AS THE WEATHER COOLS, OUR THOUGHTS TURN TO SCHOOL. WHETHER IN THE CLASSROOM, IN NATURE’S CLASSROOM, ON THE FIELD OR TEACHING REMOTELY, THESE ACADEMIC CENTERS FOSTER A LOVE OF LEARNING WITH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY, PERSONALIZED EDUCATION AND ROBUST PROGRAMMING.
Archbishop Stepinac High School
950 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY
stepinac.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 800+
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO:1 to 13
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 0/100
YOU SHOULD KNOW: The mission of Archbishop Stepinac High School is to offer young men a highly competitive academic and extracurricular program that will prepare them for college and leadership roles. The faculty and staff accomplish these objectives by pursuing excellence and creating a supportive, disciplined atmosphere with a strong sense of camaraderie and Christian values that is unique to the Stepinac experience.
Stepinac is ranked among the nation’s top 50 Catholic high schools. Stepinac is recognized as a standard bearer of curriculum innovation, starting with the launch of the first-of-its-kind all- digital textbook library.
Stepinac was the first high school in the region to launch the Honors Academy, a small, three-year personalized learning program, offering academically high- achieving students in-depth studies in engineering, health sciences, economics, and finance and law.
Stepinac’s new cutting-edge distance learning spaces, modeled after Columbia University’s classrooms, are the latest chapter in Stepinac’s record as a preeminent leader in secondary education.
The school offers 22 Advanced Placement courses and boasts a 100% graduation rate. The Stepinac Theatre has won critical acclaim for its productions of fall dramas and spring musicals. Among its alumni are Academy Award winner Jon Voight and Emmy-Award winner Alan Alda.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: Stepinac’s pioneering blended learning platform has taken virtual learning to a new level, a capability that made it possible for the school to quickly implement its long-distance learning plan when face-to-face instruction was suspended because of the pandemic. The quick and smooth transition to totally remote learning for all 800 students was made possible by Stepinac’s long-term development of advanced learning technologies that are typically found at college, not at a high school. “Since the students and faculty already had a solid, working knowledge of the platform’s applications, there was no need for training once the decision was made to go totally remote,” says Paul Carty, principal. This year, Stepinac is poised to continue leveraging its curriculum innovations, like no other in the region, to continue providing young men with the skills they will need to be globally competitive at the college level and in their future careers in the classroom.
ATHLETICS: Since its founding, Stepinac has maintained a top-ranked interscholastic athletics program. The Crusaders’ varsity sports teams, especially football, base- ball and basketball, have won numerous championships and some players went on to gain greater fame as sports professionals including NFL and Super Bowl great Bob Hyland and former NFL player Eric Ogbogu.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: For up-to-date information regarding open house and admissions, visit the website.
CONTACT: Admissions Director Keith Sunderland, 914-946-4800, admissions@ stepinac.org.
Eagle Hill School
45 Glenville Rd., Greenwich, CT
eaglehillschool.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 260
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: An average of 1 to 4
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 40/60
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Eagle Hill School, a life-changing experience, offers children who learn differently the opportunity to grow into capable, resilient students with the self-confidence and character necessary to meet the challenges they will face beyond Eagle Hill.
At Eagle Hill, each child’s learning experience is completely customized. Each student is carefully evaluated and, based on the specific nature of his or her learning difference, a personalized educational pro- gram is developed. The program is designed for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, executive function disorder, auditory processing disorder, ADHD and other language-based learning differences.
HEALTH & SAFETY: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that the past few months of learning at home have been challenging for many parents—particularly those who have children with learning differences. We also know that while many families are excited to return to an on-campus learning experience, other families aren’t ready to be back in a school setting.
Eagle Hill is ready to deliver a personalized education program to each child in whichever way works best for that family. The online program has six live academic classes every day. All classes are taught by our exceptionally well-trained, full-time faculty.
Speech & Language pathologists and the Psychological Services Team are integrated into classroom time, collaborate with teachers, and also host one-on-one and group sessions with students.
