Cheshire Academy is a historic independent boarding and day school for students in grades 9–12 and Post-Graduate (PG), located on a 104-acre campus in Cheshire, Connecticut (situated between New York City and Boston, approximately 20 minutes from Yale University). Founded in 1794, it is one of the oldest independent schools in the United States and is distinguished as one of the first American boarding schools to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Academic Programs
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Grades 9–12 American High School Diploma
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Post-Graduate (PG) Program (College Prep Year)
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
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Roxbury Academic Support Program (Individualized Learning Support)
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Art & Music Pathway Programs
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Intensive English Support Programs (ELL / TOEFL & SAT Preparation)
Academic & Institutional Highlights
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Pioneer in IB Education: One of the earliest traditional US boarding schools to integrate the IB Diploma Programme, offering a flexible and globally recognized curriculum.
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The Roxbury Program: A signature, individualized academic support framework designed for students with learning differences or those seeking one-on-one academic mentorship.
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Strategic Location: Proximity to Yale University provides unique access to academic and cultural resources, along with easy access to New York City and Boston metropolises.
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Flexible Curriculum Options: A broad spectrum of course combinations ranging from IB higher-level courses to advanced independent research, creative arts, and entrepreneurship.
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Comprehensive College Counseling: Dedicated one-on-one college counseling offering customized application strategies for Ivy League and top-ranked US universities (US News Top 50).
Application Requirements & Intakes
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Application Intakes: Primary entry in the Fall (September), with limited Spring (January) mid-year entry based on availability.
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Admissions Requirements: Online application (SAO or Gateway), official academic transcripts for the past 2–3 years, English and Math teacher recommendations, personal interview, and standardized assessment results (SSAT, ISEE, or internal assessments).
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English Proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) scores for international applicants (ELL support is available on campus).
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Cheshire Academy offers need-based financial aid and a limited number of merit-based awards for international students with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, or outstanding achievements in athletics and the arts.
Student Life & Campus Community
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Boarding Life: Modern campus dormitories equipped with 24/7 pastoral care, House/Dorm Parent supervision, and round-the-clock security.
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Athletic Facilities: Indoor and outdoor athletic facilities supporting American football, basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming, volleyball, track & field, and lacrosse.
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Visual & Performing Arts: Black Box theater, digital media studios, music practice rooms, ceramics, and fine arts studios.
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Clubs & Extracurriculars: Student Council, Model UN, Debate, Robotics Club, Community Service initiatives, and weekend cultural trips to New York City and Boston.
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Diverse & Inclusive Environment: A global campus culture bringing together students from over 30 countries and across numerous US states.
Achievements & University Placements
Cheshire Academy graduates consistently gain admission to elite US institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Cornell, NYU, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and Northeastern University. With its student-centered philosophy, rich heritage, and strong IB track record, Cheshire Academy stands out as one of the most respected college-preparatory boarding schools in the United States.