1000
AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ANNUALLY
125
NUMBER OF NEW STUDENTS ENROLLED EVERY YEAR
325
ACRES OF LAND HOUSE OUR VAST AND BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS
“We agree on the fundamentals of hard work, respect, and kindness. Suffield blends talented, invested students and educators, a world-class campus, and a philosophy focused on distance traveled.”
1833 THE YEAR SUFFIELD ACADEMY WAS FOUNDED
Charlie Cahn has been Suffield Academy’s Head of School since 2004. Talented and engaging, Charlie has been instrumental in securing Suffield’s strong position in the independent school world. During his tenure Suffield has seen record levels of applications and unprecedented fundraising success. Yet what most strikes people about Charlie is his genuine and deep enthusiasm for Suffield and its students, parents, faculty, and staff. He has helped lead Suffield through an unwavering commitment to a core philosophy and the development of an incredible campus.
THE CAHN FAMILY
“It is extraordinary what Charlie Cahn has done in leading Suffield and helping it become one of the very best independent schools in the country.”
Suffield Academy’s core values center on hard work, community involvement, and kindness. Our 420 students come from around the United States and the world to be key parts of this special school. The enrollment size is ideal—small enough to build genuinely close relationships and large enough to support robust offerings in the academic and extracurricular programs.
Suffield focuses most closely on the distance traveled by each student during their years on campus. We offer a diverse, inclusive atmosphere with world-class facilities and faculty members. They are teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents focused on helping each student thrive. Suffield Academy can have a profound impact on your life.
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/WELCOME
“Suffield Academy is a vibrant community filled with interesting people who bring with them unique perspectives and creative ideas. It is a place where talented students can reach their potential with the help of inspiring teachers, coaches, and advisors.”
The Suffield Academy academic program is centered on providing close attention for each student and a wide range of course choices. Guided by our faith in the liberal arts as a foundation for learning, we offer a strong core curriculum with many AP and Honors classes and various electives. Our academic philosophy rests on the belief that every student is unique. While we have defined academic requirements in nine specific areas, we focus most closely on the distance each student travels during their time at Suffield. We provide small classes with supportive, encouraging teachers. We challenge and inspire our students and are committed to helping them achieve success.
Each year Suffield has a community theme. The philosophy of this program is based on having a shared intellectual experience and raising awareness about pertinent, timely issues. Components include a film and discussion program, speaker series, charity fundraiser, and the shared experience of all faculty and students reading a community text. Past community themes have included courage, loyalty, gratitude, identity, conviction, and empathy.
All of my teachers at Suffield were passionate about the subjects they taught which made learning challenging and fun. They encouraged me to be my absolute best and were always available for extra help.”
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Suffield Academy is very proud of our close-knit, diverse school community. The school’s mission centers on mutual respect, generosity, kindness, and concern for others. A core belief is that a diverse and inclusive educational atmosphere helps all students grow in positive ways and prepare to be effective, thoughtful leaders. This is reflected by the diversity of Suffield’s community members and educational program.
In addition to enrolling students from different cultural backgrounds and many parts of the world, Suffield focuses on ensuring that topics related to diversity and inclusion are central to community life. This is evident in the academic and campus life offerings, from classes to student and faculty initiatives, and campus affinity groups. Suffield is focused on helping each student prepare to have a significant and positive impact on the world.
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/DEICAMPUS CLUBS OR AFFINITY GROUPS FOCUSED ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN SUFFIELD’S STUDENT BODY
FACULTY AND STAFF GROUPS FOCUSED ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS
DAYS IN SUFFIELD’S LGBTQIA+ ALLY WEEK
Suffield made me appreciate the value of deeply listening to gain a better understanding of others. There are so many opportunities to build life-long relationships at our school.”
“
PEOPLE AT SUFFIELD’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY MEETING
OF SUFFIELD SENIORS ATTEND THEIR FIRST CHOICE OR TOP INTEREST COLLEGE
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES VISIT CAMPUS EACH YEAR
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RECEIVED APPLICATIONS FROM SUFFIELD STUDENTS
OF SUFFIELD GRADUATES GO ON TO HIGHER EDUCATION
“The college counseling program is a great part of the Suffield experience. The individual attention I received made me feel confident and reassured despite the stress that comes with the college search process.”
Our innovative four-year college counseling program is a distinctive part of a Suffield Academy education. Each student receives comprehensive, supportive guidance that helps make the complex college admissions process smoother to navigate. Five college counselors help Suffield students from the beautiful Hoffman College Counseling Center located in the middle of our academic quad.
9th – College Basics – Four-Year Course Planning – College Campus Field Trip
10th – Introduction to Standardized Testing – Basic College Vocabulary – Exploring Career Fields
11th – College 101: Self-Reflection & Self-Advocacy – College Matching
– Building a Balanced College List – Planning Campus Visits
12th – College Essays & Applications – Meet with College Admission Representatives
Refine College Lists – Submit Applications – Final Decisions
The Leadership Program at Suffield is centered on encouraging students to be active, responsible citizens and community members. It impacts each Suffield student and focuses on self-reflection, strong communication skills, the importance of working collaboratively, how to best set and pursue goals, and being mindful and balanced in our lives.
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/LEADERSHIP
“The Leadership Program helped me become more thoughtful, independent, and determined. Most importantly, it enabled me to build confidence so I can better inspire others.”
