2024 Best High Schools in Litchfield County

• Lakeville, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.52 out of 5  90 reviews

Parent: Hotchkiss was an incredible experience for both of our children. The academics were certainly challenging, but the support of teachers and advisors made it all manageable. Both kids are now in college and found the transition to be minimal. Sports were important to both of our kids. For one, the sports media program was an incredible experience and for the other varsity sports were an incredible experience. Away from sports, the residential life program was amazing and both kids made friends for life. As a family, we often heard that Hotchkiss could be a pressure kicker, and while it is demanding, it is also a school that cares about its students and strives to have a thoughtful balance between hard work and fun. Hotchkiss was life changing for both of our kids and our family would strongly recommend the school.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 599

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Watertown, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.4 out of 5  77 reviews

Senior: Taft is a great school! The teachers are excellent, student life is decent, and there is definitely a lot of opportunities to take advantage of as a student from any year. Something I love about Taft is the amount of courses you get to pick from (including Global Online Academy) and also how much freedom you have as you become an upperclassman. Overall there is a lot of support and people are always trying to help you, academically and otherwise.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 580

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Kent, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.29 out of 5  115 reviews

Parent: Kent is an exceptional all-around school. Definitely ascending in reputation - has the right kind of mix between challenging academics, sports and extra curriculars. Kent has an impressive advisor program that helps guide students through their boarding school journey. Arguably, it has the prettiest setting among all the East Coast schools with a river that runs along the campus and a wonderful town that is literally a 5-min walk for students. Having the town of Kent so near definitely allows students more freedom and sets the school apart from many other boarding schools that are more secluded with no easy access to the real world. So glad that we chose Kent over the other great schools!... Read 115 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 520

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Washington, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.81 out of 5  93 reviews

Freshman: The experience of this school is surreal, the friends and people you meet are just insane! I have met my some of the best people I will ever meet, they have been such a great add on to my life and honestly they are extremely important in my life! I cannot recommend this school anymore then I already do.... Read 93 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Salisbury, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  79 reviews

Parent: Our son went to a great public high school for freshman and sophomore year and is an honor student. He always wanted to go to prep school and he is an avid hockey and lacrosse player. He is now in his first year at Salisbury and is repeating his sophomore year. He cannot be happier with his decision and obviously that makes us as parents extremely happy. Coincidentally, we could not have picked a better time due to Covid. He is actually going to classes and having a real high school experience as opposed to if he had still been home at his former High School being subject to almost 100% online classes and no competitive sports. Overall Salisbury gets five stars for all the work they put in to make our sons experience in high school educationally, athletically, and as a gentleman, something that will no doubt have him continue to achieve high standards when he goes to college and throughout his entire life.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 310

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• New Milford, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  60 reviews

Parent: As a multi generational boarding school family, we were seeking a smaller, kinder alternative to the pressure cooker environment of the super elite schools. Canterbury exceeded our expectations in every critical category - a healthy, inclusive campus culture, outstanding academic support, and superb leadership. The faculty holds weekly meetings to discuss EVERY student. The Head visits the dorm room of EVERY student during the academic year and gets to know each student. Parental requests and concerns are addressed immediately. Our student came out of there joyful, assured, with excellent college options, enduring friendships and a deep sense of gratitude.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• South Kent, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  40 reviews

Parent: If you want your son to transform into an independent, thoughtful and compassionate man. Then, SKS is the place. The individual attention my son has received this past school year was incredible. The teachers are excellent at identifying the potential in each student and they spend the year working to unlock that potential. Beyond just the academics, they work on the "whole" person to develop a socially and emotionally advanced person. I can not begin to thank the staff at SKS enough and we can't wait for next school year! Thank you South Kent!... Read 40 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 150

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Kent, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.38 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: Our son joined Marvelwood in the Fall as a junior. He attended other schools before but never felt they were the right fit. At Marvelwood, he found a “home away from home”. The size of the community makes it easy to know everyone. The faculty and the learning center are incredibly supportive: they taught our son how to advocate for himself, and develop learning strategies. All the departments of the school outperformed our expectations. And the campus is beautiful! Our son went through a few unfortunate events (death in the family, concussion, leg injury), but we always had a lot of support at all levels from everyone in the community. And he made lifelong friends. Marvelwood also handled the covid 19 crisis extremely well: they had a protocol that everyone followed and it enabled the students to enjoy a “normal school year”! Marvelwood is a place where people care! We are looking forward to his senior year!... Read 37 reviews

