The mission of New Canaan Country School is to guide students to reach their intellectual, creative, moral, and physical potential. We value the imagination and curiosity of children and respect childhood as an integral part of life.
Our teachers set high academic standards and challenge students to question, to think, to collaborate, and to act with integrity.
The school works in partnership with families to teach personal, social, and environmental responsibility and to create a community that honors diversity and our common humanity.
New Canaan Country School inspires students to be lifelong learners with the courage and confidence to make a positive contribution to the world.
Cake Boss, chess Club, Community Service, Computer Building Club, Debate Club, Ecological Task Force Club, Glee Club, Guitar Club, Happy Feet Dance Club, Harry Potter Club, Movie Making, Photography 101, Ping Pong Club, Robocode Club, T-shirt Design Club, Taste Around the World
School Notes
New Canaan Country School is an independent day school for
students in pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9. Founded in 1916, the
school offers a strong academic program, balanced with arts and
athletics, in an environment that fosters learning by doing, and
develops higher-level critical thinking skills along the continuum
of developmental stages.
1. Extraordinary Teachers Seasoned professionals and
apprentices, men and women, diverse in all respects, the Country
School faculty is our most important asset. Over 65% have advanced
degrees. Weekly training on and off campus ensures that our
teachers are lifelong learners and inspire children to be the
same.
2. Excellence in Every Classroom Our students will attend the
most demanding secondary public and private schools in the country.
Across the continuum, from Beginners through grade nine, we
challenge children to learn core academic skills and concepts, to
express themselves in all art forms, and to push themselves on the
playing fields.
3. Respect for Childhood Childhood is a vital but fleeting
period in life. We design all of our curriculum and activities so
that they are just right for each age group. Children learn
differently as they mature: we want them to fully appreciate what
it means to be three, six, ten, or fourteen.
4. Learning from Experience Children learn best by doing:
discussing, debating, asking questions, working in teams, taking
risks, experiencing the natural world, and interacting in the
community. For 93 years, we have helped children become confident
by expecting them to actively participate in the learning
process.
5. Preparation for the World to Come The 21st century world in
which our children will live and lead is increasingly diverse in
terms of class, religion, race, gender, and orientation. Our
curriculum and the make-up of our community ensure that children
learn how to navigate a multicultural world with curiosity and
respect.
6. Technology Tools for Today Every day students here use
technology to learn critical thinking skills, creativity, and
collaboration. Videoconferencing with students in the Middle East,
using web-based tools for collaboration, researching a science
topic, or creating art; technology is a tool that helps children to
learn about themselves and the world.
7. A Community of Good Character Beginning in the earliest
grades, we emphasize rights and responsibilities in our school
community. We value high standards of academic and personal
behavior, and accountability for one's actions. Parents are vital
partners in the school's success, older and younger students work
together, and academic buildings are designed to foster
community.
8. Compassion in Action Among the many lessons our students
learn are how to be kind and compassionate. We create a safe
climate with mutual respect between teachers and students, teaching
the will and skills to solve conflicts and a commitment to social
justice. Daily campus jobs and regular service projects put theory
into action.
9. A 75-acre Classroom Our expansive campus is an ideal
classroom for our 649 students, with multiple school buildings,
gyms, playing fields, a woodshop, and 30 acres of woods and trails.
Every day we teach independence and care for nature in a safe,
beautiful setting.
10. A "Green School" Leader Country School is a leader among
private and public schools in its commitment to sustainability. In
the curriculum, service projects, campus operations, energy use,
building construction, and food programs, we model environmental
responsibility for families and the community.
What is the acceptance rate of New Canaan Country School?
The acceptance rate of New Canaan Country School is 68%, which is equal to the national average of 68%.
What sports does New Canaan Country School offer?
New Canaan Country School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Paddle Tennis, Soccer, Softball, Squash and Volleyball.
When is the application deadline for New Canaan Country School?
The application deadline for New Canaan Country School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Grades: 5-12 | 592 students4.4 miles 377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840 (203) 801-4833
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School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(9 reviews)
511/3/2022
We have two children attending NCCS, and it's our third year with the school. Our family's experience has been entirely positive. Every single aspect of the curriculum and the classroom (and beyond!) has been so incredibly well thought out. As a parent to two young children, I have so much relief knowing that my kids are well taken care of during the school day and are having FUN learning! The teachers and staff are all friendly, attentive and available. I would review NCCS at 10 stars if I could!
