The School:
The Hotchkiss School was founded in 1891 by Maria Harrison Bissell Hotchkiss as a feeder school for Yale University.
A Brief History:
Set in the foothills of the Berkshires in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Hotchkiss was a boys' school until 1974. The school has always had a global view and connection, particularly with China. It claims to have educated one quarter of all the American ambassadors to China over the years, the current ambassador included.
Its involvement since the 1980's with Prep for Prep has ensured that the school has remained true to one of its founder's aims: to provide an education for non-pampered children.
Academics:
As is the case with top prep schools, Hotchkiss' faculty all hold degrees in their primary subject. 72% have advanced degrees in their subject area. The school offers 200 academic courses in 16 departments:
Art
Classics
Computer
Dance
Economics
English
History
Human Development
Mathematics
Modern Languages
Music
Philosophy and Religion
Photography and Film
Science
Theater
Hotchkiss offers 21 AP courses.
Facilities:
Hotchkiss has an old-style 9 hole golf course designed by Seth Raynor. The rest of the athletic facilities include a natatorium, ice hockey rinks, tennis courts and much more.
The Edsel Ford Memorial Library which houses 87,000 volumes provides academic support for faculty and students.
Finances:
Tuition at Hotchkiss was never inexpensive. The first tuition charges were $600 which back then placed Hotchkiss out of the reach of many families. The founder, however, made sure that financial aid was made available so that a Hotchkiss education could be within reach. And so it is today. The school provides financial assistance to 34% of its students. The endowment of $382 million helps make that possible.
Matriculation:
Hotchkiss sends its graduates to top universities and colleges worldwide.
Commentary:
Having lived in Litchfield County for a decade (1980-1990) I think I can understand the philosophy of Hotchkiss founder. Those beautiful hills are full of civic-minded, wealthy families who sought to make the world a better place. In any case The Hotchkiss School is a wonderful example of that kind of thinking. If your child has what it takes to get into this very selective boarding school, he or she will be presented with a veritable feast of academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. The location of the school a mere 2 hours north of New York City makes it easily accessible from all parts of the globe.