OF SENIORS HOLD AT LEAST ONE FORMAL LEADERSHIP POSITION IN OUR COMMUNITY
“I have learned a lot about environmental responsibility at Suffield, especially seeing how the school composts food waste from the dining room and turns it into organic fertilizer and fuel.
There is also a new solar energy array and we have energy reduction contests throughout the year.”
10
ANNUAL SOPHOMORE
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
OF THE SCHOOL’S ELECTRICITY IS SUPPLIED BY OUR SOLAR ARRAY
A central part of Suffield Academy’s leadership training focuses on environmental responsibility, preparing students and alumni to help make a substantial difference beyond our campus. This includes Suffield’s Outdoor Leadership Opportunities [SOLO] which is an afternoon outdoor program featuring hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, and other seasonal activities.
From the ropes course to camping trips, SOLO uses outdoor experiences as an integral approach to learning leadership skills. We take immense pride in our beautiful campus and closely focus on using resources responsibly to minimize our carbon footprint.
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school’s
Suffield’s close emphasis on community is reflected in campus life programs. Among our most valued traditions are daily sit-down lunch for all students and faculty members with assigned rotating seating, and weekly all-school meetings featuring talks by Suffield seniors. The robust student activities are reflective of the comprehensive lifestyle that accompanies a largely residential school. Suffield has Saturday morning classes each week, followed by athletic contests and weekend activities both on and off campus on Saturday evenings and Sundays. Unique offerings unfold in the Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 Balance Barn—including yoga and meditation—and at the Courtney Robinson ’88 Outdoor Leadership Center with our high ropes course and indoor rock-climbing wall. Suffield students also love spending time in the Landis Student Union—enjoying bagels and treats from the snack bar—and rave about the food quality and many options provided in the Koo Family Dining Room.
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/CAMPUSLIFE
MEALS SERVED EACH WEEK IN THE KOO FAMILY DINING ROOM
Suffield Academy has a storied athletic history. Teams compete at the highest prep school levels and many continue as college student-athletes. Yet sports at Suffield are about far more than competition. The programs directly support the school’s mission in emphasizing commitment and leadership. There are incredible facilities on campus for Suffield teams and outstanding coaches guide our students and programs.
New Addition to our Athletic Facilities: A 4,800-square-foot Athletic Performance Center that enables teams to train together. Equipment includes: – Five power racks with bench presses & platforms – Weights
– Drive sleds – Plyo boxes – Three Keiser functional trainers – Turf training space
The arts are an integral part of Suffield Academy’s core curriculum, where teachers work closely with students to discover their interests and strengths. Education in the arts provides benefits including aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, and appreciation for diversity. Leonardo da Vinci once described the arts by categorizing people into three groups: those who see, those who see when they are shown, and those who do not see. Arts education at Suffield helps teach students to see. The foundation of the philosophy in the visual arts department is that everyone has potential. Self-inquiry begins here as students work independently with close faculty mentoring to explore and develop their strengths and ideas.
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/VISUALARTS
WINDOWS BRINGING NATURAL LIGHT INTO TREMAINE ART STUDIO
“Through the encouragement of my art teachers I have been able to experiment with two mediums—photography and film. Their support and guidance has helped me define who I am as an artist.”
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE MUSICAL ANNUALLY [CAST OR STAGE CREW]
PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTIONS ANNUALLY [MUSICAL/PLAY/DANCE]
MUSIC
STUDIO
PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS
“Our biggest goal is to assist students in understanding and appreciating the arts. We have a wide range of vibrant programs.”
Suffield Academy offers robust programs in music, theater, and dance. Students have numerous opportunities to excel both onstage and behind the scenes. Each year Suffield produces two major theatrical productions, three popular guitar shows, a one-act festival, a new playwrights festival, several jazz and ensemble performances, multiple choral performances, and full dance productions. These provide students with hands-on experiences in performance, lighting, sound, stage management, set construction, make-up artistry, costume design, and house management. Our extensive performing arts facilities include a state-of-the-art theater, set design shop, recording studio, dance studio, and music center.
2019
Best Contemporary Play
Best Musical Performance:
Featured Actor
Best Lighting Design and/or Execution
Best Featured Director
2020
Best Musical Performance:
Featured Actress
Best Lighting Design and/or Execution
Best Sound Design and/or Execution
2021
Fearless Award
Best Chorus in a Musical
Best Musical Performance:
Supporting Actor
Best Musical Performance: Leading Actress
2022
Best Stage Management
Best Cast Performance: Ensemble Production
Best Comic Female Performance
– Schedule Online: suffieldacademy.org/visit
– Contact the Admissions Office: 860-386-4440 | admissions@suffieldacademy.org
– Step by Step Instructions: suffieldacademy.org/apply
– The Standard Application: ssat.org/admission/the-sao
– Gateway to Prep Schools: gatewaytoprepschools.com/school/suffield-academy
– Secondary School Testing Information [SSAT]: ssat.org | Suffield Academy Code: 7558
– Application deadline: January 15
– Acceptance notifications: March 10
“Suffield Academy helped me become a more outgoing, positive person. I’ve formed so many friendships with people from all over the country and world. This school leaves a lasting impact on everyone that passes through.”
Suffield Academy
185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078
SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG
Mission Suffield Academy is a coeducational, independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students.
Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.