The Hotchkiss School is an independent boarding school located in Lakeville, Connecticut.
Founded in 1891, the school provides an education of unsurpassed quality to approximately 600 students in grades 9 through 12, and to a small number of postgraduates.
The Hotchkiss School strives to develop in students a lifelong love of learning, responsible citizenship, and personal integrity.
We are a community based on trust, mutual respect, and compassion, and we hold all members of the community accountable for upholding these values.
The school is committed to mastery of learning skills, development of intellectual curiosity, excellence, and creativity in all disciplines, and enthusiastic participation in athletics and other school activities.
We encourage our students to develop clarity of thought, confidence and facility in expressing ideas, and artistic and aesthetic sensitivity.
We expect all members of the community, in and out of the classroom, to subject their views and actions to critical examination and to accept responsibility for them.
We hope that our graduates will leave Hotchkiss with a commitment to service to others and to environmental stewardship, and with a greater understanding of themselves and of their responsibilities in a global society.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked CT School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 627 students
- Yearly Tuition: $77,240
- Acceptance rate: 16%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Hotchkiss School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
Year Founded
1891
Colors
White, Yale Blue
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 3, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
627 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
41%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
22 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Formal dress code required at times
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15
Yearly Tuition Cost
$77,240
Tuition Notes
77240 - boarding
65670 - day
% on Financial Aid
34%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$62,913
Acceptance Rate
16%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Erby L. Mitchell, Jr.
Application URL
Endowment Size
$617.1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
23 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: MONITI MELIORA SEQUAMUR - Guided by each other, let us seek better paths.
- School Mascot: Bearcats
- Interviews and Standardized Testing is required for all applicants
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Hotchkiss School cost?
The Hotchkiss School's tuition is approximately $77,240 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Hotchkiss School?
The acceptance rate of The Hotchkiss School is 16%, which is lower than the national average of 71%. The Hotchkiss School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Connecticut with low acceptance rates.
Does The Hotchkiss School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Hotchkiss School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Hotchkiss School offer?
The Hotchkiss School offers 23 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Water Polo and Wrestling. The Hotchkiss School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for most sports offered.
What is The Hotchkiss School's ranking?
The Hotchkiss School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for The Hotchkiss School?
The application deadline for The Hotchkiss School is Jan. 15.
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