A legitimate step forward

Be ready for college

Do a Postgraduate year at The Academy at Watkinson School

The Academy is a highly personalized postgraduate 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.

Lee Block ’16

American University ’20, BA in International Studies and Russian Language

John Strycharz ’17

Rochester Institute of Technology ’22, BS in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Jacquelyn Collas ’17

Emmanuel College ’21, BA in Graphic Design

Kayla Henry ’23

Central CT State University ’27

Jack Marzi ’23

Sacred Heart University ’27

“The Academy helped me to become a more thoughtful individual; it helped me to take the next step in my maturity.”

Mason Battle '22, currently in a pre-veterinary program at the University of Maine '26

“Watkinson allows you to build your entire image; they see you as a person holistically.”

Hannah Ortiz, Academy ’19, Bachelor of Arts in English, Professional Writing and New Media Concentration from UMASS Boston '22

Learning Skills Program & the Academy

Learning Skills Program & The Academy A flagship program in the education field, Watkinson’s Learning Skills Program serves students with high motivation and academic potential who need support in academic and/or study skills. The goal is for every student to develop compensatory skills to become a self-advocate through understanding their strengths and needs. Learn more here.

International Students & the Academy

The Academy at Watkinson welcomes international students from all over the world. International students enjoy a real American immersion experience, living either on campus or with an American host family. The Academy offers tremendous learning and leadership opportunities through internships, high school as well as university classes, athletics, the arts, and our excellent ELL (English Language Learners) program. Our outstanding college guidance program will assist you with the entire college application process and will help you find the perfect fit.

How is this PG program different?

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.

See yourself in The Academy at Watkinson

Professional connections

He was the youngest member of his large public high school’s graduating class and hoped to develop his confidence and voice before enrolling in college.
In The Academy, he completed a capstone project studying political science that includ- ed an internship in Connecticut’s Legislative Offices and found his passion for geopoli- tics.
He earned a degree in International Studies and Russian Language from American University and is completing a Master’s degree in Foreign Service, Global Politics and Security at Georgetown University.

Honing interests

Still searching for a passion and clear direction in high school, and with little time left to find interesting college programs, this student found art—ceramics, music, lighting, and stage design.
In The Academy, he took four college courses, did the lighting design for three Watkin- son theater productions, and launched his own business within his capstone project.
He graduated from college with an engineering degree, works in systems design, and still owns his own successful lighting design business that has contracts with some of the most impressive music venues in the country.

Self-advocacy

Always interested in 4-H and agriculture, this student wasn’t sure if college was in her future or what role it would play in her future.
In The Academy, she improved her communication and leadership skills and worked with our college counselors to find the perfect program for her.
She was a student leader and college ambassador at her university while earning a de- gree in Animal Science and Livestock. She now runs a successful organic farm.

Student and athlete

Already an NCAA D1 recruit, this student knew she could handle the rigors of college basketball, but wanted to be sure she could also thrive academically.
In The Academy, she took college courses and Watkinson classes, participated in several clubs and student groups, and won a New England Championship on the court.
She is currently playing D1 basketball and consistently makes the academic honor roll.

Want to know more about The Academy?

John Crosson

Director of Admission
860-236-5618

EMAIL ME