The on-campus program will allow Eagle Hill to continue providing a personalized education program to students who learn differently while maximizing safety. Students and faculty will be grouped into “cohort” groups—staying together for the school day. Everyone arriving to campus will be screened and protocols are in place to ensure that all faculty and students wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open house dates are September 15,
October 13, October 20, November 17, January 12, February 2, February 16.
CONTACT: Director of Enrollment Jennifer Shirazi, j.shirazi@eaglehill.org, 203- 622-9240, ext. 664
Fairfield College Preparatory School
1073 North Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT
fairfieldprep.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 775
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 16
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 0/100
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Fairfield College Preparatory School is a Jesuit, Catholic school of excellence forming young men of intellectual competence, who possess the conscience to make wise decisions, a compassion for others and a commitment to justice in our global society.
Fairfield Prep offers a rigorous academic program for boys in ninth through 12th grade in the Jesuit educational tradition, with an outstanding record of college acceptances and an emphasis on mission in program as well as a full slate of sports and activities.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: At Fairfield Prep, students are engaged with synchronous, interactive learning; the school has a robust technological infrastructure; and teachers are trained to expand their professional capabilities. Formative programming also provides opportunities for students to experience special presentations, counsel- ing sessions, peer tutoring, and even recreational opportunities.
ATHLETICS: Fairfield Prep has 35 sports teams, including football, soccer, cross country, crew, basketball, hockey, skiing, wrestling, swimming and diving, indoor track, baseball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, track and field, and rugby.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open House will be held Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 4 p.m
CONTACT: Director of Admissions
Kevin Altieri, 203-254-4210, kaltieri@fairfieldprep.org.
Fordham Preparatory School
441 East Fordham Road Bronx, NY
fordhamprep.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 962
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 12:1
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 0/100
YOU SHOULD KNOW: The mission of Fordham Preparatory School is to form leaders in faith, scholarship and service through a college preparatory education in the Catholic Jesuit tradition.
Founded in 1841, Fordham Prep is one of the oldest Catholic Jesuit high schools in America. They are located on the historic and scenic Rose Hill Campus adjacent to Fordham University and across from the New York Botanical Gardens. Students come from more than 110 unique zip codes. Virtual Learning and Health and Safety: Fordham Prep opens this fall using a hybrid model combining in-person instruction and remote learning. Families have the option to choose between the hybrid model or, if they prefer, a student may remain enrolled while engaging in full remote learning at home. Therefore, each student’s academic experience is tailored to his, and his family’s, individual needs—a vital aspect of the Fordham Prep experience. While students will spend some time engaging in remote learning, 100% of instructional time for all students is preserved by the hybrid schedule.
Last spring, Fordham Prep’s faculty, students and parents collaborated to develop a successful remote learning experience. Relying on research, best practices and feedback from faculty, students and parents, the school has enhanced its strategies and methods of remote learning in order to improve our hybrid model. Since March, 70 members of faculty have participated in specialized professional development programs such as those offered through the Global Online Academy and the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute. During the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, students had access to Fordham Prep’s seasoned and dedicated counseling department, which includes school and college counselors as well as clinicians. This access continues during the hybrid model this fall, during which students can meet with members of the counseling staff both in person and remotely. Jesuit education focuses on the education of the “whole person.” Ensuring that students have access to their counselors during this time is a vital aspect of the Fordham Prep mission.
ATHLETICS: Fordham Prep offers 41 unique teams in 18 varsity sports and has won 45 individual and team New York City and New York State championships since 2010.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open houses will be held Thursday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 1, at 1 p.m.; Registration is required (provided events are permitted by public health officials).
CONTACT: Director of Admissions Bradley Serton ‘95, 718-584-8367, admissions@fordhamprep.org.
Green Meadow Waldorf School
307 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge, NY
gmws.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 200
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 8
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 60/40, gender inclusive
YOU SHOULD KNOW: A different kind of private school, Green Meadow Waldorf School strives to create a social, cultural and learning environment that recognizes the child’s spiritual freedom and growth. Inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s insights into human development, Green Meadow nurtures the physical, emotional and intellectual capacities of the growing child through a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Green Meadow Waldorf School engenders in its young people the academic, social, artistic and practical abilities that will enable them to become self-reliant and generous individuals capable of meeting whatever challenges they face in the future.
