The Best Private Schools in Morris, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Morris. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Taft School
The Taft School
The Taft School is a highly selective independent boarding and day school located approximately 15 miles from Morris. Known for academic excellence and rigorous college preparation, Taft offers a comprehensive curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options. The 220-acre campus features exceptional facilities including modern classrooms, science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio and emphasizes character education, community service, and global citizenship. Taft consistently ranks among the top private schools in New England.
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Forman School
Forman School
Forman School is a premier coeducational college preparatory school specializing in students with learning differences. Located just 7 miles from Morris in Litchfield, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes, individualized attention, and specialized support for diverse learning needs. The 125-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and residential accommodations. The school emphasizes experiential learning, character development, and college preparation with a 100% college acceptance rate.
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Rumsey Hall School
Rumsey Hall School
Rumsey Hall School is a junior boarding and day school serving students in pre-K through grade 9, located just 8 miles from Morris in Washington. The school provides a nurturing environment with a balanced approach to academic, artistic, and athletic development. The curriculum emphasizes foundational skills, character education, and preparation for secondary school placement. The 147-acre campus features modern academic buildings, art studios, athletic fields, and outdoor learning spaces. Rumsey Hall is particularly noted for its strong community atmosphere and individualized approach to student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Morris, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available in Morris, Connecticut, and what age groups do they serve?
Morris, CT, is home to several prestigious private schools, each with a distinct focus. The Forman School is a co-ed college preparatory school for grades 9-12 and post-graduate students, specializing in educating students with learning differences. The Taft School, located in nearby Waterbury but strongly associated with the Morris area, is a co-ed boarding and day school for grades 9-12. Rumsey Hall School, in Washington Depot, is a junior boarding and day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 9. While Morris itself is a small town, it sits in a region renowned for its concentration of top-tier independent schools, offering both day and boarding options.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Morris, CT, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Morris-area private schools is significant, reflecting their national reputations and extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, boarding tuition ranges from approximately $70,000 to $80,000, while day student tuition is typically between $40,000 and $55,000. Connecticut private schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid. Schools like Taft and Forman have substantial endowments dedicated to aid, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the cost. It is crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict and funds are allocated early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs distinguish private schools in the Morris, Connecticut region?
Private schools near Morris offer specialized programs that leverage their settings and resources. The Forman School is nationally recognized for its innovative, research-based curriculum for students with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, featuring one-on-one coaching and a state-of-the-art STEM center. The Taft School offers a Global Studies & Service program with immersive travel opportunities and a renowned arts department. Given the region's natural beauty, outdoor and environmental education is a common thread, with schools utilizing the Litchfield Hills for science, athletics, and wellness programs. These schools often share resources and coordinate on special academic initiatives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Morris, CT, and how competitive is admission?
The admission process for Morris-area schools is highly competitive, beginning well over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves starting research in the spring, visiting campuses in the fall, and completing applications by January for entry the following September. Key components include the SSAT or ISEE standardized test, student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. For boarding schools like Taft and Forman, applications come from across the country and globe, making early planning essential. Some schools have earlier deadlines for financial aid applicants. It's advisable to contact admissions offices in the spring of the year before you wish to enroll.
For Morris residents, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school, Litchfield Public Schools, and a private independent school?
Morris students are part of the Litchfield Public Schools district, which is well-regarded. The choice often hinges on specific student needs and family priorities. Private schools in the area offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-12 students), extensive college counseling with matriculation to highly selective universities, and specialized programs (like Forman's learning support). They also provide boarding options, a diverse student body from many states and countries, and extensive facilities. Public schools offer a strong local community experience at no direct tuition cost. Families should consider the need for specialized academic support, desire for a boarding environment, importance of particular extracurricular niches, and the value of a globally diverse peer group when making this decision.
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