School Name
The Hotchkiss School
Category
North America Schools
Types
Senior school
Pupil type
Co-ed
Boarding-Day
Boarding
Day
Curriculums
US curriculum
Pupil age range
14-18
Location
Connecticut
The Hotchkiss School
Focus
Educating leaders and change-makers
Day fees 2024/25
$61,700
Boarding fees 2024/25
$72,600
Pupils
615
Ages
14–18
Spear’s Review
A top Connecticut prep school founded in 1891, Hotchkiss challenges pupils beyond their comfort zone. Pupils from across the globe are encouraged to try new things and build bonds. The school has excellent green credentials and this ‘internationally diverse, inclusive learning community’ has educated Olympians, bankers, entrepreneurs, poets and producers.
Hotchkiss follows the US curriculum and offers 270 courses each year including classic languages, human development and performing arts. The sciences department is particularly well known for its 3D printing facility and observatory.
Sustainability has become a big focus for the school, the recently took over part of a 287-acre farm near the school at which students can take lessons in farming, nutrition and agriculture - the farm even supplies 30% of the produce in the dining hall.
Academics
Average SAT score is 1421.
Average ACT score is 33.
University and college destinations
Between 2021 and 2024, Hotchkiss has sent 10 or more students to Ivy League universities Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton and Yale.
Head teacher
Craig W. Bradley was appointed head of school in 2016 following a decade living and working abroad. In early 2025, he announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
Admissions
Students hoping to attend Hotchkiss should submit an inquiry form. Following this, they will attend an interview, sit standardised tests and submit documentation including a personal statement, academic records and teacher recommendations.
Accessibility
JFK Airport: 2 hours
Location
Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.
Rank: Recommended
Recommended 2025, North America Schools