Green Meadow has one of the few Forest Preschools in the region, where students spend their time at school almost exclusively outside in the woods. Every class in the Lower and Middle schools (first through eighth grade) puts on a class play every year. The high school students participate in an international exchange program in 10th grade and unique senior projects and senior internships in 12th grade. Green Meadow offers busing from NYC and Westchester. Health & Safety: For the children’s safety, the school is reinventing many aspects of school life for fall 2020 while remaining true to the core principles of Waldorf education. Such changes include smaller class sizes, outdoor classrooms and extensive use of the 11-acre wooded campus, hand- washing stations throughout campus, physical distancing indoors and outdoors, and online learning if mandated by New York State.
ATHLETICS: Students participate in baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, tennis, track and volleyball.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open house is held every Friday at 1 p.m.
CONTACT: Averi Lohss, 845-356-2514, ext. 302, alohss@gmws.org.
Greens Farms Academy
35 Beachside Ave., Westport, CT
gfacacademy.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 715
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 8
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 50/50
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Greens Farms Academy engages students as partners in an innovative, inclusive and globally minded community to prepare them for a life of purpose. At GFA, faculty empowers students to do the challenging, thrilling, essential work of shaping their own world and of building their own future. Pre-K through 12th grade students come from 23 towns in Fairfield and Westchester counties and form an inclusive community that plays on 64 interscholastic athletic teams, participates in a robust service-learning program and aspires to live by the school’s motto, “Each for all.”
The prestigious academic program is built around small class sizes, mentoring partnerships with faculty and signature programs (World Perspectives, STEAM, and Human Ecology and Sustainability) spanning all grades.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: Our faculty and staff have responded with an incredible sense of creativity and urgency and developed virtual learning programs that feature engagement, growth, creativity and connectedness. Our goals are for our students to continue benefiting from a world-class GFA education, to find comfort and structure in the school routine, and to maintain connections with each other and with their teachers. Learn more about GFA’s distance learning program at here.
ATHLETICS: hockey, golf, lacrosse, sailing, soccer, softball, squash, tennis, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, wrestling, and track and field.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: We will host open houses, in-person or virtual, throughout the fall of 2020. In the meantime, our admission team would love to hear from you and start the conversation. Visit gfacademy.org for details. You can also take a 360-degree virtual tour today.
CONTACT: Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Ann Miller, 203-256-7525, amiller@gfacademy.org.
Greenwich Academy
200 North Maple Ave., Greenwich, CT
greenwichacademy.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 818
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 5
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 100/0
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Since 1827, Greenwich Academy has provided the ideal balance of a character-based education within the context of an extraordinary academic environment. A leader in girls’ education, GA sets a high bar in academics, athletics, the arts and service leadership. Upper School girls also benefit from a coordinated program with the all-boys Brunswick School, with co-ed classes held on both campuses. GA’s signature programs include the Girls Advancing in STEM Network, the Institute for Public Purpose and the Career Resource Center.
GA’s new Lower School building opens this fall and other campus renovations are in the near future, including a new Visual Arts Center. Visit the school’s website for a detailed overview of the admission process and campus initiatives.
ATHLETICS: Fall sports include crew, cross country, field hockey, soccer and volleyball. Winter sports are basketball, ice hockey, skiing, squash, swimming and diving Spring sports include crew, golf, lacrosse, sailing, tennis, track and field, and water polo.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: As GA continues to monitor the reopening of schools in the fall, they will determine dates for either on- campus and/or virtual admission events.Please check the website for updates.
CONTACT: Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid Nina Freeman Hanlon, 203-625-8990, nhanlon@greenwichacademy.org.
Greenwich Country Day School
401 Old Church Rd., Greenwich, CT (nursery to eighth grade)
257 Stanwich Rd., Greenwich, CT (ninth through 12th grade)
gcds.net
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 1,300
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 6
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 48/52
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Greenwich Country Day School is a co-educational, college preparatory, independent school in Greenwich, CT, for nursery through 12th grade.
