Watkinson School
Tel:
(860) 236-5618
Founded in 1881, Watkinson School is Hartford's oldest independent school.
We serve approximately 225 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 unique as the students we serve. Our Creative Arts, Exhibitions, Global Studies and Learning Skills Programs offer students an exceptional 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.
Quick Stats (2021)
- Grades: 6-12
- Students: 232 students
- Yearly Tuition: $42,000
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
Top Placements
Watkinson School places among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
- Category Attribute
- School History Oldest founding date
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc. | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) |
Religious Affiliation | Nonsectarian |
Grades Offered | Grades 6-12 |
Offers Post-Graduate Year | Yes |
ADD/ADHD Support | Yes |
Learning Difference Programs | Yes |
Learning Programs Supported | Mild Learning Differences or Language-based / Dyslexia |
Year Founded | 1881 |
Student Body
Total Students | 232 students |
Student Body Type | Co-ed |
% Students of Color | 17% State avg.: 25% |
Students by Grade |
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Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers | 48 teachers |
Student : Teacher Ratio | 5:1 National avg.: 13:1 |
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree | 70% |
Average Class Size | 14 students |
Average SAT score | 1210 |
Average ACT score | 24 |
Matriculation DataMatric. Data | Link to Matriculation Data |
Classroom Dress Code | Casual (casual but neat and respectful) |
Finances and Admission
Admission Deadline | Feb. 1 / rolling |
Yearly Tuition Cost | $42,000 |
Tuition Notes | Includes lunch and certain fees. Books are not included. |
% on Financial Aid | 36% |
Average Financial Aid Grant | $22,000 |
Acceptance Rate | 65% National avg.: 85% |
Admissions Director | John Crosson |
Admissions Associate | Carol Martino |
Sports
Total Sports Offered | 11 sports |
Sports | Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, VolleyballBaseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball |
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric. | 15 extracurriculars |
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric. | Circus Arts, Fencing, Martial Arts, P.E. Club or Organization: Community Service, Culinary Arts, Dance, Environmental Club, Model United Nations, Video Production, Writing Club, Yoga Arts and Music Programs: Chorus, Orchestra, Theater |
School Notes
- A Hartford fixture since 1881, Watkinson`s mission is to develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them. Watkinson`s 40-acre campus is adjacent to the University of Hartford. Watkinson`s faculty includes 47 teachers, 27 of whom hold graduate degrees or above. Our student to teacher ratio is 6:1 and the average class size is 14. Our architecturally-rich campus features buildings on the National Registry of Historic Places plus an energy efficient Science and Global Citizenship Center, the first of its kind in New England.
- Watkinson is a lead school for the Coalition of Essential Schools (www.essentialschools.org), one of only 5 schools to be so honored. The Coalition's ten common Principles form the daily basis of an outstanding education.
- Watkinson is a mission-driven school. That means we plan our lessons, organize our curriculum, and build our buildings with one question in mind: how does this help our students develop the power to shape their lives and the world around them By questioning assumptions, making connections, and applying new patterns in new ways, students find themselves becoming more than they ever imagined. Always, we help them ask: What kind of world can I create with this knowledge, these skills, this understanding of myself
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School Reviews
5 The transition for my 11th grader to Watkinson has been fantastic. He continues to excel in the courses he is strong in, but now enjoys and is learning in those he previously struggled in. The atmosphere at Watkinson is only truly understood when you spend time on the campus - it is unlike any other private school and the only one that seems to intuitively understand the soft skills that will truly be critical for our children to navigate their future. My only wish is we had started soon. Its best summed up by my son who transitioned at a challenging time he said to his sister "sure i miss my friends - but I am doing so much better in school and am learning without being stressed." - Posted by Parent - amyfr |
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