Cheshire Academy is a community within a community, close to large cities, yet suburban enough that students feel comfortable on- and off-campus. What discoveries await a student here? There are as many answers to that as there are students because education that inspires the individual is our way of life. Students, teachers, coaches, and parents combine their diverse talents to create a learning and living environment that honors the differences in all of us. Our history includes women and men who changed the course of world events because they stood up for who they are, and we’re proud they learned to do that here. While our past makes us one of the nation’s oldest schools, our curriculum encourages intellectual and ethical maturity for today’s global society.

Academics & College Prep: Cheshire stresses strong, informed college preparation. We offer a range of honors classes, AP courses, electives, and independent studies. Academic support, including a writing center and math lab, rounds out our curriculum. A full-time college counseling team guides students through their college search process, and more than 150 college representatives visit campus each year. 2008 college acceptances included Bates College, Bentley College, Boston College, Carnegie Mellon University, New York University, Purdue University, Smith College, University of Michigan, and Wheaton College.

Middle School: Our Middle School offers day students a comprehensive curriculum, athletic options, and leadership opportunities. While maintaining a program appropriate to the ages of its students, the Middle School is a vibrant part of the life of the whole community, and students who elect to “step up” to the Upper School often become class leaders.

Athletics & Afternoon Programs: The tradition of athletics is integral to the life of Cheshire Academy. With programs including baseball, basketball, cross country, fencing, field hockey, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and wrestling, each student is encouraged to participate for a minimum of one season, although many choose to play all three. For those who want to explore a new sport, the beginning and junior varsity teams provide a chance to acquire basic skills, make new friends, and learn about sportsmanship. Cheshire Academy’s other afternoon programs introduce new interests and life-long passions that emphasize teamwork, goal setting, and self-confidence. Our community has produced a wide range of internationally recognized athletes, musicians, actors, novelists, and playwrights.

Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities are as varied as student interests, often organized in response to student requests. The Proctors, Student Council, Peer Counselors, and the National Honor Society provide student leadership. Our many other organizations include the Diversity Club, Key Club, Earth Club, Chess Club, Model U.N., and two computer clubs. A literary magazine and new multi-media clubs provide practical experience in writing, editing, photography, and digital imaging.

Campus Life: Learning occurs not only in classrooms but also in halls and dormitories. A powerful connection is created when teachers also serve as dorm parents and advisors. Programs like the Citizenship Committee are fundamental to who we are as a school and a community. Each program adds to our authentic, whole-learning environment, and students are able to voice their opinions about the activities that interest them.

Financial Assistance: Cheshire Academy annually awards $2 million in financial assistance. In addition, we award a four-year scholarship to a town resident, a three-year scholarship to an incoming sixth grader, and a scholarship from the Goizueta Foundation for a candidate of Latin background.

Admission: There is much more to learn about us! We look forward to showing you our wonderful community. To arrange a tour, please contact the admission office at 203-272-5396.

School accreditations: New England Association of Schools and Colleges