The mission of Greenwich Country Day School is to enable all children in their care to discover and to develop what is finest in themselves—to achieve the highest standards in their studies, in their play and in their character.
The purposeful mission of academic excellence and character development is as relevant today as it was at the school’s founding in 1926. GCDS’s curriculum builds a solid background in the sciences and humanities while challenging students to develop critical knowledge and skills through inquiry, exploration, interdisciplinary studies and real-world applications. GCDS’s pedagogy and curricula seek to bring forward multiple perspectives, disciplines and voices as a means to deepen learning and develop empathy—all to help GCDS students graduate as engaged, ethical global citizens. Important lessons are learned not only in the classroom, but also on the playing fields, in the art room, on stage and through extracurricular activities, such as the chess team, robotics club and student publications. An extensive community service program and numerous leadership opportunities teach students to turn their initiative and generosity into meaningful action. GCDS graduates are known as exceptionally well-prepared for success in higher education—and in life.
ATHLETICS: The GCDS Athletics and Physical Education program encourages fitness for life and prepares students to compete in sports at the collegiate level. From their first P.E. class in nursery, students discover the joy of healthy physical activity and the importance of good sportsmanship. With the introduction of team sports in third grade and the start of inter- scholastic sports in sixth grade, they help students find and pursue their interests through a range of offerings. The Upper School program is devoted to developing skill, character and confidence through rigorous competition at all levels. Sports offered include field hockey, football, soccer, cross country, dance, tennis, ice hockey, basketball, wrestling, cross training, golf, squash, crew, sailing, lacrosse, softball and baseball.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open House will be held October 18 for nursery through eighth grade, October 25 for ninth through 12th grade.
CONTACT: Director of Admissions Cheryl Plummer, 203-863-5610, admissions@gcds.net.
Iona Preparatory School
255 Wilmot Rd., New Rochelle, NY(Upper School)
173 Stratton Rd.,New Rochelle, NY (Lower School)
ionaprep.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 814 (Upper School), 200 (Lower School)
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 25
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Iona Preparatory School is a Catholic community inspired by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice as expressed in the Essential Elements of a Christian Brothers Education. Iona Prep develop young men into moral and ethical leaders who are dedicated to Christian service and who strive for spiritual, intellectual and physical excellence.
Westchester’s only all-boys, prekindergarten through 12th grade Catholic school has been preparing young men for success for more than 100 years. Rigorous academics with three levels of study, a personalized and comprehensive school counseling and college advisement program, unique Christian service and leadership opportunities locally, nationally and internationally, championship athletics, and an array of activities provide students with the foundation for success in college and in life. Graduates have earned more than $130 million in academic, merit-based scholarships over the last five years. Parents can feel confident their son will have an early start on excellence in a safe, serene learning environment spread across 37 acres of suburban green. With eight different shuttles that complement district and public transportation, students can get to us from wherever they are.
ATHLETICS: Iona Prep was recently named the Tom Whelan Private School of the Year by LoHud Sports, with two wrestling state champions in Matt Kelly ’20 and A.J. Kovacs ’20, and Westchester County’s top runner in Pedro Bravo ’20. Varsity B basketball won the City Championship, while varsity soccer and indoor track were finalists. The latter also placed second at states, and varsity football enjoyed an unbeaten regular season title. Most impressively, Iona Prep’ scholar-athletes had a cumulative GPA of 91.4 and 15 percent will play collegiately.
HEALTH & SAFETY: Iona Prep is committed to reopening with a plan that puts emphasis on in-seat instruction to maximize the cognitive and social-emotional benefits, while utilizing meticulously-crafted schedules that simultaneously allow for maximum physical distance, as well as separation between Houses, in creating an exceptional educational environment with the lowest risk possible.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: With reopening plans yet to be officially accepted, interested families may go to ionaprep.org/visit to make sure they receive the latest information about events and spend-a-days, whether the school holds in-person or virtual classes.
CONTACT: Lower School Admissions Director Mario Aceto, 914-633-7744, ext. 418, maceto@ionaprep.org; Upper School Admissions Director Barbara Robertson, 914-600-6154, brobertson@ionaprep.org.