• grade A

• Students 120

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Litchfield, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: Forman excels, especially in the areas where gifted LD students need support the most. There is a strong emphasis on skill based learning, experiential learning, and executive function development that serves this population well. Class sizes are small, which really does afford opportunities for one on one attention. Too often, schools promise that they teach "to the individual student" but cannot explain precisely how they accomplish this lofty goal. Forman can explain it, and more importantly finds very real, practical ways to implement strategies to meet students where they are as learners and help develop skills to face learning challenges head on. Students learn self advocacy in an enviroment that is not punitive, but certainly features accountability. The days are structured, but fully engaging with ample time for sports, recreation, studying, extra help, and socialization. Forman students who invest in their academic careers are well prepared for college.... Read 43 reviews

• grade A

• Students 230

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Bethlehem, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: The Woodhall School transformed our son's life and helped him break a cycle of failure. He started just after finishing a wilderness therapy program and left as the valedictorian of his class. We can't say enough about the superlative quality of the teachers and the administration, and the feeling of community and compassion that they foster. Plus he got a great education!... Read 16 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 36

• Student-teacher ratio 2:1

• Regional School District No. 12, CT•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  22 reviews

Senior: What I like about Shepaug, is how supportive and friendly the staff is, and how everybody is always included no matter what we are doing. I also really love how students are able to get hands on experience with our small and large animals, making food in the kitchen, using power tools, and planting as well as aquaponics. Even if you aren’t in agriscience, you get to have a hands on experience in other activities, and I think that’s great for learning real life skills. The environment and student atmosphere is also nice, because everyone knows everyone, and students are always friendly and welcoming. There are also so many different clubs and sports you could choose from, which I like a lot because there is something for everyone, and nobody feels left out. I don’t think I would change anything about Shepaug, because the school is really great as it is.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Northwestern Regional School District No. 7, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  130 reviews

Senior: I've enjoyed my time at Northwestern Regional 7. The faculty is caring and engaging with the students, providing a high quality education. However, the school lacks diversity in many ways and provides an isolated educated.... Read 130 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 603

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Winsted, CT•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  108 reviews

Junior: My family recently researched area private schools to attend to give me a more diverse experience than my hometown high school. Living in a rural area, it’s hard to find a school that isn’t too large but that still has a diverse student body, small class sizes, and a lot of AP classes. I found that exactly in Gilbert! When I went to have a tour I immediately noticed the small community feeling and felt instantly at home. The teachers and administration as well as the coaches have made me feel like I have been here for years. Don’t wait- come in to see all this school has to offer. The dorm is new and right down the hill from school. It couldn’t be any more convenient! I’m already being pursued by better colleges after only one year. I am excited for my last two years and beyond.... Read 108 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 421

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Litchfield Public Schools, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  79 reviews

Alum: The school is very open to many opportunities. Whether it be from extra-curricular to courses you can sign up for, you will come out learning something new and beneficial.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 231

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Falls Village, CT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  98 reviews

Parent: We are going into our 3rd year at Housatonic. The AP classes are excellent, the teachers and the culture are supportive and caring - the sports teams are competitive and engaging - focusing on good sportsmanship as well as athleticism. We could not be happier with our choice for a high school experience and we know our children will get into terrific colleges!... Read 98 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 339

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Regional School District No. 14, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  212 reviews

Senior: When I first arrived at Nonnewaug, I was so nervous - new school nerves. But every single one of the teachers I was placed with, including the assistant staff, faculty who aren’t teachers, and more, made me feel immediately at home. I fell in love with the art program at Nonnewaug; the art teachers are some of the kindest and most passionate teachers ever, and every single other adult in the school has every single positive intention possible for every single student in the school. The students were also so incredibly welcoming. New schools are hard, but every aspect of Nonnewaug felt immediately like home to me. The agriscience school is also AMAZING. For a student like me who doesn’t take agriscience, that portion of Nonnewaug is vital to how the school functions. The amazing environment created by the plants and farms and landscaping upkeep, due to the students and teachers alike, create the most inviting and exciting surroundings, and overall the most friendly school experience.... Read 212 reviews

• grade B

• Students 671

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• New Milford School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  272 reviews

