Meeting students where they are, and taking them beyond where they imagined possible.
See more at CheshireAcademy.org
HIGH SCHOOL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST THE NEXT STEP ON THE PATH OF DOING WHAT’S EXPECTED.
Cheshire Academy is a college preparatory, boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12 and postgraduate. The historic 104-acre campus is nestled in the bucolic but central town of Cheshire, Connecticut, just two hours from both Boston and New York City. With approximately 304 students from 13 states and 21 countries, Cheshire Academy takes a flexible and tailored approach to education, allowing students to combine a variety of academic and extracurricular offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests. Cheshire Academy is a community in which talented, dedicated faculty and staff motivate students to stretch beyond their comfort zone. We encourage our learners to embrace academic rigor, challenge themselves in their course load, and to try new activities to broaden their perspectives. We recognize 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.
te radua Postg m a Progr shire e h at C my e d Aca
Roxbury Academic Support
Fine & Performing Arts
College Prep & College Placement
emic Acad l a am on Progr ati eate n r r e Campus L Int calau ife c ma e a 5 -Day and B lo m p 7-Day Boa Di gram rding Inte Pro rsch o Ath letic lastic s ®
Academic Program
emic Acad am Progr
Cheshire Academy students grow
challenge and support, for each student’s
increasingly capable of independently
needs and aspirations.
observing, questioning, explaining, interpreting, and analyzing the world. Our
We are the only independent school
academic process starts with what students
in the state to offer the International
know and want to know, and develops
Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma
active learners who reflect on their growth
Programme—recognized as the leader in
and the implications of their learning.
international education. All students take at least one IB course during their time
We offer more than 115 courses and have
at the Academy, while many take a mix
an average class size of 10 students. Each
of IB and non-IB courses. For students
child is assured his or her interests and
interested in our most rigorous, high-level
challenges are recognized and each voice
curriculum, the full Diploma Programme
and perspective will be heard.
helps them become thoughtful, global citizens.
Course selection is tailored specifically to each student through individual meetings
We offer a wide array of visual and
with advisors, college counselors, and the
performing arts experiences, including
Academic Office. And we find the exact
courses on drawing, painting, photography,
mix of classes, with the right level of
theater, and other mediums. Students serious about the arts pursue our unique Art Major program. For recent high school graduates, Cheshire Academy offers a comprehensive Postgraduate (PG) Program. A robust academic experience, the PG program is an opportunity for students to build upon their skills, improve their academic portfolio, and prepare for their next step of attending college.
The college counseling staff supports every student throughout each step of the college search and application process. Our expansive college matriculation list is testament to the team’s commitment of finding the best fit for each Cheshire Academy student. It also reflects the success of the Cheshire Academy experience and our college counselors,
this supplemental support, students
and includes impressive acceptances and
receive the individualized instruction
enrollments year after year in colleges
and resources they need to continue as
and universities throughout the world.
flourishing and productive learners.
Upon graduating, students are ready for their next chapter in life, confident in
Additional academic resources to help
their options and choices made.
students succeed as global thinkers include our Center for Writing, the Math
We provide a range of academic support
Lab, the library, our Advisory program,
services, including our signature Roxbury
ELL courses, and SAT/ACT prep.
Academic Support Program. Through
Students read diversely, converse deeply, and write passionately in their English classes. They explore how the world got to be the way it is, and how it might be made better through intercultural connections in their History and Social Science classes.
They discover, unearth, and enhance ways of engaging with the world through creative acts in their Fine and Performing Arts classes. Their minds are opened to new ways of viewing the world and the range of perspectives on life in their Language classes.
They learn to take risks and work collaboratively in their Mathematics and Computer Science classes. In their Science classes, students collect and interpret data which shows them connections between the natural world and the global community.
l ationa Intern reate® u la a c Bac a Diplom me m Progra
IB Programme The International Baccalaureate®
Students who want the full experience
(IB) Programme is for globally minded
consider the IB Diploma Programme,
students looking to challenge themselves
which requires the completion of six
academically while potentially earning
IB courses (three high level and three
college credits. Recognized as the leader
standard level) and a three-part core
in international education, the IB
requirement. Because there is the
Programme is another way that Cheshire
freedom to choose which three high
Academy prioritizes an individualized
level and which three standard level
approach to high school education.
courses, the IB Programme can serve many areas of interest and expertise.
