A vibrant and innovative independent Catholic boarding and day school
Marianapolis Preparatory School
offers a values-based education that extends beyond the classroom. Our community is built on respect, compassion, unconditional love, diversity, and faith. As an independent Catholic school in Thompson, Connecticut, Marianapolis welcomes students from all around the local region, many States in the U.S., over 20 countries across the globe, and of all faiths and backgrounds. Located in the heart of the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut, there is plenty to explore in and around this quintessential New England boarding school area.
At Marianapolis, students are encouraged to explore their passions and challenge themselves in a variety of disciplines, from sports and the arts to leadership and community service. We strive to cultivate critical thinking skills and foster character development through academic excellence, compassion, and integrity. In addition to our rigorous traditional curriculum, we offer four Centers of Excellence in Innovation, Business & Entrepreneurship, Social Justice, and Health Science, which provide students with the opportunity to delve deeper into specific areas of interest.
Our educational philosophy is rooted in experiential learning, and we offer a range of programs and activities to help students grow and develop. LEAP Week in May allows students to experience and apply learned-concepts off-site and in numerous different environments and capacities. Weekend programming offers hands-on experiences such as goat yoga, river rafting, and glass blowing.
With over 40 clubs and organizations, 12 extracurricular options, and 17 interscholastic programs, Marianapolis provides ample opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference. Our graduates have a 100% college acceptance rate and are well-prepared to become confident, engaged citizens and leaders in our ever-changing world. Join our tight-knit community and experience the Marianapolis difference.
Welcome from the Head of School
As members of a compassionate community, students grow and thrive, developing their voices, skills, and critical thinking in preparation for success in college and beyond. Founded in 1926, we educate students with a dedication to building character with content, compassion, and integrity. At Marianapolis, these fundamental values are realized in ways that build vibrant relationships and learning across the community.
Our academic program connects skills and content thematically to the larger world and each student’s experience, supporting a process in which growth and learning are exciting, relevant, and authentic. Students are supported by faculty in taking ownership of their choices through our Habits of Mind. Habits of Mind focus on mastery of academic and social emotional learning skills with students applying and practicing asking critical questions of themselves, and others.
Stepping onto campus, student voice and Golden Knight pride are palpable from student-led clubs to local and global community service initiatives throughout the year. Whether it’s standing room only crowds at dance shows and concerts, thunderous applause at student reflections and musical performances, or cheering at athletic home games throughout the year, we celebrate our community’s hard work and accomplishments at every opportunity.
Marianapolis is a community of thinkers, doers, leaders, and achievers. We are excited for you to explore and join in this remarkable tradition. I encourage you to learn more about our vibrant Marianapolis community that we call home!
Go Knights!
David DiCicco Head of School
SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
At Marianapolis, education goes beyond the classroom and textbooks. Real-world learning opportunities are abundant and complement studies in the classroom while fostering relationships among students and faculty.
CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE
The Centers of Excellence (COE) is a unique certificate program that integrates practical, real-world experiences with classroom studies to provide students with a better understanding of potential college and degree focus, as well as career goals and aspirations. The track for COE students sees them beginning to take electives in their Center and field during sophomore year, with a stronger focus in junior and senior years as they undertake an internship and capstone study project in those respective years.
The Centers:
» Mark R. Russell ’67 Center for Business & Entrepreneurship
» Center for Social Justice
» Center for Innovation: Engineering & Computer Science
» Center for Health Science
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The Experiential Learning program, or EL, is an exciting opportunity for students to continue learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. EL trips take place throughout the school year, typically on Sundays, and provide small groups of students with the chance to explore different parts of New England. Students can engage in activities such as paddleboarding, cranberry bogging, glass blowing, welding, dogsledding, and much more. These trips foster community among students while providing exciting and unique activities.
LEAP WEEK Live. Experience. Advance. Prepare.
LEAP Week is a one-week mini-term where students explore a specific topic, project, or adventure. Students may find themselves building a traditional 14-foot Amesbury Rowing Skiff in Amesbury, Massachusetts, learning to sail on Long Island Sound, whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River in Maine, exploring the political and cultural history of the U.S. in Washington D.C, or shadowing marine biologists at Mystic Sea Aquarium. With over 25 course offerings in various fields of study, students are sure to find something that meets their interests.
