Cheshire Academy

10 Main Street
Cheshire, CT 06410
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Cheshire Academy Photo #1 - Our 104 acre (0.42 sq km) campus is in the center of the quiet, beautiful Town of Cheshire, CT. Though just a two hour drive to both Boston and New York, Cheshire is a quiet small town where students are in walking distance of a few area shops and cafes.
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Cheshire Academy Photo #1 - Our 104 acre (0.42 sq km) campus is in the center of the quiet, beautiful Town of Cheshire, CT. Though just a two hour drive to both Boston and New York, Cheshire is a quiet small town where students are in walking distance of a few area shops and cafes.
Cheshire Academy Photo #2 - A diverse student body, unlimited variety in student clubs and activities, a unique combination of 7-day and 5-day boarding with a great day student population, all add up to a high school experience in which every student will belong, enjoy, and excel.
Cheshire Academy Photo #3 - With the majority of teachers living on campus, 73% of faculty holding advanced degrees, an average class size of 10, and a 6:1 student:teacher ratio, CA features small classes with expert teachers who are fully engaged with and support every student, guiding them on their individual path to college and beyond.
Cheshire Academy Photo #4 - Cheshire Academy is home to students from over 20 countries who chose CA because of our reputation as one of the best international private schools in the United States, among the most diverse in the region.
Cheshire Academy Photo #5 - The Cheshire Academy experience is full and active; living and learning takes place not only in the classroom, but also in the art studios, dormitories, dining commons, on the athletic fields, and even on the patios and footpaths around campus. The Academy is a tight-knit and dynamic environment that offers a community rich in diversity.
Cheshire Academy Photo #6 - Our academic process begins with what students know and want to know, and develops active learners who reflect on their growth and the implications of their learning. Cheshire Academy students grow increasingly capable of independently observing, questioning, explaining, interpreting, and analyzing the world.
Cheshire Academy Photo #7 - CA offers 7-day and 5-day boarding. Living on campus is the one of the best ways to prepare for life at college-through a safe environment to explore your independence and take on greater responsibility. Students enjoy a full-service dining facility, fitness center, study areas, student center, and the convenience of restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance.
Cheshire Academy Photo #8 - We offer a variety of athletic programs each season. The Academy teaches student-athletes the skills and knowledge necessary to learn the sport while also producing championship-winning teams.
Cheshire Academy Photo #9 - CA believes all students can benefit from music education, from beginners to students planning a career in music. Students of music at CA develop tenacity, patience, focus, and confidence, and also have many opportunities to display leadership in several student-led ensembles. Advanced students can take private lessons, audition for all-state festivals, and study AP Music Theory and IB Music.
Cheshire Academy Photo #10 - Character development has long been a priority at Cheshire Academy. The Eight Pillars of Bowden are the ways in which we demonstrate our core values and basic beliefs: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Civility, Citizenship, Morality, Fairness and Trustworthiness.
Founded in 1794, Cheshire Academy is a coed boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 plus Postgraduate (PG).
At Cheshire Academy, starting with the 2022-2023 academic year, day tuition is reduced by nearly a third to be better aligned with the income levels of more families within the region. Boarding tuition is reduced by 10%
In addition to traditional 7-day boarding, Cheshire Academy offers students a 5-day boarding option, allowing them to be at home for weekend commitments such as athletics, arts, family, and community onbligations.
Ranked in the Top 10% "Best College Prep Private Schools in America" and Top Third "Best Boarding Schools in America" (Niche 2023)
The historic 104-acre campus is nestled in the bucolic but central town of Cheshire, Conn., just two hours drive from both Boston and New York City.
With 343 students from 14 states and 27 countries, CA takes a flexible and tailored approach, allowing students to combine a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests.
CA offers personalized learning opportunities like the Roxbury Academic Support Program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program and Art Major Program.
Cheshire Academy has 17 sports and 27 teams for boys and girls. There are also non-competitive athletic activities to ensure all students have an enjoyable and physically active experience. Cheshire Academy has produced professional athletes as well as countless collegiate athletes.
Students become culturally-sensitive and internationally-minded, and develop the critical thinking skills, confidence, and character that enable them to succeed in college and as citizens of a global society.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $57,250
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $29,850
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Cheshire Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 289 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2023 School Data
Cheshire Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1794
1907
Campus Size
104 acres
130 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
343 students
310 students
% Students of Color
34%
25%
% International Students
27%
20%
% Students Boarding
52%
67%
Average SAT Score
1200
* National Avg. »View
SAT range (25th-75th percentile)
1070 - 1390
-
Average ACT score
25
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
No
No
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Dress is "academic dress" (one step above casual) Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with casual Wednesdays (CA spirit wear) and formal Fridays (a historic tradition).
Casual
Average Class Size
10 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
45
17
Number of IB Courses Offered
36
-
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes

Tuition Cost

Endowment Size
$16.3 million
$25 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$57,250
(Reduced by 10% for 2022-23.)
$64,000
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$29,850
(Reduced by nearly one third for 2022-23.)
$35,000
Tuition international students
$67,250
$55,200
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$55,250
$46,000
% Students on Financial Aid
43%
40%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$23,971
$25,000
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
45%
60%
Director of Admissions
Rebecca Brooks

