Suffield Academy
185 North Main Street, Suffield, Connecticut 06078
(860) 386-4400
Suffield’s mission guides our philosophy. It speaks to a tradition of academic excellence, respect for individual differences, and preparing for a lifetime of leadership and active citizenship. There is an emphasis here on helping students succeed and focusing on the distance they travel during their years on our campus. Our mission also speaks to the nature of our community—what it feels like to be at Suffield Academy. Our school combines challenging academics and high standards with an encouraging, supportive faculty. This intentional purpose has helped Suffield and our students thrive.
Suffield Academy is a coeducational independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Charlie Cahn
Director of Admissions:
Sean Atkins
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
415
Percent Boarders:
63%
Percent International:
18%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway and SAO
Testing Plan:
Optional
Curriculum
Each Suffield Academy student develops an academic program based on the guidance of the Dean of Academics & Faculty and Assistant Academic Deans. The typical course load for most students each term is five full-credit courses. Unless otherwise noted, every course meets twice a week for 45 minutes and twice a week for 70 minutes. The average class size is 10.
Programming
In addition to Suffield’s beautiful campus, close sense of community, and core offerings in the academic and afternoon programs, there are compelling programs unique to our school. Suffield dedicates significant resources—including time, space, and personnel—to help ensure these signature programs enrich the experiences of our students. While Suffield Academy has a variety of programs that set us apart, it is the sense of warmth and happiness found throughout campus that makes us unique. As you learn more about our four-year college counseling program, distinctive Leadership curriculum, and commitment to service and sustainability, take the time to discover what makes our community so special.
Activity/Sports Requirements
The athletic program at Suffield Academy has a long and storied tradition. Our varsity teams regularly earn or compete for league and New England Championships, and many continue as college student-athletes. Yet athletics at Suffield are about much more than winning or losing. We believe sports build and strengthen character.
Dress Code
Formal dress code during the academic days and spirit dress on Saturdays. Casual dress is permitted any other times.
Seated Meals
One of the most important and well-loved traditions is our family-style sit-down lunches. Students and faculty gather each day as a community in the Koo Family Dining Room, eat delicious and healthy meals, connect with new and familiar faces, and share announcements.
Study Hall
Students are scheduled for Academic Support two to four times per week in group settings of approximately five to eight students. Student participation is voluntary as only through the diligence and commitment on the part of the student will the staff’s recommendations work.
Saturday Programming
Regular weekend activitiies are scheduled for students to stay active and participate in their community.
Residential Life
Suffield Academy has 15 dormitories ranging from Fuller and Spencer Hall [with about 40 beds] to house-style dorms on Suffield’s historic Main Street. Six dorms with about 10 double rooms are located in Kotchen Quadrangle. Powers Hall and Brodie Hall are our newest dorms—both are 10,000 square-feet buildings with rooms that have individual heating and cooling capacity.