Watkinson School

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 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 (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 230 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,300
  • Acceptance rate: 55%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Watkinson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
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
230 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Watkinson School Student By Grade

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
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
casual but neat and respectful

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Includes lunch and certain fees. Books are not included.
% on Financial Aid
36%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$22,000
Acceptance Rate
55%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
John Crosson
Admissions Associate
Maricele Riemann

Sports

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
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Watkinson School cost?
Watkinson School's tuition is approximately $46,300 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Watkinson School?
The acceptance rate of Watkinson School is 55%, which is lower than the national average of 69%.
What sports does Watkinson School offer?
Watkinson School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Watkinson School's ranking?
Watkinson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Watkinson School?
The application deadline for Watkinson School is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
I LOVE Watkinson. It has given me a chance to explore my interests and make a lot of wonderful new friends. This is my third year and it has been the best decision of my life.
- Posted by
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

Endorse Watkinson School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CT School
  • Grades: 6-12
  • Enrollment: 230 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $46,300
  • Acceptance rate: 55%
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Hartford County, CT is $20,257 for elementary schools and $37,970 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Hartford County, CT is 64% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links