A legitimate step forward

The Academy is a highly personalized post-graduate year that maximizes your skills and interests, while developing all that you need to succeed in college.

THE RESULTS

• College credit. Experience the rigor of college academics and participate in the larger social environs of college, while also receiving the support and guidance of Watkinson teachers and advisors.  Students can take up to two courses each semester at the University of Saint Joseph and/or the University of Hartford (cost included), earning up to 12 credit hours beyond their Watkinson Academy Certificate.

• Control of the College Process. Academy students will benefit from highly personalized college counseling and individualized support from start to finish.  Our college counselors know each student well, create custom recommendations, and coach students in strategy, writing, financial decision-making, and the best possible pathways forward.

• Skills and habits. Develop the necessary traits for college success, including critical thinking, problem solving, analytical reading and writing, reflection, resilience, collaboration, public speaking, and self-advocacy.

• Year-long Academy Project. An in-depth exploration of your own interests for college majors and careers. 

• Relationship-based confidence. At Watkinson, our average class size is 11, and student-teacher relationships are characterized by deep mutual respect.  Students are seen, known, and valued.

• Leadership. Academy students bring the wisdom of their experience to all aspects of student life, from sports to performing arts, clubs, Advisory groups, and more.

Post-graduate programs are opportunities for students to mature in a multitude of ways. While some programs may center on athletic development, The Academy’s central mission is to further develop the academic and interpersonal skills needed to navigate independence in college, while still offering access to all extracurricular programming at the high school level.