Cheshire Academy

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Cheshire Academy Photo #1 - Character development has long been a priority at Cheshire Academy. The Eight Pillars of Bowden are the ways in which we demonstrate our core values and basic beliefs: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Civility, Citizenship, Morality, Fairness and Trustworthiness.
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Cheshire Academy Photo #1 - Character development has long been a priority at Cheshire Academy. The Eight Pillars of Bowden are the ways in which we demonstrate our core values and basic beliefs: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Civility, Citizenship, Morality, Fairness and Trustworthiness.
Cheshire Academy Photo #2 - Our 104 acre (0.42 sq km) campus is in the center of the quiet, beautiful Town of Cheshire, CT. Though just a two hour drive to both Boston and New York, Cheshire is a quiet small town where students are in walking distance of a few area shops and cafes.
Cheshire Academy Photo #3 - Bowden Hall, completed in 1796, is the oldest schoolhouse in continuous use in the state of Connecticut. Cheshire Academy was founded in 1794 and is the 10th oldest boarding school in the US.
Cheshire Academy Photo #4 - Our academic process begins with what students know and want to know, and develops active learners who reflect on their growth and the implications of their learning. Cheshire Academy students grow increasingly capable of independently observing, questioning, explaining, interpreting, and analyzing the world.
Cheshire Academy Photo #5 - We offer a variety of athletic programs each season. The Academy teaches student-athletes the skills and knowledge necessary to learn the sport while also producing championship-winning teams.
Cheshire Academy Photo #6 - Cheshire Academy is home to students from over 30 different countries who chose the Academy because of our reputation as one of the best private schools in the United States. The tradition of enrolling international students at Cheshire Academy dates back to 1850, making this school among the first to enroll students from other countries.
Cheshire Academy Photo #7 - The Cheshire Academy experience is full and active; living and learning takes place not only in the classroom, but also in the art studios, dormitories, dining commons, on the athletic fields, and even on the footpaths that wind around campus. The Academy is a tight-knit and dynamic environment that offers a community rich in diversity.
Cheshire Academy Photo #8 - Many students come to Cheshire Academy knowing they love the arts; others discover their passion while attending. Students planning to pursue Art & Design at the university level can take advantage of our year-long Art Major Program.
Cheshire Academy Photo #9 - CA believes all students can benefit from music education, from beginners to students planning a career in music. Students of music at CA develop tenacity, patience, focus, and confidence, and also have many opportunities to display leadership in several student-led ensembles. Advanced students can take private lessons, audition for all-state festivals, and study AP Music Theory and IB Music.
Cheshire Academy Photo #10 - With 69% of faculty with advanced degrees, an average class size of 10 and a 6:1 student:teacher ratio, CA believes in small classrooms with expert teachers who empower students to take control of their learning.
Founded in 1794, Cheshire Academy is a coed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 plus Postgraduate (PG).
Priceless education priced less: Our day tuition was reduced by nearly a third to be better aligned with the income levels of more families within the region. Boarding tuition was reduced by 10%
In addition to traditional 7-day boarding, Cheshire Academy offers students a 5-day boarding option, allowing them to be at home for weekend commitments such as athletics, arts, family, and community onbligations.
Ranked in the Top 10% "Best College Prep Private Schools in America" and Top Third "Best Boarding Schools in America" (Niche 2023)
The historic 104-acre campus is nestled in the bucolic but central town of Cheshire, Conn., just two hours drive from both Boston and New York City.
With 343 students from 14 states and 27 countries, CA takes a flexible and tailored approach, allowing students to combine a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests.
CA offers personalized learning opportunities like the Roxbury Academic Support Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and Art Major Program.
Cheshire Academy has 17 sports and 27 teams for boys and girls. There are also non-competitive athletic activities to ensure all students have an enjoyable and physically active experience. Cheshire Academy has produced professional athletes as well as countless collegiate athletes.
Students become culturally-sensitive and internationally-minded, and develop the critical thinking skills, confidence, and character that enable them to succeed in college and as citizens of a global society.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Acceptance rate: 63%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cheshire Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1794
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
343 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Cheshire Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
69%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Arts Major Program, HL1/HL2, IB Biology SL & HL1/HL2, IB Chemistry SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Computer Science SL1/SL2, IB Economics SL1/SL2, IB English Language & Literature HL1/2 & SL1/2, IB English Literature HL1/2 & SL1/2, IB Environmental Systems and Society SL, IB French ab Initio 1/ab Initio 2, IB French SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB History of the Americas SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Lit & Performance SL1/SL2, IB Mandarin ab Initio 1/ab Initio 2, IB Mandarin SL1/SL2, IB Math SL2/HL2, IB Math Studies SL2, IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approach SL1, IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL1, IB Music SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Physics SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Spanish SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Sports/Exercise/Health Science SL, IB Theater SL1/SL2, IB Theory of Knowledge Y1/Y2, IB Visual Arts SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2
Average SAT score
1200
Average ACT score
25
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Mon, Tue, Thur: Academic Dress; Wed CA Spirit Day; Friday: Formal Dress

