West Hartford Private School Students at Watkinson
There’s a reason almost 30% of the Watkinson student body comes from West Hartford
Annually, nearly one-third of our student body comes from the town of West Hartford. Watkinson, a private school for grades 6-12/PG, has excellent relationships with all of the West Hartford public schools, built on strong mutual respect and a shared commitment to the best interest of each and every student.
- A parent says...
- A teacher says...
- A student says...
“The first time we stepped foot on campus, we knew we had a very different thing going on here.”
Leesa Wallace
Alumni Parent, West Hartford
“When we see a need or a want, we can work to make that happen.”
Jenny Esposito
Head of the Middle School
"Because of how tight-knit we are, it allows me to be a much better learner, to be more comfortable in class, and to be who I am."
Ethan Lavallee '20
At Middlebury College
There’s a reason Watkinson’s West Hartford graduates succeed in the best schools in the country
There’s a reason students come to Watkinson from all different West Hartford schools!
Here’s where they’ve come from!
There’s a reason West Hartford students are happy here... and there’s a reason happiness matters
Research proves that happiness at school directly affects how students learn. When was the last time your child was actually happy at school?
For 141 years, Watkinson School has been a leader in student happiness and genuine achievement. Now we’ve compiled the latest research into a free guide for parents. Sign up to receive your report on happiness and student success.
“The first time we stepped foot on campus, we knew we had a very different thing going on here.”
Leesa Wallace, Alumni Parent from West Hartford
How to apply and enroll at Watkinson School
Visit Campus
Your first visit to Watkinson’s campus can take any one of several forms. See the Watkinson community in action at an info session. Prospective students are welcome to come for a tour, or to spend the day with a current student. Lunch (the best school lunch around!) is on us, of course.
Interview
Getting to know you is the most important thing we do. Student and parent interviews can be conducted simultaneously, either in-person or virtually depending on your preference.
Apply
Start your Watkinson School online application here. We also accept the Standard Online Application from SSAT.
Financial Aid
We are strongly committed to financial aid, and it is much in demand by our families. To make sure you receive first consideration, returning students please submit your financial aid applications by January 13th. New applicants must submit the financial aid application by February 1.
Tuition & Financial Aid
More than 60% of our students receive financial aid to attend Watkinson!
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
SSS
The School and Student Service for Financial Aid
Watkinson subscribes to the guidelines of The School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in computing financial need. You’ll go to their website in order to fill out the PFS.
PFS
Parents’ Financial Statement
At the SSS website, you will fill out a Parents’ Financial Statement, which must be submitted by February 1. Our school code is 8050.
RFN
Report of Financial Need
Once SSS processes your PFS, they return a Report of Financial Need to Watkinson. We recommend that you request a copy of the RFN for yourself while you are filling out your PFS.
returning students
Financial aid awards for returning students are reviewed each February; the continuation of aid and an increase or decrease in amount are decided on the basis of financial need and the overall available financial aid budget.
Payment Options
A no-interest monthly payment plan is available through SMART Tuition.
Directions & Parking
When you arrive on campus, please check in at the welcome center. You will be directed to park in our main parking lot and a member of the admissions team will come greet you.
You can find more specific directions here.