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
45
17
Courses
AP Calculus I-AB, AP Music Theory, AP Psychology, AP Statistics, Arts Major Program, IB Biology SL & HL1/HL2, IB Chemistry SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Computer Science SL1/SL2, IB Economics SL1/SL2, IB English Language & Literature HL1/2 & SL1/2, IB English Literature HL1/2 & SL1/2, IB Environmental Systems and Society SL, IB French ab Initio 1/ab Initio 2, IB French SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB History of the Americas SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Lit & Performance SL1/SL2, IB Mandarin ab Initio 1/ab Initio 2, IB Mandarin SL1/SL2, IB Math SL2/HL2, IB Math Studies SL2, IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approach SL1, IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL1, IB Music SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Physics SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Spanish SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2, IB Sports/Exercise/Health Science SL, IB Theater SL1/SL2, HL1/HL2, IB Theory of Knowledge Y1/Y2, IB Visual Arts SL1/SL2 & HL1/HL2

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
39
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admission Ambassadors, Astronomy Club, Black Girl Coalition, Black Student Union, Candy Club, Ceramics Club, Chess Club, Community Service Club, Debate Club, Eco-Leaders, Future Business Leaders of America, Garden Club, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Ich Dien Society, Kindness Club, Magic: The Gathering Club, Manga/Anime, Math Club, Model United Nations, National Honor Society, New England Math League, Peer Counselors, Photography Club, Prefects, Robotics Club, Science Olympiad, Spirit Squad, Student Activities Committee (SAC), Student Equity Team, The Coleman Group, The Transformers, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Jazz Ensemble, Rock Band, String Ensemble

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fencing - recreational, Golf - recreational, Strength and Conditioning, Tennis - recreational

College Matriculation

Year: 2015 - 2019
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
UCONN
27
New York University
21
Boston University
16
Marist College
10
Trinity College
9
George Washington University
8
Hobart and William Smith
8
Penn State
8
Connecticut College
7
Fairfield University
7

School Notes

  • Founded in 1794, Cheshire Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-PG. The historic 104-acre campus is nestled in the bucolic but central town of Cheshire, Conn., just two hours from both Boston and New York City. With 343 students from 14 states and 27 countries, CA takes a flexible and tailored approach, allowing students to combine a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests.
  • For example, many students choose to stretch their intellectual boundaries by taking some of 36 advanced International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme courses. This internationally respected program offers a global perspective, challenging students to be independent, critical thinkers concerned and involved with the world around them.
  • With 27 interscholastic athletic teams, as well as non-competitive offerings and many performing and visual arts options, there`s a program to be experience by all students. CA also offers a unique Art Major program for those who plan to study art or design at the university level.
  • Cheshire Academy recognizes that all students learn differently. Through our optional Roxbury Academic Support Program, our trained learning specialists create proactive, independent, competent learners by fostering tools and strategies to meet the rigors of a college preparatory environment and beyond. This proven approach yields thriving students who take responsibility for their academic success.
  • Cheshire Academy accreditations: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, National Association of Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, Connecticut Association of Independet Schools
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • JP Morgan - American financier, banker and art collector.
    • Roberto C. Goizueta - Former chairman & CEO, Coca-Cola
    • Joseph W. Hasel - Voice of the New York Giants
    • Rockwell Kent - American artist
    • Robert Ludlum - Author best know for The Bourne trilogy.
    • Patrick McCaskey - Director, board member, Chicago Bears
    • Angela Robinson - State Superior Court judge
    • James Van Der Beek - Actor
    • Gideon Welles - Secretary of the Navy (Lincoln)
    • Talib Kweli - American hip-hop artist
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Cheshire Academy cost?
Cheshire Academy's tuition is approximately $57,250 for boarding students and $29,850 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Cheshire Academy?
The acceptance rate of Cheshire Academy is 45%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Cheshire Academy?
Cheshire Academy famous alumni include: JP Morgan, Roberto C. Goizueta, Joseph W. Hasel, Rockwell Kent, Robert Ludlum, Patrick McCaskey, Angela Robinson, James Van Der Beek, Gideon Welles and Talib Kweli.
What sports does Cheshire Academy offer?
Cheshire Academy offers 15 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Fencing, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Cheshire Academy's ranking?
Cheshire Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High # of AP/advanced courses offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Cheshire Academy?
The application deadline for Cheshire Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2017
5.00
Hobart
The Academy stands out in many ways such as how their is always active efforts to bring their immensely diverse community together and from person experience they have found great success. The school stresses the. . .

Class of 1980
5.00
Fordham University
Was the perfect place for me at the time. Small classroom size suited my needs and forced me to get involved in the curriculum. Required study time at night helped me to develop good study. . .

Class of 2016
5.00
Syracuse University
My family's relationship with Cheshire predates my brother's and my attendance there; our grandfather was a student at the Academy in the 1940s. The family came back to the school because of the summer program. . .
Show more reviews (2 reviews)
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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Grades: (Boarding) 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 343 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $57,250
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $29,850
  • Acceptance rate: 45%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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