Sanford School is a college-prep, co-educational day school for students in grades Preschool - Grade 12.
Since 1930, Sanford students have thrived on our nearly 100-acre, college-like campus where they can explore nature and foster both independence and community.
The mission of Sanford School is to identify and develop the intellectual and creative talents of a diverse group of students. Within a caring and supportive college preparatory environment, students are encouraged and challenged to achieve their finest in academics, athletics, and the arts.
Our ultimate goal is to teach students to live humanely within the Sanford community in order to prepare them to meet the demands and responsibilities of the future in the broader world.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked DE School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 703 students
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 5 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Sanford School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1930
Colors
Blue, Gold
Summer School Offered
Yes
Last Day of School
Fri. Jun 5, 2026
Campus Size
100 acres
Student Body
Total Students
703 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
38%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
92 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
13 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Dress Code (not uniform) for Middle and Upper School students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 5 / rolling
Tuition Notes
2025–2026 TuitionPreschool or PreK (Half Day)
$10,500
Preschool-PreK
$14,025
Kindergarten
$15,100
Grade 1
$17,400
Grades 2-4
$25,875
Grades 5-6
$28,350
Grades 7-8
$30,475
Grades 9-12
$33,225
% on Financial Aid
54%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$13,151
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Christine DiUbaldo
Admissions Associate
Jacqueline DeLaFuente
Application URL
Endowment Size
$13.6 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
16 sports
School Notes
- School Motto: No Talent Lies Latent
- School Mascot: Warriors
- Sanford School is an independent educational institution that caters to both boys and girls, ranging from preschool (age 3) through high school. Situated on a stunning 100-acre educational campus in Hockessin, Delaware, we take pride in our position as one of the top-notch private schools in the region. Sanford was founded in 1930 as an innovative school where "No Talent Lies Latent."Ask any family associated with Sanford, and they will attest to our faculty's unwavering commitment to embodying this motto for every child in every classroom, each and every day.
- Our students benefit from a challenging academic curriculum, extensive opportunities in the realms of arts and athletics, and an environment characterized by mutual respect and trust. They are fully immersed in a compassionate, globally-minded community that equips them for success in all facets of life.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Walter Davis '73 - NBA basketball player for 15 years and Olympic Gold Medalist
- Jackie Pitts '55 - Member of US Lacrosse Team; US Lacrosse Coach - 1982 World Champion Team; President of US Women's Lacrosse Associate and the International Federation of Women's Lacrosse Associations; Hall of Fame Legend for USA Lacrosse
- Tom Verlaine '67 - Leader of New York band, Television. Helped shape Punk music movement in 1970's.
- Matthew Shipp '78 - American Avant-Garde Pianist, Composter, Band Leader and Author
- Caroline Polisi '00 - CBS News Legal Analyst and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
- Zack Pappas '02 - Co-founder of Stateside brands
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are famous alumni from Sanford School?
Sanford School famous alumni include: Walter Davis '73, Jackie Pitts '55, Tom Verlaine '67, Matthew Shipp '78, Caroline Polisi '00 and Zack Pappas '02.
What sports does Sanford School offer?
Sanford School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Diving, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Winter Track and Wrestling. Sanford School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for most sports offered.
What is Sanford School's ranking?
Sanford School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Delaware for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Sanford School?
The application deadline for Sanford School is Jan. 5 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 5 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Calendar
View the Sanford School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Faculty Professional Day (School CLOSED) Expanded Day OPEN
October 10, 2025 (Friday)
Fall Break - School, Offices, & Extended Day CLOSED
October 13, 2025 (Monday)
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Fall Conferences - School CLOSED
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
Thanksgiving Break: School, Offices, & Expanded Day CLOSED - Thanksgiving Break
November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
Professional Development Day-School CLOSED
February 13, 2026 (Friday)
Related Schools
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People that viewed Sanford School also viewed these schools: Tower Hill School, Wilmington Friends School, The Tatnall School, Caravel Academy and Padua Academy.
The nearest high school and elementary school to Sanford School is Towle Institute (1.4 miles away)
The nearest preschool is The Goddard School (1.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
2813 W 17th Street
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 575-0550
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 575-0550
6.6 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 860 students Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 16 | Extracurrculars: 24 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
101 School Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 576-2900
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 576-2900
7.9 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 707 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 39 Tuition listed
1501 Barley Mill Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 892-4296
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 892-4296
4.4 miles
Gr: NS-12 | 486 students Avg. class size: 12 students Sports: 15 | Extracurrculars: 9 Tuition listed
2801 Del Laws Rd
Bear, DE 19701
(302) 834-8938
Bear, DE 19701
(302) 834-8938
13.2 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 1,117 student Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
905 N Broom St
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 421-3739
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 421-3739
7.5 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 480 students Tuition listed
School Reviews
5 9/20/2024
Sanford prepares each child academically, and spiritually and brings out those hidden talents often missed. They have a nurturing yet college-like atmosphere, which brings out the best in students. The Head of the School is a parent as well as an administrator, which makes him very well-invested in the school's success and atmosphere. The music and theatre departments have the absolutely finest faculty. Trusting this school to help your child succeed is a good choice.
5 2/13/2020
Love it! Very welcoming.
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