The IB Programme’s demanding yet
Students who do not choose the full
balanced curriculum aims to develop
Diploma Programme are encouraged
a capacity for inquiry, research,
to take individual IB courses, including
collaboration, and problem solving.
the core requirements, to earn IB course
Students make connections by taking
certificates.
courses across academic disciplines that prepare them to participate in a global society intellectually, emotionally, and ethically. Viewed as an alternative to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, IB is an internationally consistent, liberal arts means to global education that emphasizes creativity, synthesis, critical thinking, and deep understanding. It is a holistic approach to teaching and learning in which students are assessed through oral, written, and group projects, celebrating the knowledge they have acquired.
Academic Support
Roxbury Academic Support
The Roxbury Academic Support
Cheshire Academy offers several levels
Program, founded more than 20 years
of Roxbury support, differentiated by
ago, is a unique and effective approach
the number of sessions per week. Every
to supporting students and has grown
student receives all the components of
to meet the demands of secondary
the Roxbury academic coaching model
education and the evolving needs of
at every level of service with respective
today’s students.
programs individualized based on student needs. Sessions, which typically
The academic coaching model of
last 50 minutes, are scheduled as part of
Roxbury utilizes a robust theoretical
the student’s regular academic day.
framework and research-based practices tailored to the Cheshire Academy mission, approach to learning, and range of students at each grade level. The goal of the Roxbury Program is to develop proactive, knowledgeable, and independent learners who take responsibility for their education and academic success. To achieve this goal, we utilize our signature academic coaching model. The model includes five core components, designed to empower students to discover, master, and utilize effective tools and strategies. The five core components of Roxbury are: • Executive Functioning Skill-Building • Learning Strategy Instruction • One-on-One Student-Instructor Sessions • Goal Setting, Assessment, and Progress Monitoring • Ongoing, Two-Way Communication Among all Stakeholders
College Counseling At Cheshire Academy, our College
with students every fall. In the spring,
Counseling Office team is dedicated to
a college fair is held on campus for
finding the school that is the right fit for
members of the sophomore and junior
every student. While college “placement”
classes. Juniors also meet with visiting
is the term often used, college options,
college representatives one-on-one for
selection, and best match are the goals
mock interviews.
we persistently pursue. A workshop for seniors is held in midBeginning in their sophomore year,
October, where students meet with
students are assigned a college counselor
faculty and college counselors as they
who will help guide them through
finalize the necessary steps, allowing
every facet of the college search process,
them to submit their college applications.
including researching schools, registering and preparing for standardized tests,
We value the collaborative nature of
visiting college campuses, writing
the college process. As such, families
application essays, and navigating
are encouraged to remain involved in
financial aid, among other steps.
their child’s search, and are invited to the junior College Day program and the
Students meet one-on-one and in small
college fair. Parents are also informed
groups with their counselors, who act
about important dates and events in the
as confidants and guides. Counselors
college admission process.
get to know each individual student they work with, carefully understanding
While it can be a challenging, time-
and even challenging their aspirations
intensive, and sometimes confusing
and priorities. They tailor their support
experience, students and parents are
and provide a wealth of information
assured there is a professional advisor
necessary to navigate the college
at their side and an effective college
application process.
program that will help guide them to what is best and appropriate for the next
To further prepare our students, Cheshire Academy hosts more than 125 college representatives to meet
phase of the student’s academic career.
College Enrollment: Cheshire Academy's Classes of 2017–2021
College Pr ep & College Placemen t
In the last five years, 99% of Academy graduates attended selective colleges and universities. According to Barron’s Profile of American Colleges, there are five distinct categories: Most Competitive, Highly Competitive, Very Competitive, Competitive, and Less Competitive.
Enrollment in the "Most Competitive" category
Harvard University Haverford College
University of Notre Dame
Lehigh University
University of Pennsylvania
Bates College
Mount Holyoke College
University of Richmond
Boston College
New York University
Boston University
Northeastern University
Brown University
Princeton University
Bryn Mawr College
Purdue University
Carnegie Mellon University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Claremont McKenna College
Southern Methodist University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Colby College
Stanford University
Yale University
Colgate University
Swarthmore College
College of the Holy Cross
Tufts University
Connecticut College
United States Military Academy
Cornell University Dartmouth College George Washington University Georgetown University Hamilton College
Union College
University of California-Los Angeles University of California-San Diego University of Chicago
Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Wake Forest University Wesleyan University Williams College
Fine & Performing Arts
e & ng Fin formi Per s Art
Students who have a passion for the arts
will develop the skill, focus, and tenacity
or are looking to expand their horizons
to confidently perform for a variety of
will find many rewarding experiences
school events either as a solo artist, or
through the Fine & Performing Arts
as part of one of the many ensembles
program at Cheshire Academy.
available.
