The Best Private Schools in Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Old Greenwich. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Greenwich Country Day School
Independent
Greenwich Country Day School is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the region, serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1926, GCDS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and highly qualified faculty. Their comprehensive program includes advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, extensive arts offerings, and community service opportunities, making it a top choice for families throughout the Greenwich area including Old Greenwich.
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Brunswick School
Independent
Brunswick School is a premier all-boys independent day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With over a century of educational excellence, Brunswick offers a challenging academic program that prepares students for top colleges and universities. The school features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, technology labs, extensive athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Brunswick's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and character education, with particularly strong programs in mathematics, science, and robotics. The school serves families throughout Greenwich, including Old Greenwich, and maintains a reputation for academic rigor and comprehensive student development.
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Convent of the Sacred Heart
Network of Sacred Heart Schools
Convent of the Sacred Heart is a highly respected all-girls independent school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, CSH offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses. The school features exceptional academic programs with particular strengths in STEM education, global studies, and leadership development. With beautiful campus facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, arts studios, and athletic centers, CSH provides a nurturing yet challenging environment. The school's commitment to developing confident, compassionate leaders makes it a top choice for families in Old Greenwich and throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Old Greenwich, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options serving families in Old Greenwich, CT, and what are their core educational models?
Old Greenwich is primarily served by several prestigious private institutions in the greater Greenwich area. The most prominent include Greenwich Country Day School (GCDS), a co-educational, independent day school with a progressive approach serving Pre-K through Grade 9, with an upper school campus for Grades 9-12. Brunswick School is an all-boys day school with a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12. Convent of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls, independent Catholic school offering a Pre-K through Grade 12 education rooted in the Goals and Criteria of a Sacred Heart education. While not in Old Greenwich proper, these schools are central to the community and offer transportation. Other options include smaller parochial and independent schools in neighboring towns.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Old Greenwich, CT, area compare to state and national averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at top private schools in the Greenwich area is among the highest in the nation, reflecting the cost of living and the extensive resources offered. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for upper schools can exceed $55,000, with lower and middle schools often in the $40,000-$50,000 range. This is significantly above both the Connecticut and national private school averages. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For instance, Greenwich Country Day School, Brunswick, and Sacred Heart all have robust financial aid programs, with awards that can cover a significant portion of tuition for qualifying families. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admission and disclose all financial information.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Old Greenwich that leverage the local coastal environment and community resources?
Schools in the Old Greenwich area uniquely integrate the coastal setting of Long Island Sound into their programs. Greenwich Country Day School and Brunswick School have strong marine science and environmental studies programs, with fieldwork opportunities at local beaches and estuaries. Sailing is a prominent varsity sport at Brunswick and Sacred Heart. Furthermore, these schools leverage proximity to New York City for arts partnerships, speaker series, and internship opportunities. The schools' significant endowments also support global travel programs, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and extensive arts offerings, from orchestra to theater, that rival those of small colleges.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like GCDS, Brunswick, and Sacred Heart in Old Greenwich, CT?
The process is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 9, families should initiate inquiries in the spring or summer before the desired fall enrollment. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by early January (with deadlines typically between Jan. 1-15), 3) Completing student assessments and interviews (for the child and parents) in January/February, and 4) Receiving decisions on March 10th (aligned with the Fairchester Common Notification Date). For other grades, the process is similar but depends on space availability. Sibling and legacy applicants often have a slight priority, but the process remains competitive.
For families considering both options, how do the public schools in Old Greenwich compare to the leading private schools in terms of academic offerings and environment?
Old Greenwich is part of the Greenwich Public Schools district, which is consistently top-ranked in Connecticut and the nation. The local elementary school, Old Greenwich School, is highly regarded. The key differences lie in scale, specialization, and approach. Public schools offer a excellent, tuition-free education with diverse peers. Private schools like GCDS, Brunswick, and Sacred Heart offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), more individualized attention, and specialized curricula (e.g., single-gender education, specific religious or pedagogical philosophies). They also have greater flexibility in curriculum design and more extensive facilities. The choice often comes down to personal preference for educational philosophy, class size, and specific programs, as both sectors provide outstanding academic foundations in this affluent, education-focused community.
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