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Tuition Notes
7-Day Boarding: $63,600 5-Day Boarding: $55,375 Day: $42,320
Summer Program Cost Notes
Varies based on program
% on Financial Aid
39%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$22,092
Acceptance Rate
63%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Rebecca Brooks
Admissions Associate
Mark Cheong
Endowment Size
$16.3 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
24 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Admission Ambassadors (Tour Guides), Art Club, Chess Club, Community Service, Digital Photography Club, Eco-Leaders, Garden Club, Ich Dien Society, International Student Society, Model UN, National Honor Society, New England Math League, Peer Counselors, School Newspaper, Science Olympiad, The Gay/Straight Alliance, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Major Program, Drama, Jazz Ensemble/Rock Band, String Ensemble

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness, Snowsports Club, Yoga

School Notes

  • Founded in 1794,CheshireAcademyis a college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-PG. The historic 104-acre campus is nestled in the bucolic, central town ofCheshire, CT, just two hours from Boston and from New York.
  • With approximately 343 students from 14 states and 27 countries, theAcademytakes a flexible and tailored approach, allowing students to combine a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests.For example, many students choose to stretch their intellectual boundaries by taking one of 36 advancedInternational Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programmecourses. This internationally respected program offers a global perspective, challenging students to be independent, critical thinkers concerned and involved with the world around them.
  • With 17 interscholastic athletic teams, as well as non-competitive offerings and many performing and visual arts options, there are extracurricular options for all students.
  • CA also offers a uniqueArt Majorprogramfor students who plan to study art or design at the university level.
  • CheshireAcademyrecognizes that all students learn differently. Through our unique Roxbury Academic Support Program, our trained learning specialists create proactive, independent, competent learners by fostering tools and strategies to meet the rigors of a college preparatory environment and beyond. The academic coaching model of Roxbury utilizes a robust theoretical framework and research-based practices tailored to the Cheshire Academy mission, approach to learning, and range of students at each grade level.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • JP Morgan - American financier, banker and art collector.
    • Roberto C. Goizueta - Former chairman & CEO, Coca-Cola
    • Joseph W. Hasel - Voice of the New York Giants
    • Rockwell Kent - American artist
    • Robert Ludlum - Author best know for The Bourne trilogy.
    • Patrick McCaskey - Director, board member, Chicago Bears
    • Angela Robinson - State Superior Court judge
    • James Van Der Beek - Actor
    • Gideon Welles - Secretary of the Navy (Lincoln)
    • Talib Kweli - American hip-hop artist
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Cheshire Academy often compared to?
Cheshire Academyis often viewed alongside schools like Hamden Hall Country Day School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Cheshire Academy?
The acceptance rate of Cheshire Academy is 63%, which is lower than the national average of 69%.
Who are famous alumni from Cheshire Academy?
Cheshire Academy famous alumni include: JP Morgan, Roberto C. Goizueta, Joseph W. Hasel, Rockwell Kent, Robert Ludlum, Patrick McCaskey, Angela Robinson, James Van Der Beek, Gideon Welles and Talib Kweli.
Does Cheshire Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Cheshire Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Cheshire Academy offer?
Cheshire Academy offers 14 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Cheshire Academy's ranking?
Cheshire Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Cheshire Academy?
The application deadline for Cheshire Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
What neighborhood is Cheshire Academy located?
Cheshire Academy is located in the Cheshire Village neighborhood of Cheshire, CT. There are 1 other private schools located in Cheshire Village.

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Acceptance rate: 63%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in New Haven County, CT is $19,105 for elementary schools and $33,269 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in New Haven County, CT is 74% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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