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star power

at a glance

people power

middle school

superpower

upper school

willpower

athletics

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admission
Coed, college-preparatory day school for
grades 6–12
Average class size
11
Wide range of 
interscholastic sports
in trimester seasons
Student-to-teacher ratio
6:1
Diploma programs in
Creative Arts & Global Studies
220 students from
40 towns
reflecting a wide range of academic, personal, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Classes at
the University of Hartford & the University of St. Joseph
More than
30%
students of color
The Academy at Watkinson
a unique PG program for high school graduates who are college-bound but not yet college ready

Info Sessions

An Info Session is an excellent way to get a sense of what Watkinson has to offer. Info sessions will include

  • Welcome with Head of School Teri Schrader and Director of Admission John Crosson
  • Hear from faculty and administrators
  • Q & A panel with current students
  • Campus tour

During the summer, we have in-person, outdoor info sessions in the evening.  These events include a barbecue,  campus tour, and time with our private school leaders, faculty, and students.

Upcoming Info Sessions...

Oct
08
9:00 am on campus
Nov
13
9:00 am on campus
Save your place

Coffee with the Head of School

Our next morning coffee with Head of School Teri Schrader will be April 22, 2026 at 8am. RSVP to kimberly_mcdonald@watkinson.org if you’d like to join us.
“At Watkinson, we don’t have AP classes, because, in fact, we don’t think they’re rigorous enough.”
Dr. Jen O’Brien
Head of the Global Studies Program, Science Teacher
more videos

We know independent school is a huge investment for any family — a worthy and important investment, but still a very serious commitment. That’s why we are equally serious about working as hard as we can to enroll and assist the most outstanding and qualified students each year. Our need-based financial aid hopes to provide the opportunity for those families who are unable to afford the full cost of tuition to attend. While we are not able to guarantee financial aid for all students, more than 60% of our students receive some level of financial aid each year.

Watkinson financial aid packages are direct grants, with no repayment required.

Tuition for the 2026–27 School Year
6th and 7th grade — $43,400.00
8th to 12th grade — $48,700.00
Academy — $35,100.00
International — $49,700.00

The Clarity App

The School and Student Service for Financial Aid

Watkinson School’s financial aid program is designed to make a Watkinson education possible for all families who qualify based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Parents may use the Clarity application to help determine financial need based on the information shared in the application, including assets, income, expenses, and debts.

Clarity offers a user-friendly interface, quick completion (under 30 minutes), mobile optimization, and automatic IRS data transfer to enhance convenience for our families. You can save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit.

Deadlines & more info
Niche Best Schools

Watkinson has 140+ 5-star reviews on Niche.com from parents and alumni

“Because of Watkinson, my daughter knows what she’s capable of. And, also because of Watkinson, she’s capable of a great deal.” — Watkinson parent and professor at Wesleyan University
Watch Sonia’s Interview
“When you’re in engineering classes, your creativity has to flow even more than your test-taking abilities. At Watkinson you learn all aspects of academia.” — Aneesh K., Ph.D. candidate in Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University
Watch Aneesh’s Interview
“I don’t want to wait for college for my son to be engaged. I want him to be engaged now, which also changes the colleges he’s eventually going to have available to him and what he’ll be able to get out of it.” — Watkinson parent
“I thought I had to choose between a really rigorous, challenging school and a school where my kid would be happy. Turns out we could get both. In fact I would almost say they depend on each other.” — Watkinson parent

Recent college acceptances

Learn more about college counseling

Last fall, Watkinson was featured on a national tv program about empowerment in education.

See the feature
Private school math teacher coaching her high school student through a problem.

Latest News

  • Watkinson is pleased to announce that English teacher Millie Maggio ’13 will present a session at the fifth Experiential Learning Conference in Tbilisi, Georgia produced by the Caucasus & Central Asia Association of IB World Schools (CCAAIBWS) running from May 1-3, 2026. Maggio will be speaking about developing a community AI ethos. The conversation will both consider best practices for bringing students into broad conversations about the ethical ramifications of AI, and also a discussion of the benefits and threats…
  • Congratulations to the students below for being selected for the Connecticut Regional Scholastic Art Awards! The Connecticut Regional Scholastic Awards is a professionally juried event that recognizes only the best Connecticut student artwork. This year, seven Watkinson students had 11 artworks selected for the show; this is notable given that Watkinson has 220 students and is competing against large, regional public schools. The work of the Gold Key winners qualifies to be judged for the national competition. • Charley G.…
  • Watkinson annual MLK Day is a half day of programming including special classes prepared by Watkinson faculty and guest presentations. This year's campus guests include the 2024-2025 National Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Pacheco. In addition, community activist and leader Melina Floyd and competitive dancer Jayla Davis-Pullen will present. An important Watkinson tradition, the day is always held on the Friday preceding the national holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and work. PRESENTER BIOS Stephanie Pacheco is the 2024-2025…
See all news

The stories behind the statistics 

The Watkinson Story Vault