In the visual arts, our instructors
Unique to Cheshire Academy is the Art
encourage students to explore the deeper
Major program—a class for aspiring
meanings of personal expression while
artists who wish to develop a complete
cultivating technical and creative skills
portfolio for the college admission
in a variety of disciplines, such as digital
process. Each student is given a personal
imaging, ceramics, painting, drawing,
studio space, has contact with visiting
printmaking, and photography.
college representatives, and takes part in an end-of-year Art Major exhibition.
The theater program provides students the opportunity to perform in front of an
There are many venues on campus for
audience in a comedy, drama, or musical,
students to perform or exhibit their work.
or work behind the scenes as a sound and
Plus, the Kohn-Joseloff Gallery, founded
light technician or set designer. With
in 1998 through a gift from the Kohn-
enough experience, they may also have
Joseloff Foundation, features the work
the chance to direct a play of their own.
of local and national artists on a rotating basis. Here, students can gain new
Whether they are a seasoned vocalist
perspectives on the arts as they attend
or musician, or just a beginner, students
lectures by these visiting artists.
in Cheshire Academy’s music program
Course Offerings Art Exploration Art Major Ceramics Digital Imaging Drawing IB Music (high and standard level)
IB Theater (high and standard level)
Music Theory
IB Visual Arts (high and standard level)
Photography
Music Skills and Performance Music Technology
Painting Songwriting
Athletics
Interschol astic Athletics
The Cheshire Academy Athletics program
support one another. They struggle and
offers 18 competitive sports programs
succeed together in new or higher-level
for boys and girls, as well as a range of
challenges, and they continue to be
noncompetitive recreational sports.
lifelong learners through these afternoon activities.
At CA, students participate in an afternoon activity for all three seasons
Seasoned coaches with experience at
(fall, winter, spring) of every academic
the collegiate, semi-pro, and pro levels
year as part of an afternoon program.
lead many Cheshire Academy teams. In
A student's grade level determines the
addition, coaches and assistant coaches
number of competitive seasons they
are members of the faculty—athletes
participate in throughout the year.
themselves—who are passionate about
Theater, being a team manager, and
sports and the teams they lead.
Science Olympiad also fulfill CA's competitive activity requirement.
Having faculty on the field further strengthens the bond between students
Athletics is an important priority
and teachers outside the classroom. The
because it encourages all students to
dynamic of a classroom teacher working
take pride in contributing to something
with a student in both settings enhances
bigger than themselves. Students build
teaching and learning, creates stronger
new relationships with classmates,
connections, and has a positive impact in
learn how to work as a team, and
countless ways.
Cheshire Academy alumni have gone on to play at various colleges in recent years, including: • Brown University • Bucknell University • Colgate University • Columbia University • Dartmouth University • Fordham University • Harvard University • Holy Cross University • LaFayette University • Michigan University • Princeton University • Stanford University • The University of Alabama • Worcester Polytechnic Institute • Yale University At the professional level, our graduates have competed in the LPGA, NBA, NFL, and the Olympics.
3 Seasons 18 Sports 24 Teams FALL Cross Country Football Soccer Volleyball WINTER Basketball Fencing Skiing Swimming SPRING Baseball Golf Lacrosse Softball Tennis Track and Field
Campus Life
Campus Li fe 5-Day and 7-Day Boar ding
Our tight-knit and dynamic
dining facility, fitness center, study areas,
environment is rich in diversity. Boarding
and student center, and the convenience
and day students become friends,
of restaurants and grocery stores within
teammates, and confidants who form
walking distance. Our 5-day boarding
lasting connections.
program has all the benefits of 7-day and might be the ideal option for families
Our faculty members living on and
who live just outside of the commuting
off campus lend a helping hand to
range. This often allows students to
students at all hours, during study hall,
be home on the weekends for other
extra help sessions, afternoon activities,
commitments and to be with family and
and in the classroom. Weeknight and
friends. It’s also an ideal way to start
weekend activities include residential
high school boarding with the option to
programming, trips into nearby towns
change to 7-day when ready.
and cities, community service, college tours, adventure excursions, and countless
Boarding students make up 63 percent
other opportunities for exploring and
of the school community, hailing
forming friendships.
from 13 states and 21 countries. These students have access to one of the
5-Day and 7-Day Boarding
best ways to prepare for life at college:
Cheshire Academy offers two forms
through a safe environment to explore
of on-campus living: 5-day and 7-day
their independence and learn to take
boarding. Students enjoy a full-service
responsibility for their own lives. Living on campus provides students with the structure and adult guidance they need to build self-reliance and maturity that will serve them not only in college, but throughout their adult lives. Our five dormitories and several houses on campus are home to faculty members and their families, enhancing the campus experience for all.