TRAVEL ABROAD
Every year, Marianapolis students have the chance to take their education abroad during Spring Break in March. Trips are focused on cultural immersion but also can have themes to them, including leadership, technology, and sustainability. Past experiences have included Spain, Japan, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Austria, Australia, and Switzerland. In March 2024, students will have the opportunity to visit Peru or Greece.
ACADEMICS
At Marianapolis, students are prepared for and find success through an enriching and supportive academic environment. We are dedicated to nurturing critical and disciplined thinking, effective communication, scientific analysis, creative problem-solving, and an understanding of global perspectives. Our curriculum encourages students to think creatively and express their ideas with clarity and confidence at every level. With over 100 courses of study, including 28 AP courses and electives such as Neuroscience, Peace and Justice, Sociology, Gender Studies, Sustainability Engineering, Public Administration, and International Relations, students can explore their interests and delve deeper into their chosen fields.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Academic support and resources are available to all students. Advisors help set goals, assist in organization and managing time, identify concerns, and monitor progress. For those with learning differences or any student seeking or requiring additional support, our Building Resources and Curriculum Enrichment Program (BRACE) and Academic Resource Advisor are available. Daily Office Hours and Peer-to-Peer Tutors offer additional opportunities for extra help. As a college preparatory school, our College Placement process is comprehensive and individualized, with conversations and surveys beginning as early as 9th grade.
Our Habits of Mind, the foundation of our curriculum, fosters a set of valued dispositions that enable students to navigate the challenges of higher education and beyond. The cultivation of Preparation, Participation, Curiosity, Organization, Self-advocacy, and Perseverance leads to success in all areas of life.
Students enrolled at Marianapolis have an opportunity to continue their courses of study in the Marianapolis Summer Session. Participants take online summer classes to complete course prerequisites in advance, to study a particular discipline at an accelerated rate or in order to meet graduation requirements on time.
Marianapolis also offers a Joint and International Diploma program in partnership with The Olympia School in Hanoi, Vietnam.
ARTS
At Marianapolis, students are always creating, exploring, performing, and innovating. Students are encouraged to find their individual creative expressions and showcase their talents with student art gallery spaces across campus, dance performances, instrumental and vocal music performances, and theater productions. Students who are passionate about art have the option to pursue Advanced Art Studio or Independent Study, which are portfolio-based courses. Each year Marianapolis graduates continue their passion and pursuit of the arts at excellent universities and their programs, including Berklee College of Music and Rhode Island School of Design.
Sampling of Visual Art Electives
Art Foundations
Art History: Realism to Modern
Color Theory
Digital Arts
Digital Photography
Introduction to Architecture
Mixed Media
Sculpture
Studio Art
Sampling of Performing Art Electives
Advanced Dance
Advanced Tap Technique
Beginner Dance
Chamber Choir
Digital Music & Production
Jazz Band
Music Theory
Rock Band
Senior Independent Study in Dance
ATHLETICS & AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
At Marianapolis, students have 16 competitive athletic options to choose from as well as numerous non-competitive options. As a requirement, students must complete two seasons of extracurricular activities. For non-competitive options, Marianapolis offers a host of activities that appeal to a wide range of interests, from dance or yoga, to athletic training room management. Whether students are looking to learn a new sport, improve their skills, or compete at the highest level preparing for college-level athletics, there is an opportunity to participate regardless of experience level.
At its core, the Marianapolis athletic and extracurricular programs teach team building, leadership, hard work, wellness of mind and body, and much more while imparting the importance and expectations of strong sportsmanship and fair and clean play.
Fall
Crew
Cross Country
Dance
Drama
Field Hockey
Golf
Soccer
Strength & Conditioning
Student Athletic Management
Volleyball
Yoga
Winter Spring
Basketball
Drama
Equestrian
Indoor Track & Field
Strength & Conditioning
Student Athletic Management
Swimming
Wrestling
Yoga
Badminton
Baseball
Crew
Dance
Drama
Lacrosse
Softball
Student Athletic Management
Tennis
Track & Field
For those students seeking to play collegiately, Marianapolis provides a team of support and guidance that includes the College Placement office, Athletic Director, Coach, and Advisor. Each year, Marianapolis athletes go on to compete for schools across all NCAA divisions including the likes of University of Richmond, Clarkson University, Wake Forest University, The University of Vermont, Providence College,Virginia Commonwealth University, Ithaca College, The United States Naval Academy, and Virginia Tech.