Keating Quigley Educational Advisors
500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400., Greenwich, CT
keatingquigley.com
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Keating Quigley Educational Advisors are bespoke partners in education. As former admissions and secondary school counseling directors at a private school in Connecticut, Verona and Jacquie recognize that each student’s character, learning style and overall potential is unique. That is why they partner with domestic and international families to provide a bespoke service for early childhood, elementary and secondary school educational advising.
Keating Quigley believes in the importance of identifying the right school environment to support each student’s individual attributes. To achieve this, they focus on placing equal emphasis on the social, emotional and academic needs of their students to ensure a path to success and happiness. Through their highly collaborative approach, Keating Quigley helps students navigate their educational journey to end up at their best fit school.
In addition to educational advisory services, Keating Quigley provides full-service relocation support, and essay support/ guidance. Keating Quigley will also offer a series of academic enrichment workshops for fall 2020.
VISIT THE CONSULTANTS: Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your child’s educational journey.
CONTACT: Founding Partners Verona Keating and Jacquie Quigley, 203-987- 5602, info@keatingquigley.com
King School
1450 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT
kingschoolct.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 688
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 6
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 44/56
YOU SHOULD KNOW: King School seeks more than achievement for students. King opens minds and sparks courageous thinking. Every day, students discover and forge their unique paths to excellence, as dedicated faculty teach, guide and cheer them on. Because when King sets better standards for both the experience and outcomes of education, students cultivate the insights and heart to own their future.
When children are told there are only a few achievements worth striving for, and that their friends are really their competitors, their creativity and independence are stifled. King sets a better standard by daring young people to ask more of their education than a race to the finish. The better way to be your best means amplifying students’ passions and know that their King experience will take them wherever they want to go.
When students are known, supported and understood at a school, they feel more confident in exploring new things and taking risks. As a result, they are more likely to discover new strengths and push beyond what’s required to “make the grade.” King students pursue meaningful research, boldly intertwine academic subjects and share their learning in diverse formats. They deepen their understanding through the give and take of different perspectives. King students discover a better way to be their best.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: King’s commitment to students and their families across all divisions is rooted in a commitment to prioritizing the student experience through active engagement. Their KingIsHome program enables students to stay connected, stay balanced and continue to learn together.
ATHLETICS: When students take part in physical education and athletic competition, they experience the values of perseverance, leadership and respect. Athletes who positively partner with others and commit to define their path to excellence emerge more confident and well-rounded. King’s competitive 28 varsity teams, 13 junior varsity teams and 36 Middle School teams often win FAA and NEPSAC championships.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: The safety of students, staff and families is top priority, and King carefully assesses and pursue actions that are appropriate for the community. They are committed to following the guidance and advice from experts so that policies and practices are informed by the strongest evidence available.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Explore King and meet faculty, students and parents at their open house: prekindergarten through through 12th grades may attend an open house on November 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. To register, visit here.
Join King for Coffee & Conversation on Tuesdays starting at 9:45 a.m. To register visit here.
CONTACT: Director of Admission and Financial Access Nina Newman, 203-322-3496, ext. 350, nnewman@kingschoolct.org.
The Long Ridge School
478 Erskine Rd.
Stamford, CT
longridgeschool.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 75
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 4 to 1
YOU SHOULD KNOW: The Long Ridge School (LRS) is an independent school, age 2 to grade 5, on a bucolic campus tucked away on 14 acres in the North Stamford woods. Students are drawn from many local Connecticut and New York towns.
Long Ridge is a small elementary school by design, where children stay children longer and thrive in an environment created specifically for them.
Our teachers are themselves learners, constantly improving their practice to ensure gold standard academic programs with a modern, collaborative, problem- solving approach. The Long Ridge School has a diverse and globally inclusive community, where children are known and valued as unique individuals and learning is an active, joyful experience. With excellent teachers and strong programs in math, literacy, science, music and the arts, Long Ridge graduates are actively recruited by the best area middle schools. Visit The Long Ridge School’s reopening plan and distance learning for information.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Personal tours are available by appointment only.
