Summary: Academic Vision: Cheshire Academy students grow increasingly capable of independently observing, questioning, explaining, interpreting, and analyzing the world. Our academic process starts with what students know and want to know, and develops active learners who reflect on their growth and the implications of their learning. Our academic vision is the Academy’s mission statement in action. It’s how we do the school part of the Cheshire Academy experience. We believe all students are unique individuals, with their own academic interests, styles, and needs. We also believe in helping our students become rationally autonomous individuals. And while we strive to pass on knowledge, skills, and values – including those that will help students find college and career paths – we also are keen to ensure students have an active role and voice in their learning, and take ownership over creating work which reflects their passions and their evolving world views.

Department Director Rachel Wright

Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1

Average Class Size: 10

Summer Programs: Offered

Full Time Teachers: 48

Number of AP Courses Offered: 4

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 69%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 32

Learning Support

• Evening Study Assistance
• Learning Center
• Learning Differences Support
• Peer Tutoring
• Study Skills Assistance
• Subject Tutoring
• Technology Center
• Writing Center
• ADD/ADHD Support

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Playwriting

History

• European History
• Honors
• United States History
• World History

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• French
• Spanish

Religion / Philosophy

• Philosophy
• World Religions

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Psychology

Sciences

• Anatomy
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Earth Science
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Health
• Marine Biology
• Physics
• Physiology
• Zoology

Math

Computer Studies

• Computer Applications
• Computer Programming
• Computer Science
• Web Design

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Composition
• Individual Instructions
• Music Theory
• Songwriting

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Ceramics
• Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Publications
• Studio Art

Special Programs

• Community Service
• Independent Study
• Leadership

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 5

Average Students Per Dorm: 0

Number of Girls Dorms: 2

Number of Boys Dorms: 3

Dorm Amenities

• Game Room
• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Vending Machines
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

The student body at Cheshire Academy comprises both day and boarding students. Boarders account for a little more than half of our school, with domestic and international students residing in Horton Hall, Hurley Hall, Markin Hall, Motter Hall, and Von der Porten Hall. Each dormitory is a single-sex facility housing faculty apartments and daily supervision by trained Residential Life faculty and dorm affiliates. Student proctors and residential advisors serve as important liaisons between our students and Residential Life faculty throughout the year. At Cheshire, community life and education go hand in hand. Our Residential Life faculty and dorm affiliates can also be found instructing in classrooms, coaching on the fields, and hanging out in the dorms ready to offer a hand after school. In loco parentis, our Residential Life faculty offer both the wisdom of the classroom and all forms of TLC after the traditional school day ends — whether it’s hosting a movie night in a faculty apartment, baking brownies for an evening snack, or providing additional assistance with homework during evening study hall hours. Regularly scheduled dorm community programs take place on a weekly basis. Boarders have a chance to learn and chat about health and wellness issues, diversity and culture, and other important social topics — or sometimes just to share in a late night pizza, games, and good conversation.

Facilities

• All-Weather Track
• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Fitness Center
• Football Field
• Indoor Basketball Court
• Indoor Pool
• Pool
• Technology Center
• Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

• Lighted Turf
• Multi-purpose field
• Fencing Facilities
• Yoga Studio

Clubs & Organizations

• Chess Club
• Community Service
• Computer Club
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Dorm Proctors
• Drama Club
• Environmental Club
• Fencing Club
• International Club
• Literary Magazine
• Math Club
• Model UN
• National Honor Society
• Newspaper
• Peer Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Science Bowl
• Sexualities Club
• Student Activities
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Theater Club
• Weightlifting Club
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club

Summary: Athletics at CA: The athletics program offers more than 20 competitive sports for boys and girls, and a range of noncompetitive athletic activities, all focused on skill development and team building, competitiveness, wellness, fitness, and pride in contributing to a team. Cheshire Academy has won more than 15 athletic championships over the last 10 years. Alumni have gone on to compete at some of the top colleges in the nation, as well as in the Olympics and professionally. While Cheshire Academy has produced many top-level athletes, we also provide all students the opportunity to compete athletically with a wide variety of offerings. Arts at CA Many students come to Cheshire Academy knowing they love the arts; others discover their passion while attending. All of our students experience the process of creating art and learning to be more imaginative in solving problems — whether it’s in the keyboard lab using technology to build new sounds, the digital photography studio exploring shooting and editing techniques, or on stage developing dramatic tone and movement. The arts teach you many lessons; at Cheshire Academy, you’ll learn that problems often have more than one solution, and you’ll see that there are many ways to look at and interpret the world. As you work in the Fine and Performing Arts Department, from painting to piano, you will likely encounter unanticipated possibilities. With our campus located just 20 minutes away from both New Haven and Hartford, Cheshire Academy students have an array of opportunities to catch performances and exhibits outside of the community.

Arts Department Director: Francois Poisson

Athletics Department Director: James McCarthy

Notable Achievements: More than 15 championships over the last 10 years

Arts

• Acting
• Ceramics
• Design
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Publications
• Studio Art

Interscholastic Sports

• Alpine Skiing
• Alpine Ski Racing
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Fencing
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Recreational Sports

• Dance
• Fencing
• Outdoor Education
• Tennis

Summary: Our professional college counseling team is dedicated to finding the school that is the right fit for every student. While college “placement” is the term often used, college options, selection, and best match are the goals we persistently pursue. College counselors help guide students through every facet of the college search process, including researching schools, registering and preparing for standardized tests, visiting college campuses, writing application essays, and navigating financial aid.Students meet one-on-one and in small groups with their counselors, who act as confidants and guides. Counselors get to know each individual student they work with, carefully understanding and even challenging their aspirations and priorities. They tailor their support and provide a wealth of information necessary to navigate the college application process. To further prepare our students, Cheshire Academy hosts over 125 college representatives to meet with students, every fall. In the spring, a college fair is held on campus for members of the sophomore and junior classes. Juniors also meet with visiting college representatives one-on-one for mock interviews. A workshop for seniors is held in mid-October, where students meet with faculty and college counselors as they finalize the necessary steps allowing them to submit their college applications. Families are encouraged to remain involved in their child’s search, and are invited to the junior College Day program and the college fair. Parents/guardians are also informed by email about important dates and events in the college admission process. While it can be a challenging, time-intensive and sometimes confusing experience, students and parents/guardians are assured there is a professional advisor at their side and an effective college program at Cheshire that will help guide them to what is best and appropriate for the next phase of the student’s academic career.

College Information

Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

Middle Percentile of SAT Scores	Reading	Math	Writing
25th percentile	540	510
75th percentile	640	650

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Notable Alumni

Summary: Cheshire Academy offers a variety of summer options each year: ACADEMIC Looking for something to do this summer? Remote courses, for credit, are available for all students entering grades 9-12. Course offerings in past years have included psychology, economics, environmental science, music theory and performance, continuing conversations, theater, and an English language learning course. This year’s offerings will be announced in February 2021. COLLEGE COUNSELING: The College Counseling Bootcamp consists of two portions, and students may sign up for one or both. SAT PREP COURSE: Students receive 10 hours of SAT Preparation including a practice exam and tailored instruction in all sections. COLLEGE COUNSELING: With sessions devoted to Completing the Common App, Essay Writing, NCAA Eligibility, UC Application process, advise on creating and refining college lists, and case studies and essay advice given by college admission officers, you’ll leave prepared and ready to enjoy your senior year. BOARDING AND DAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Department Director: Richard Ferraro

Merit Scholarships: Offered

Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: 3%

Average Merit Scholarship: 5,000

Current Endowment Amount: $16,800,000