Watkinson School vs. Kingswood Oxford School
Should you attend Watkinson School or Kingswood Oxford School? Visitors to our site frequently compare these two schools. Compare their rankings, scores, reviews and more to help you determine which school is the best choice for you.
School Overview
School
Top Rankings
Watkinson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Kingswood Oxford School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
Overview
Founded in 1881, Watkinson School is Hartford's oldest independent school.
We serve approximately 220 students from over forty Connecticut towns in grades six through twelve, including The Academy at Watkinson a unique post graduate program.
Watkinson's mission is to develop in our students the power to shape their own lives and the world around them.
Watkinson's programs are as exceptional as the students we serve. Our Creative Arts, Exhibitions, Global Studies and Learning Skills Programs offer students an broad range of experiences - from guest speakers, to international travel, to memorable reflection, to one-on-one coaching. You will not find programs like these anywhere else.
Kingswood Oxford is a co-ed, private, college preparatory, independent day school in West Hartford, Connecticut, serving grades 6-12 and located just steps from Blue Back Square and West Hartford Center. Our community values academic and co-curricular excellence, ethical citizenry, and meaningful relationships with our students and their families.
Small classes are taught by exceptional teachers who encourage students to engage both widely and deeply in the liberal arts and sciences experience.
Our graduates are well rounded and prepared remarkably well for the challenges of highly selective colleges and equipped for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
100% of KO students matriculate to a four-year college or university
100% of recent graduates said that KO prepared them well to very well in written work, critical thinking and communication skills
100% of Seniors write a long-form thesis paper. In both 2017 and 2018, Kingswood Oxford alums were named the Cum Laude Society's National Thesis winner.
90% of students take at least one AP course before graduation
Grades Offered
6-12
6-12
Blue Ribbon School
No
No
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
No
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
No
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences or Language-based / Dyslexia
n/a
Year Founded
1881
1909
Students Body
Total Students
240 students
504 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
% Students of Color
34%
15%
Students by Grade
Students by Grade
Grade 6 Students
10
39
Grade 7 Students
25
57
Grade 8 Students
31
62
Grade 9 Students
40
72
Grade 10 Students
42
92
Grade 11 Students
45
97
Grade 12 Students
44
85
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
75 teachers
% Faculty with Advance Degree
70%
63%
Average Class Size
13
13
Number of AP Classes
n/a
17
Teacher : Student Ratio
1:5
1:7
Average SAT score
1210
1319
Average ACT score
24
29
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
(casual but neat and respectful)
(casual but neat and respectful)
Casual
(collared shirts, sweater, khakis)
(collared shirts, sweater, khakis)
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Feb. 1 / rolling
Tuition Cost
$49,900
$49,500
Tuition Notes
Includes lunch and certain fees. Books are not included.
2025-2026 Middle School (Grades 6-8) tuition is: $44,800. Upper School (Grades 9-12) tuition is: $49,500. Fees for both: $750.
Need-based financial aid to those who qualify. Merit scholarships available to 6th and 9th-grade applicants.
% on Financial Aid
62%
55%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$25,000
$22,500
Acceptance Rate
55%
60%
Admissions Director
John Crosson
Susan Emery
Admissions Associate
Maricele Riemann
Rebecca Benavides
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extra-curric.Total Extracurriculars
14
30
Extra-curric.Extracurriculars
Chorus, Community Service, Dance, Environmental Club, Fencing, Minecraft Club, Model United Nations, Orchestra, P.E., Pickleball Club, Theater, Video Production, Writing Club, Yoga
Band Program, Choral Programs, Epic Literary Magazine (Upper School), Female Empowerment Club, Forensic Union (Debate), Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Global Awareness Organization, Green Team (environmental awareness), Investment Club, KO Cares, KO News, Math Club, Mock Trial (Middle School), Model United Nations, Music Publications, Orchestra Program, Peer Mentors, Prefects (Seniors who Mentor Freshman), Retrospect Yearbook, Robotics Team, Senior Advisors (Mentors to 6th Graders), Shield & Dragon (student hosts), Student Government, Student Tutors, Team Tobati, The Voice Literary Magazine (Middle School), United Students, Various Other Student Clubs each year, Video Club, Wyvern Nation Spirit Association