnus Writes Screenplay for Film Starring Paul Giamatti

Watkinson School alumnus and Connecticut native David Hemingson ’82, the 2012 recipient of Watkinson’s Lifetime Achievement Award, has written the screenplay for The Holdovers, a film directed by Alexander Payne and starring Paul Giamatti. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Hemingson admitted that much of the film was inspired by his own life, specifically

Read More »

Watkinson School Appoints New Chief Financial and Operations Officer 

Watkinson School is pleased to announce its new Chief Financial and Operations Officer is Julia Winer of West Hartford, CT.   The CFOO provides strategic financial and operational leadership and is part of the senior leadership team. Winer will work closely with Head of School Teri Schrader, who taught Winer when she attended the Francis W.

Read More »
Private School Debate Team Returns.

WATKINSON/WESTFIELD DEBATE TEAM AND SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Watkinson’s international, award-winning debate team is looking for new members! This activity welcomes all Watkinson students, both Upper and Middle Schoolers and introverts and extroverts alike. We are offering two week-long virtual morning programs this summer during the weeks of June 26th and July 10th and an option for once-a-week virtual summer classes for students

Read More »

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