The Best Private Schools in Roxbury, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Roxbury. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rumsey Hall School
Independent
Rumsey Hall is a premier co-educational junior boarding and day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 9. Located just minutes from Roxbury in neighboring Washington, this highly respected institution offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The school features exceptional facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and a newly renovated library. With a strong focus on character development and academic excellence, Rumsey Hall prepares students for top secondary schools. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and outdoor education.
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The Frederick Gunn School
Independent
The Frederick Gunn School is a co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located in Washington, CT, serving the Roxbury area. Founded by educational innovator Frederick Gunn, this prestigious school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with character development and leadership training. The campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, arts centers, and extensive outdoor spaces. The school offers Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, robust arts programs, and unique outdoor education opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship. The school maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities.
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Woodhall School
Independent
Woodhall School is a specialized college preparatory boarding and day school for young men in grades 9-12, located in nearby Bethlehem and serving the Roxbury area. The school specializes in educating students with learning differences, ADHD, and executive functioning challenges while maintaining high academic standards. With small classes (average 4:1 student-teacher ratio) and individualized instruction, Woodhall provides comprehensive support while preparing students for college success. The campus features academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, and art studios. The school's unique approach combines academic rigor with social-emotional learning, life skills development, and college counseling. Students benefit from structured environments and personalized learning plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Roxbury, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available directly in or near Roxbury, CT, and what age groups do they serve?
Roxbury itself is a small, rural town, so most private schools are located in neighboring towns within Litchfield County. The most prominent options include Rumsey Hall School in Washington Depot (a junior boarding and day school for grades K-9), The Frederick Gunn School in Washington (a co-ed boarding and day school for grades 9-12 and postgraduate), and The Woodhall School in Bethlehem (a boarding and day school for college-bound boys in grades 9-12 who may benefit from a structured, supportive environment). These schools offer a range from elementary through high school, with a strong emphasis on boarding communities that draw students regionally and internationally, reflecting the area's character.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Roxbury, CT, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at these prestigious Litchfield County schools is generally at or above the Connecticut private school average, especially for boarding programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, comprehensive boarding tuition can range from approximately $70,000 to $80,000, while day student tuition is typically between $40,000 and $55,000. However, all three schools—Rumsey Hall, Frederick Gunn, and Woodhall—have substantial financial aid endowments and are committed to need-based aid. Many Roxbury-area families apply for and receive significant grants, making these schools accessible. It's crucial to engage with the financial aid office early and complete the SSS (School and Student Services) profile.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Roxbury that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Roxbury area deeply integrate the natural and historical resources of Northwestern Connecticut into their programs. The Frederick Gunn School, founded by the originator of American camping, emphasizes outdoor leadership and environmental science with extensive on-campus trails and off-campus expeditions. Rumsey Hall utilizes its rural setting for its outdoor education and sustainability initiatives for younger students. The Woodhall School offers a unique "Learning Center" for individualized academic support. All schools benefit from proximity to cultural resources like the Steep Rock Association preserves, which are used for ecological study, and the artistic communities of Washington and Litchfield.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Roxbury, CT, and when should families start?
The admission process for these selective schools is similar to independent schools nationwide but requires planning due to their popularity. The ideal timeline begins 12-18 months before desired entry. For fall entry, families should attend open houses in the spring or fall prior, submit applications by January/February (with deadlines often in January), and complete student visits and interviews in the fall or winter. Key steps include standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, and school records. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but starting early is critical, especially for boarding spots which are in high demand. Contacting admissions offices in the spring before the application year is highly advised.
For Roxbury residents, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school, Region 12, and the area's private schools?
Roxbury students are part of the Region 12 School District (serving Roxbury, Bridgewater, and Washington), which includes Booth Free School (K-5) and Shepaug Valley Middle/High School. The primary considerations are educational approach, scale, and specialization. Region 12 offers a well-regarded public education with smaller class sizes than many state districts. The private options offer even lower student-to-teacher ratios, specialized boarding environments, and distinct pedagogical identities (e.g., Gunn's leadership focus, Woodhall's structured support). Families might consider private schools for a specific learning environment, a pre-professional arts or athletics track, or a global boarding community, whereas Region 12 provides a strong, tuition-free local community experience. Transportation to private day programs is the family's responsibility.
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