Dorm rooms are designed for two students, and a limited number of single rooms are also available. More than just a place to sleep, on-campus housing for students and faculty becomes a second home–a place to relax, bond, share perspectives, and learn about one another’s unique lives and experiences. Day Students Day students are equally immersed in campus life. Many day and boarding
Cheshire Academy offers a comprehensive
students develop strong bonds and
learning environment and support
friendships that continue beyond their
system for international students
time at Cheshire Academy, formed
including:
through the hours spent in classes,
• ELL classes
athletics, the arts, and a range of afternoon activities. Day students often host boarding students at their homes during short vacations. Similarly, day students can spend a night in a dorm with boarding friends to extend their time on campus and experience the independent lifestyle and camaraderie
• A private TOEFL testing site • A dedicated International Student Office • SEVIS/F-1 Visa and I-20 Support • A peer counselor program for new students • Monthly orientation meetings for new students
of living on-campus. Afternoon Program International Students
All students enroll in one of our many
Students at CA represent 6 continents
afternoon programs, which include
and more than 20 countries. They bring
athletic teams, student-led organizations,
their perspectives into the classroom and
and performance groups. The afternoon
daily life, enriching the experience for
program is part of our philosophy at CA,
everyone in the community. Traditions
and is as important and inclusive as the
and cultures are shared and celebrated
academic, social, and residential facets of
among the entire school community.
each day.
Postgraduate Program
uate grad Post ram Prog eshire h at C
Not just another senior year in high school! Cheshire Academy offers a Postgraduate
by our College Counseling Office team.
(PG) Program for students looking to
Each PG student is assigned a college
strengthen and develop their academic
advisor who provides a concentrated,
skills, improve their academic portfolio,
individualized plan to help the student—
and prepare for college. The program is
and parents—manage the college research,
a comprehensive experience specifically
decision, and admission process.
designed to help graduates of a traditional high school transition to a
PG students are also eligible to participate
college curriculum, well prepared for the
on our athletic teams, as sanctioned by the
requirements and expectations of life after
New England Preparatory School Athletic
high school.
Council (NEPSAC). Coaches work to gain exposure for our talented athletes, resulting
In the Classroom
in a high placement record for many alumni
More than just a fifth year of high school,
athletes in a range of sports.
the Cheshire Academy PG program is comprised of specific university-level
Campus Life
courses, complemented by a number of
For all PG students—especially for those
electives. PG students round out their
who have not lived away from home—
academic portfolio by pursuing interests
living at Cheshire Academy provides a
and passions while preparing themselves
college-like experience, but with much
for the increased course workload
more support and guidance. While they live
demanded at the college level. PG students
independently, with roommates and dorm-
learn and hone critical skills, such as time
mates, they also receive attention, care, and
management, public speaking, and focused
a level of camaraderie from their teachers,
study habits.
dorm parents, advisors, and coaches.
College Prep and Athletics
For international students, the PG
The PG year serves as a time to push one’s
program is an ideal way to further develop
self academically, taking a challenging,
and mature in the U.S., and prepare for
rigorous course load while gaining a level
success at an American university.
of freedom and flexibility. PG students are supported by the program’s advisor and
YOU GET SO MUCH MORE AT CHESHIRE ACADEMY: NEW CHALLENGES, GUIDANCE, SUPPORT, AND AN ENGAGING, DIVERSE, AND FUN COMMUNITY
A HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE: ALL ABOUT YOU!
CHESHIRE ACADEMY AT-A-GLANCE Enrollment
Campus
304 students from 13 states and 21 countries
104 acres (.42 km2)
Grades 9-12, and postgraduate
Two-hour drive from Boston and New York
27% international students
Walking distance to downtown Cheshire
63% boarding students (5-day and 7-day)
Short drive to the culture and vibrancy of New Haven and Hartford
37% day students Faculty 45 teaching faculty members
30-minute drive from Bradley International Airport (Hartford/Springfield) New York City ( JFK/LaGuardia) and Boston (Logan) airports are two hours away
73% with advanced degrees Academics 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio Average class size: 10 Curricular offerings: 115 courses, 33 IB courses Modern languages: French, Mandarin, and Spanish
Grades 9-12 and Postgraduate Coed, Boarding and Day
10 Main Street, Cheshire, CT 06410 Tel. 203-439-7250 CheshireAcademy.org