- Posted by Parent - Leslie K
511/30/2020
NCCS is a remarkable school, where my children have thrived. Outstanding and caring teachers, great facilities, extensive resources all lend themselves to an environment that nurtures the best in students. Students grow academically, socially, athletically into resilient, independent-thinking young adults.
- Posted by Parent - sf877
512/16/2019
NCCS is a remarkable institution truly dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential. I went from 5th to 9th grade and built a foundation for educational success that has translated beyond the classroom as well. The faculty is passionate about learning and the facilities are superb across the board.
- Posted by Student/Alumni - tk421
52/21/2019
New Canaan Country School is a remarkable place. Aside from the many, many great teachers who made it a wonderful learning experience for our daughter, the school went well beyond any reasonable expectation that we could have had to accommodate her when she developed a severe form of juvenile arthritis near the end of 6th Grade.. They let her Skype into her classes on really bad days, take proctored assessments at home, even bought a special chair for each of her classes that was less painful for her to sit in. The head of the school actually moved one of her classes from the 3rd floor to the ground floor so that she did not have to climb stairs, almost an impossible task for her at that time. There is a strong emphasis on building a strong, supportive community for all at NCCS and the administration and teachers could not have set a better example when it came to helping our daughter and our family at one of the most traumatic periods in our lives.
- Posted by Parent - mattz
512/27/2018
We chose this school because the small environment and community experience. We have had a very positive experience with 2 kids in the school for the past 5 years. Our teachers have been true partners in our kids' education, reaching out to us when there is an issue. Our kids are happy everyday in school and we know they are encouraged to be caring, compassionate and to give their best everyday.
- Posted by Parent - Parent
511/9/2017
My children started at New Canaan Country School when they were 3, in what Country school calls the Beginners program. What we came to experience in the Early Childhood division (Beginners Kindergarten) and at Country School at large was beyond what I could have even imagined for my children or our family. Every morning my children were greeted warmly first by the division head and then by their teachers. They learned to make eye contact, shake hands and feel comfortable talking with these adults. They entered classrooms curated by their teachers with irresistible hands-on-experiences created with intention to teach them new information and skills. Their lessons were taught with so much engagement and creativity. Nature and the natural world was an important way in to learning both in the classroom and outside on the beautiful 75-acre campus complete with trails, vernal ponds and gardens. Intentional and opportunistic teaching moments provided lessons on how to be a friend, how to apologize, how to be kind. Every Friday in the Early Childhood building, the head leads something called Gathering. Everyone-teachers, students-sit in a circle in the center under a massive skylight surrounded by the children`s artwork and creations on display and they share--maybe a Kindergarten class is working on fairy tales and has a play to act out or a Beginners class has a poem to recite to the group. Country School kids are such confident public speakers because they started back in Kindergarten sharing every week at Gathering. But most of all, this is where the children feel an expanded sense of community, outside their classroom. They get to know the other children and teachers and they come to feel so known. My children love school and can`t wait to go every day. They are thriving. We live in New Canaan where the public schools are excellent. It wasn`t a given we would keep the kids at Country School for elementary and beyond. It would absolutely have to be worth it. Country School has been more than worth it for our family. We feel incredibly lucky to have found our way to this school and to be part of such a warm community.
- Posted by Parent - Current Parent
511/9/2017
NCCS is a wonderful, nurturing school community. Our children have thrived there!
- Posted by Parent - le203
510/8/2015
My kids love it! I went there when I was young I loved it as well. Teachers are fun and great smart
it helps you learn things fast but they teach you step by step the food at the cafeteria is freehand delicious there is a Halloween parade in October where all the kids dress up in there costumes and march in a parade around the whole campus . Theres Ice skating in the winter because there is a ice skating rink right across the street and after hot chocolate and donuts best school ever more fun stuff lots of sports fun LOVE IT YO YO MAN
- Posted by Parent - asimm
510/27/2012
NCCS is a great school for all ages. My sibling have all gone their and so have I. My kids currently go there also.
- Posted by Parent - klmsp
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At last we have a dedicated phone number for suicide and crisis support. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988. More about it and suicide prevention here.
The average private school tuition in Fairfield County, CT is $19,830 for elementary schools and $29,356 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
