The Best Private Schools in Sherman, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sherman. 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 School is a highly respected co-educational junior boarding and day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 9. Located just 15 minutes from Sherman, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Rumsey Hall emphasizes character development, academic excellence, and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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The Frederick Gunn School
Independent
The Frederick Gunn School is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serving grades 9-12, located approximately 15 minutes from Sherman. Founded by education reformer Frederick Gunn, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and extensive STEM programs. The 220-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. The school is known for its strong community values, outdoor leadership programs, and excellent college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Canterbury School
Independent
Canterbury School is a distinguished co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12, located approximately 20 minutes from Sherman. The school offers both day and boarding options and features an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The 150-acre campus includes modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and arts centers. Canterbury emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship, with strong programs in athletics, performing arts, and community service. The school maintains a diverse student body and excellent college matriculation rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sherman, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available directly in or near Sherman, CT, and what grade levels do they serve?
Sherman itself is home to a few highly regarded private institutions, most notably Rumsey Hall School, which is a junior boarding and day school serving students from Pre-K through 9th grade. Just a short drive away in neighboring towns, you'll find The Frederick Gunn School (co-ed, grades 9-12 & PG) in Washington and Canterbury School (co-ed, grades 9-12) in New Milford. This cluster provides a continuum of private education from early childhood through high school graduation, with Rumsey Hall often serving as a feeder to the local secondary schools. The rural setting of Sherman means most options are boarding/day hybrids, attracting students from a wider region.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Sherman, CT, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Sherman-area private schools is generally at or above the Connecticut independent school average, reflecting their prestigious reputations and boarding components. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 to $50,000+, with boarding costs significantly higher. Connecticut has a robust culture of private school financial aid. Schools like Rumsey Hall, Frederick Gunn, and Canterbury all offer substantial need-based financial aid, and many families also utilize the Connecticut Independent School Student Grant Program, which provides state-funded grants to residents attending in-state private schools. It's essential to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Sherman, CT, area due to its location?
The private schools in the Sherman area leverage their rural New England setting to offer distinctive programs. Environmental science and outdoor education are significant strengths, with schools utilizing their extensive campuses and proximity to the Appalachian Trail and state parks for hands-on learning. The Frederick Gunn School, founded by the originator of recreational camping in America, has a deeply embedded outdoor program. Furthermore, the proximity to cultural hubs like New York City (about 90 minutes away) allows for robust arts and lecture series, with schools regularly organizing trips. The small, close-knit community also fosters strong advisory and character education programs central to each school's mission.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Sherman, CT, and are there key local deadlines to know?
The enrollment process for Sherman-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For secondary schools (Gunn, Canterbury), the main application deadline is typically January 15th or February 1st for admission the following fall, with decisions released in March. For Rumsey Hall's lower grades, it's advisable to apply at least a year in advance. A critical local consideration is the shared use of the Standard Application Online (SAO) and common recommendation forms. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for day student spots, attending fall open houses and scheduling campus visits the prior year is strongly recommended. Financial aid applications (SSS and school-specific forms) usually have deadlines concurrent with or shortly after admission applications.
For families considering both, how do the private schools in Sherman, CT, compare to the public Sherman School?
The Sherman School is a well-regarded public K-8 school, after which students attend Regional School District 12's high school (Shepaug Valley). The key differences lie in scope, resources, and program continuity. Private options like Rumsey Hall offer a Pre-K-9 program on a single campus, often with smaller class sizes, specialized facilities (e.g., dedicated science labs, arts centers), and a broader array of world languages and arts starting in lower grades. The local private secondary schools provide a 9-12 college-preparatory environment with extensive athletic and arts offerings that can be more comprehensive than the regional public high school. The choice often comes down to a desire for a single-campus journey through middle school, a specific pedagogical approach (like Rumsey's traditional yet supportive model), or a boarding/day hybrid community versus the local town-centered public education.
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