2024 Best 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 4.85 out of 5  107 reviews

Senior: Frederick Gunn School has been my transformative haven. Academically, it's more than subjects; it's a culture of curiosity. Challenging yet rewarding, the curriculum builds a foundation beyond exams. The faculty, true mentors, go beyond teaching—they fuel a passion for learning. Small class sizes amplify this experience, fostering meaningful connections and discussions. Beyond the classroom, the array of extracurriculars is like a playground of opportunities. Yet, what truly defines Frederick Gunn School is its community. It's not just a school; it's a family. The mentors guide not only academically but also through life's twists. Standing on the brink of graduation, I'm grateful for the growth, friendships, and memories. Frederick Gunn School isn't just an institution; it's a chapter that readies me for the next exciting phase. Cheers to lessons learned, bonds formed, and experiences that'll stay forever. Frederick Gunn School, you're the anchor in my academic voyage.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 325

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Salisbury, CT•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.75 out of 5  80 reviews

Works Here: From top to bottom and everywhere in between, the experience of Salisbury students is unparalleled. It is a place for growth in every aspect of a student's life. I am so proud to be a part of the magic that happens at Salisbury School. The brotherhood is real as students have a genuine care for each other and the school. This makes the culture of the school a place of happiness and fulfillment for all. From a first year student to a post-graduate, each member of the school community is ALL IN to continue to make this school the leader in boys' education!... Read 80 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

• Colebrook, CT•

• Public School•

• K-6

• grade A

• Students 77

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Kent, CT•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• grade A

• Students 212

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Regional School District No. 12, CT•

• PK, K-5

• grade A

• Students 154

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Regional School District No. 12, CT•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 59

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• 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

• Regional School District No. 12, CT•

• K-5

• grade A

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lakeville, CT•

• Public School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: Fantastic school! If your child is gifted or needs extra attention this is the school to be at. It’s ranked number one in Connecticut for a reason. I’m not sure what value private schools could offer that this public school couldn’t, especially at this age level.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 303

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Falls Village, CT•

• Public School•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 4.25 out of 5  4 reviews

Parent: I love this school because it gets the kids OUT of the classroom frequently. They'll study technology and velocity at a local ski slope, or learn about tapping maple syrup at a nearby agricultural community. Their technology at the school is top notch and you can't beat the teacher-to-student ratio (never more than 1:10). I also love the emphasis on community, responsibility, and personal integrity. It's such a small school that you can truly say that no kid slips through the cracks.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A

• Students 74

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• 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 45

• Student-teacher ratio 3:1

• Regional School District No. 12, CT•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  23 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 23 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 472

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Regional School District No. 6, CT•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: Great small town school with heavy parent involvement. Everyone know each other, academic support is given to kids who struggle. Great teaching staff and welcoming school.... Read 1 review

• grade A minus

• Students 159

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• 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 3.53 out of 5  80 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 80 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 231

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Regional School District No. 10, CT•

• PK, K-4

• grade A minus

• Students 372

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Litchfield Public Schools, CT•

• 4-6

• grade B+

• Students 189

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Regional School District No. 6, CT•

• PK, K-5

• grade B+

• Students 60

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1