CONTACT: Director of Admissions, Julian Shettler, 203-322-7693, jshettler@longridgeschool.org
The Masters School
49 Clinton Ave., Dobbs Ferry, NY
mastersny.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 675
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 8
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 49/51
YOU SHOULD KNOW: The Masters School celebrates active participation, deep understanding and meaningful connection. A community of diverse individuals, the school community gathers to learn, to strive, to dare, to do and to be a power for good in the world.
The Masters School is distinguished by its powerful and transformative approach to education featuring the Harkness teaching method. Gathered around oval tables, students take an active role in their education, which builds confident, collaborative and poised learners. Complement- ing its strong academics and athletics, Masters features a robust visual and per- forming arts program that is fully integrated into the curriculum. Masters is a day and boarding school, so every student also benefits from the residential faculty, global diversity (there are 30 countries represented) and numerous activities. Recent additions include the state-of-the- art 70,000-square-foot Athletics and Arts Center. Students here are empowered to realize their greatest potential across academic, athletic and artistic disciplines and emerge ready for success in college, career and life. Private Connecticut busing options are available.
ATHLETICS: The school has 16 interscholastic sports, plus numerous club and recreational sports, from martial arts to ultimate frisbee. Recent league, state or national championships include soccer, basketball and fencing.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open house is Saturday, October 20. Fifth through eighth grade will be held at 9 a.m.; ninth through 12th grade will be held at 1 p.m.
CONTACT: Admission Office, 914-479-6420, admission@mastersny.org
Millbrook School
131 Millbrook School Rd., Millbrook, NY
millbrook.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 315
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1:4
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 50/50
YOU SHOULD KNOW: In a community where every student is known and needed, Millbrook prepares its graduates for college and lives of meaning and consequence by instilling the values of respect, integrity, stewardship, service and curiosity.
Millbrook is the only high school in the world to have an AZA accredited zoo on its campus, and in this unique educational facility students take college-level science electives, including Animal Behavior and Independent Science Research. The school breeds nine endangered species and students are involved in their daily care. Mill- brook is a certified leader in environmental education and proudly sources 100% of its energy from a seven-acre solar field. The school also upholds a tradition of service and stewardship unlike any other. More than 30 community service offerings are part of everyday school life, built into the daily schedule.
HEALTH & SAFETY: Millbrook has published a complete reopening plan that highlights all health and safety measures they are taking. View the plan at millbrook.org/ reopening-plan.
ATHLETICS: Students may participate in 38 teams in 14 interscholastic sports.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: A virtual fall open house will be held in September and/or October 2020.
CONTACT: Director of Admission Meg Grover, 845-677-8261, mgrover@millbrook.org
New Canaan Country School
635 Frogtown Rd, New Canaan, CT
countryschool.net
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 550
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 5:1
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 50/50
YOU SHOULD KNOW: New Canaan Country School creates an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.
Founded in 1916, New Canaan Country School is a co-ed, independent day school for students in prekindergarten (ages 3 and 4) through ninth grade. Located on a 75-acre campus in New Canaan, the school serves families living throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties. Before- and afterschool programs are available. Our graduates excel at top day, boarding and public secondary schools and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose.
ATHLETICS: One hundred percent of students participate in physical education and athletics. Sports teams offered include cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, fitness, ice hockey, paddle tennis, squash, yoga, baseball, lacrosse and softball.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Check the website, countryschool.net/visit, for a schedule of upcoming admission events.
CONTACT: Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Pamela Safford, 203-801-5608, or admisioninfo@countryschool.net.
Putnam Indian Field School
101 Indian Field Rd., Greenwich, CT
pifs.net
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 150
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: Toddlers 1 to 4 General 1 to 6
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 50/50
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Putnam Indian Field School’s mission is to inspire confidence, curiosity, creativity and a sense of community in every child they teach. PIFS is an independent, co- educational preschool for toddlers through prekindergarten. PIFS has been the premier early childhood program in the Greenwich area for more than 40 years. Rooted in a play-based, Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, it provides children with an outstanding first school experience and a love of learning.