Alum: NMHS is a wonderful high school that is filled with opportunities! With that said, the student must initiate said opportunities themselves. There is always room for improvement and I believe that students have the capability to make positive change. Plus, most of the faculty is wonderful!... Read 272 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,303

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Torrington, CT•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.68 out of 5  37 reviews

Parent: This is our first year attending Torrington Christian but have participated in sports & after school clubs in prior years. Both of my children love it (8th and 9th grade). The teachers are attentive to each child and both of them are thriving. They teach them to be responsible for their work/actions and respectful to all. They have both grown academically, biblically and socially. They love their peers and have made wonderful friends. Our experience with sports and after school activities has been a wonderful experience with all the above TCA strengths extended in this area. I highly recommend TCA.... Read 37 reviews

• grade B

• Students 215

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• New Milford, CT•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  35 reviews

Parent: My daughter has been so much happier since her enrollment with Faith Prep. The atmosphere is safe and healthy and I love that it incorporates a Christian based education into the main curriculum. The teachers and staff members are involved in the wellbeing of the students and work hard to give them the best education. We have personally chosen to stay here for her remaining school years until she graduates high school. Highly recommend this school for its community, education, discipline and preparatory lessons for higher education and life skills.... Read 35 reviews

• grade B

• Students 165

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Winsted, CT•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: Explorations is a second home to me. I have been going there since my Freshman year and I am about to graduate as valedictorian. The teachers care about each student and make the time for you inside of school and out. They love going to shows and games to support their students.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Students 88

• Student-teacher ratio 6:1

• Regional School District No. 6, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  97 reviews

Senior: When I first came to Wamogo, I was still shy of course. Then came the end of freshman year during Frosh fest where I met the my best friends. We are still friends today it being our Senior year. We have been through thick and thin together, that being FFA events, FFA trips, ag adventures with the dogs and climbing trees in Natural resource, and most of all getting through the COVID-19 pandemic together. It's still around but so are my friends who have had my back and still continue to make me laugh even when times get trialing. Wamogo might not be seen s the best, but it certainly gave me more family and comfort knowing I have teachers and peers that care and want to help me succeed. Wamogo offers hands on experiences, advocators throughout the halls, and human beings that will always lend a hand!... Read 97 reviews

• grade B

• Students 379

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Thomaston School District, CT•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  76 reviews

Senior: I've attended Thomaston public schools for my entire life, and there is a lot to love about them. The schools are quite small, which creates a tightly-knit environment where everyone knows one another. This small environment has both positive aspects as well as negative. Knowing everyone means that you have constant support from those around you, and you always have someone to turn to. It also means, however, that rumors spread quickly, and bad situations can escalate at a moment's notice. As far as the teachers go, my school has some of the best. I've had the priveleage of being taught by brilliant people who actually care about how I'm doing, which is more than kids from other schools can say. Our sports programs are amazing, and so is our school counseling. One of the main areas where Thomaston falls short is that we seriously lack diversity, which results in racially sheltered kids who know little to nothing about other races.... Read 76 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 319

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Torrington School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: Torrington High School is one of those schools where if you do not stay focused on what you need to do, you simply fall behind. Choosing to focus on myself at Torrington High was the best decision I've ever made. Throughout my four years I have been involved in both the football, and basketball program which was very successful. This past football season we won our first state playoff game in school history! As well as being only the third team to make the state playoff in team history. It wasn't only the sport that benefited me, but the community as well. Using both football and basketball we were able to come together and hold many community events. For example, football and basketball camps, basketball clinics, and various sporting charitable events. Not only were sports a great impact, but my education has been emphasized throughout my four years. The staff does a very well job of pushing us to be our best and they NEVER give up on us students. My four years were amazing.... Read 164 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 945

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Watertown School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  220 reviews

Sophomore: I go to this school I have honestly had a descent experience the teachers are pretty chill and they’re good at their just job, the students are okay, and safety is take pretty seriously, they do have diversity when it comes to sports, and clubs, and pretty nice plays.... Read 220 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 777

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Plymouth School District, CT•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  71 reviews

Senior: Terryville high school is an open and accepting community. The teachers are helpful and want nothing but the best for their students. Without Terryville high I would’ve never took a firefighting course, meaning I wouldn’t have joined the local volunteer firefighters or known what to major in. For that I’m grateful, but I do think more could be done to diversify the courses.... Read 71 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 370

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1