The School at a Glance:
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Location: Farmington, Connecticut
- Enrollment: 330
- School Type: Girls, boarding/day school
- Grades: 9-12
- Church Affiliation: Non-sectarian
- Number of faculty: 61
- Tuition: $41,100 for boarders, $31,850 for day students
- Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 40%
- Admissions Deadline: January 15
- School Website: Miss Porter's School
- Admissions Office: admission@missporters.org
A Brief History:
Miss Porter's was founded by a visionary educator, Sarah Porter. She created a school with a homey atmosphere and a rigorous academic curriculum. Young ladies in the late 1800's did not normally study trigonometry, physiology and chemistry. But Miss Porter's pupils did. The result is that Miss Porter's School enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a leader in the education of women.
Academics:
The course offerings at Miss Porter's are extensive. The school also offers 22 AP courses. 70% of its faculty hold advanced degrees.
The school offers academic courses in the following departments:
- Arts
- Computer Science
- English
- Ethics/Leadership
- Languages: Modern and Classical
- Mathematics[
- Psychology
- Science
Facilities:
The Crisp Gymnasium has a two lane indoor track suspended around its perimeter. Squash courts, an 8 lane 25 meter pool, tennis courts and a fitness center are just a sample of the athletic facilities which await you at MPS. The school offers riding and has a ski team as befits its northern Connecticut location.
Finances:
Miss Porter's has an endowment of approximately $100 million. Its financial aid program is generous with about 40% of its students receiving some form of financial aid.
Matriculation:
Miss Porter's prepares its graduates, or ancients as old girls' are called, for serious college level work. Most graduates opt for liberal arts colleges but a few attend specialized colleges as well.
Comments:
My niece Katherine went to Miss Porter's. So with that disclaimer out of the way, let me observe that Miss Porter's is, and indeed, has always been, a top school. Not just a top girls' school either. A top school period. You will have to look very hard to find a school which has better academics, better sports and, most importantly, a better sense of concern and compassion for the whole child. This school also knows a thing or two about educating young women. Put it on your list if a single sex school is one of your requirements.