Built exclusively for young children, the facilities and campus set PIFS apart from all other early childhood programs. The “little red schoolhouse” has evolved over the years to include eight light-filled classrooms, a science room, gymnasium, an art studio, a lunchroom and kitchen. In addition, there are five outdoor play areas designed to challenge the var- ious ages and abilities of preschool children, including a new natural playscape with a ropes course, zipline, climbing nets, forts and basket swings. Extensive organic vegetable gardens provide learning experiences for the children and healthy food for lunches and snacks.
The educated and experienced faculty is committed to providing the best learning environment for children. For PIFS educators, teaching at the school is more than a job, it is their calling, and many of the teachers have been with the school for decades. They are dedicated to understanding each child’s needs, interests and abilities, and to creating plans for continual growth and development. The teachers are happy to spend their days learning and playing with young children.
Parents are an integral part of the school. Constant communication between families and teachers ensures happy and productive experiences for PIFS students. Parent volunteers run the school events and provide input through their involvement on the Board of Trustees and the various committees of the Parents Association.
For the children of PIFS, life at school is play-based, hands- on and full of interesting and exciting learning experiences. “Students here are happy to arrive on campus and eagerly greet me with smiles at the front door every school day,” says Head of School Susan Donaghy.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Call to schedule an appointment to tour the school.
CONTACT: Director of Advancement Marie Cosgrove, 203- 661-4629, marie.cosgrove@pifs.net
Sacred Heart Greenwich
1177 King St., Greenwich, CT
shgreenwich.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 615
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 6
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 100/0
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Sacred Heart Greenwich, founded in 1848, is an independent Catholic, college preparatory school for young women from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a co-educational early childhood education program.
Sacred Heart, steeped in a solid academic tradition, educates women to have independent judgment, personal freedom and strength of character so that they can become leaders with broad intellectual and spiritual horizons. Cultivating prophetic leaders is a compelling commitment of their education, and the entire school community, and as a member of the Sacred Heart Network of Schools, it is dedicated to these goals and criteria: A personal and active faith in God, a deep respect for intellectual values, a social awareness which impels to action, the building of community as a Christian value and personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom. Sacred Heart Greenwich has a 110-acre campus, 24 AP classes, an on-campus observatory, 60 Upper School clubs, 27 athletic teams, and 16 online courses offered through SophieConnect. The language program begins with three languages offered starting in preschool; Upper School students choose among five languages. Each year, Middle and Upper School students complete nearly 12,000 community service hours each year, 104 Middle and Upper School students participate in exchange and service travel programs, and more than 20 seniors serve as Eucharistic minsters. Broadcast journalism students have won nearly 500 regional and national awards.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: Our in-house virtual school is grounded in a distance learn- ing philosophy based on community and connectivity. Our goal is to integrate student voices in the day-to-day experience, to foster social-emotional connections, to offer creative, novel forms of assignments and assessments, and provide new opportunities for independent and collaborative learning.
ATHLETICS: Sacred Heart Greenwich has a 35,600-square-foot athletic center designed for women’s sports, including three National Federation of State High School Associations regulation basketball and volleyball courts, six international singles squash courts, classrooms for health and physical education, a strength and conditioning room, a dance and yoga studio, and a sports medicine center. A 25-yard indoor swimming pool has a Colorado Timing System with electronic touch- pads and digital pace clocks. Outside, the school has a 154,800-square-foot multi- purpose, synthetic outdoor playing surface, six hard-court tennis courts, two natural grass fields and a three-mile cross-country course.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Please visit here to learn about opportunities to explore Sacred Heart virtually and on campus.
CONTACT: Director of Admission Katie Cullinane, 203-532-3534, admission@cshct.org.
Waterside School
770 Pacific St., Stamford, CT
watersideschool.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 150
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 17
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 7
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 48/52
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Waterside School is a co-educational prekindergarten through fifth-grade independent school serving children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance. The school attracts and inspires students of academic promise and families deeply invested in their children’s success.
