The Best Private Schools in Watertown, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Watertown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Taft School
Independent
The Taft School is a prestigious co-educational independent boarding and day school located directly in Watertown. Founded in 1890, Taft offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic standards. The 220-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science centers, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Known for its strong community values and outstanding faculty, Taft consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence with a diverse range of extracurricular activities and competitive athletic programs.
Programs:
Forman School
Independent
Forman School is a highly regarded co-educational college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from Watertown in Litchfield. Specializing in serving students with learning differences such as ADHD and dyslexia, Forman combines rigorous academics with specialized support. The 125-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and innovative learning spaces. With small class sizes and individualized attention, Forman provides a comprehensive educational experience that includes competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and extensive college counseling. The school has earned recognition for its successful approach to educating diverse learners.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
Catholic
St. Mary's School is a respected Catholic private school located approximately 10 miles from Watertown in Waterbury. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, St. Mary's offers a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and technology integration throughout the curriculum. With a focus on character development and community service, St. Mary's provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction through its commitment to academic excellence and comprehensive student support services, making it a popular choice for families in the Greater Waterbury area including Watertown.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Watertown, Connecticut
What are the primary types of private schools available in Watertown, CT, and how do they differ?
Watertown, CT, is home to a distinctive mix of private schools, primarily centered around prestigious boarding/day and specialized institutions. The Taft School is a top-tier, co-educational college-preparatory boarding and day school with a national reputation. The Forman School is nationally recognized for its expertise in educating students with learning differences, such as ADHD and dyslexia, offering a college-prep curriculum with tailored support. St. Mary's School provides a Catholic, values-based education from preschool through 8th grade. This range offers parents in the Watertown area choices between highly competitive college prep, specialized learning support, and faith-based foundational education.
How does the tuition for private schools in Watertown, CT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition in Watertown aligns with some of the highest in Connecticut, reflecting the caliber and boarding components of its schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, boarding tuition at schools like Taft can exceed $70,000, while day student tuition is typically in the $50,000+ range. Forman and St. Mary's have different pricing structures, with Forman's specialized programs also commanding a premium. Connecticut private schools, including those in Watertown, are generally proactive with financial aid, offering need-based grants (not loans) to make attendance possible. Families should complete the School and Student Service (SSS) Financial Aid application as early as possible, as aid is competitive. Some schools also offer merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Watertown's private schools?
Each school in Watertown has defining programs. The Taft School is renowned for its global studies emphasis, advanced STEM facilities, and exceptional arts programs, including a renowned music conservatory model. Its location in New England also fosters strong outdoor and athletic traditions. The Forman School's signature is its comprehensive, integrated Learning Skills program, where each student receives one-on-one coaching in executive function and academic strategies, embedded within a rigorous college-prep curriculum. St. Mary's School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiative and character development within a close-knit community. The proximity to cultural centers like Litchfield and access to natural resources also enrich outdoor education across schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Watertown, and are there considerations for local day students versus boarding applicants?
The timeline for Watertown private schools is aligned with the standard independent school calendar, with critical steps in the fall and winter. For a September start, applications are often due in January or February, with admission decisions released in March. The process includes standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), school visits/interviews, teacher recommendations, and student essays. A key local consideration is that for day student spots at schools like Taft, competition can be extremely fierce as these spots are limited compared to boarding capacity. Local Watertown families are advised to initiate contact with the admission office in the early fall (a year prior to desired enrollment) to express interest and schedule visits. Forman School has a rolling admissions process but encourages early application.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Watertown, CT, compare academically and in resources to the public Watertown School District?
The Watertown Public School District provides a solid, comprehensive K-12 education. The primary differentiators for Watertown's private schools are specialization, resource intensity, and community scale. Private schools like Taft and Forman offer significantly lower student-to-teacher ratios, expansive college counseling networks, and specialized facilities (e.g., science labs, arts centers, athletic complexes) that rival small colleges. Academically, they offer a wider array of Advanced Placement and advanced courses, and their curricula are designed for a selective, nationally drawn student body. The public district serves a broader range of learners within a community-based setting. The choice often hinges on whether a family seeks a specialized approach (like Forman's), a highly competitive college-prep environment with global peers (Taft), or a faith-based foundation (St. Mary's) versus the local, tax-supported public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities