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The Hotchkiss School

United States, Lakeville

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $68,700 - 80,800
Ages 14 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 627
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1891
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum US Curriculum
Typical class size 12
Strengths Academic Excellence, Arts, Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Sports and Physical, Community and Service
Stages Secondary School
Introduction

The Hotchkiss School is a prestigious independent boarding school in Lakeville, Connecticut, founded in 1891. It enrols 627 students in grades 9-12 and a postgraduate year, with 94% residing in 13 residence halls. The student-faculty ratio is 4:1, and over 270 courses are offered across seven departments. 41% of students are US students of colour and 17% are international. 34% receive financial aid, with an average inclusive grant of USD 65,701. The school was recently ranked Top Private School in America by Niche. Fairfield Farm provides sustainable food for dining. Head of School is Craig W. Bradley.

11 Interlaken Road, Lakeville, CT 06039, USA

The Essentials

The Hotchkiss School has 627 pupils, typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location

The Hotchkiss School is in Lakeville, a small town in the northwest corner of Connecticut. The rural New England campus is surrounded by lakes and hills, providing a tranquil setting for learning.

Stages

The school serves students in grades 9 through 12 plus a postgraduate year.

Type

Hotchkiss is an independent co-educational boarding school. 94% of students live on campus in 13 residence halls. A small number of day students also attend.

Pupil Nationality Mix

41% of US students are students of colour. 17% of the student body is international.

Additional learning support

Dedicated academic support services are available for students who need additional help.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements

94% of students live on campus in 13 residence halls. The residential experience is central to school life, with faculty living alongside students.

Food Options

Fairfield Farm provides sustainable food for campus dining. The school emphasises antibiotic-free, organic, and locally sourced food.

Governance and Ownership

The Hotchkiss School is an independent, non-profit institution led by Head of School Craig W. Bradley.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Hotchkiss School ranges from USD 68,700 to USD 80,800 for 2026/27.

Annual Fees (2026-27)

Boarding
- Tuition: USD 79,350
- Technology Fee: USD 850
- Health Services Fee: USD 600
- Total: USD 80,800

Day
- Tuition: USD 67,450
- Technology Fee: USD 850
- Health Services Fee: USD 400
- Total: USD 68,700

Additional Costs
- Books and supplies: ~USD 850/year
- Health insurance: USD 4,495 (domestic) or USD 2,895 (international)
- Laundry: USD 740-920/year (optional)

Financial Aid
- 34% of students receive aid
- Average grant: USD 65,701
- 28% of aided students attend tuition-free
- Total aid budget: over USD 14.3 million/year
Academics

The Hotchkiss School teaches US Curriculum for students aged 14 to 19.

Curriculum

Over 270 courses are offered across seven departments: Classical and Modern Languages, English, Human Development, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Science, and Visual and Performing Arts. The 4:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentoring.

Student Teacher Ratio

The student-faculty ratio is 4:1, enabling highly personalised instruction and mentoring.

Higher Education Progression

Hotchkiss graduates regularly matriculate to the most selective colleges and universities. College counselling is a core part of the programme.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The Human Development department provides courses focused on personal growth and social-emotional learning. Faculty advisors and counsellors support each student.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Academic support services are available for students who need additional help with their studies.

Mental Wellbeing

Health and wellness programmes are provided. Counselling and student wellbeing resources are part of the residential support network.
Parent Experience

History

The Hotchkiss School was founded in 1891 in Lakeville, Connecticut. It has grown into one of the most respected boarding schools in the United States, known for academic excellence, artistic achievement, and environmental sustainability.

Community

A diverse community of 627 students: 41% US students of colour and 17% international. The residential model (94% boarding) creates a close-knit campus. An active alumni network connects graduates through regional events and reunions.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The campus includes the Main Building, 13 dormitories, the Edsel Ford Memorial Library, Fairfield Farm, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The Tremaine Art Gallery and Esther Eastman Music Center are notable venues.

Sports Facilities

27+ varsity teams compete in sports including football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, rowing, sailing, tennis, swimming, squash, golf, and mountain biking. Sports medicine and strength conditioning are available.

Academic Facilities

The Edsel Ford Memorial Library provides research tools and special collections. Technology and Innovation programmes are integrated into the curriculum.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Extensive clubs and student organisations are available. The Summer Portals programme offers specialised camps in robotics, rocketry, debate, and engineering. An International Piano Competition and Concert Series are hosted.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

270+ courses across seven departments offer exceptional academic breadth. Technology and Innovation programmes provide hands-on learning.

Arts & Creative

Studio art, photography, film, theatre, dance, and music are offered through the Visual and Performing Arts department. The Tremaine Art Gallery hosts exhibitions. An International Piano Competition is held.

Cultural & Language

Classical and Modern Languages department offers courses in multiple languages. The diverse student body (17% international) creates a multicultural environment.

Community & Service

The Office of Pluralism and Community supports an inclusive campus culture. DEI initiatives are integrated into the curriculum and community life.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

27+ varsity teams across sports from sailing to mountain biking. The school golf course and extensive athletic facilities support active student life.
Languages

Language Provision

English is the language of instruction. The Classical and Modern Languages department offers courses in multiple languages. 17% of students are international.
Reputation

Awards

Niche Top Private School — Recently named Top Private School in America by Niche.

Accreditations

Niche — Ranked Top Private School in America.
Founded 1891 — One of New England's top private high schools with over 130 years of history.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Contact the admissions office or visit campus.
2. Submit an application.
3. Financial aid applications are considered alongside admissions.
4. 34% of students receive financial aid.
5. Both boarding and day places are available.

Scholarships

34% of students receive financial aid, with an average grant of USD 65,701. 28% of aided students attend tuition-free. The school allocates over USD 14.3 million in financial support each year. All aided students receive a school-issued MacBook.
School Events
The school has not added events