The school works to instill in its students a belief in their own worth, to cultivate in each a commitment to academic excellence, and to ensure the fullest development of every child’s character. Through a rigorous program of study and experience, the school empowers its students with the knowledge, skills and virtues required to enable them to excel as students, to gain access to superior academic opportunities, and to go forward to become the leaders of tomorrow.
ATHLETICS: Since we are an elementary school, athletics are incorporated in the physical education classes and extracurriculars. Our extracurricular activities include art club, community service, field hockey club, lacrosse club, science club, soccer and basketball teams, swimming lessons, and piano and violin lessons.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Open house will be Sunday, October 25, at 1 p.m. (Subject to change)
CONTACT: 203-975 8579, ext. 206, laurendupree@watersideschool.org.
Whitby School
969 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT
whitbyschool.org
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 260
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 5 to 1
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 50/50
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Whitby inspires a passion for learning and empowers each child to take responsibility as an open- minded, principled citizen in a global community.
Whitby is the only school in the greater Fairfield County area that offers an educational continuum that starts with the Whitby Montessori Children’s House for children from 18 months to kindergarten, and transitions to the world-renowned International Baccalaureate program for first through eighth grade. Whitby is an international community of global-minded families, faculty and staff that speak more than 19 different languages.
ATHLETICS: Athletics at Whitby provides an enriching and balanced experience between the sport and the social-emotional development of the students. We equally support our students new to a sport and the serious athlete.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: Whitby will start the 2020-21 school year with three half-days so students can reestablish relationships with classmates and teachers, and become familiar with changes in routines. We want to show them what may be different but also what remains the same. What’s not changing is the Whitby Spirit and the entire community’s dedication to continuity of learning and meeting the social- emotional needs of students, their families, faculty and staff.
Whitby acknowledges that there may be COVID-19 outbreaks in Connecticut locally, regionally or statewide that will require schools to close and anticipates that the faculty will be required to toggle between in-class learning and distance learning. To that end, planning started before the current school year ended.
Faculty quickly developed innovative teaching skills in the distance learning environment this past spring. Each faculty member, to become even more proficient, was required to take at least one distance learning-related professional development course this summer. For more information, visit here. The distance learning website page shows a sample of how Whitby has transformed its Montessori and IB Programs to deliver effective learning experience across all grade levels. Distance learning does not replicate onsite learning; faculty knows how to provide high-quality instruction that is a combination of interactive, guided and individual learning experiences. Visit here.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: The Virtual Early Childhood Exploration Open House is October 8 at 9:30 a.m.; Virtual Middle School Exploration Open House is October 22 at 9:30 a.m.; and the Virtual All School Open House is October 24 at 1 p.m. and November 12 at 9:30 a.m.
CONTACT: Director of Admissions Silvia Gentile, sgentile@whitbyschool.org, Associate Director of Admissions Dina Lunder, dlunder@whitbyschool.org, or call or email 203-302-3900, admissions@whitbyschool.org.
Wilbraham & Monson Academy
423 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA
wma.us
STUDENTS ENROLLED: 400
TEACHER TO STUDENT RATIO: 1 to 6
PERCENTAGE OF GIRLS AND BOYS: 43/57
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world.
The Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance provides courses for students to research and gain trading experience in their journey to understanding the global financial environment. These courses take place in the state-of-the-art Mark R. Shenkman Trading Center, WMA’s showcase facility which includes StockTrack market simulation software as well as video conferencing, among other capabilities.
ATHLETICS: WMA’s Afternoon Program has 29 varsity teams, including olympic sports like rugby, skiing, riflery and water polo.
HEALTH & SAFETY: Wilbraham & Monson Academy understands the many questions and concerns related to COVID-19. The safety and well-being of the WMA community is their highest priority, and they will continue to adapt to changing circumstances as readily as they are able.
VIRTUAL LEARNING: WMA is planning for in-person five-days-a-week classes this fall, with the option for students to participate online if they are unable to be on campus. Read more about their reopening plans, including weekly testing, socially-distanced classrooms and dining areas, and more here.
VISIT THE SCHOOL: Please check here for upcoming open house dates.
CONTACT: Director of Admission and Financial Aid Kate Gaw, 413-596-9107, kgaw@wma.us
