A Avonians Learn Differently
A t Avon Old Farms School, we’ve designed our entire program around what supports adolescent boys best. Our robust offerings create a foundation for learning that allows each boy to discover and pursue his passions. Avonians take risks in their pursuit of excellence because they know they are supported by the Avon Brotherhood. Avon takes pride in our commitment to single-sex education, knowing that we’ve successfully educated generations
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of young men and prepared them for life beyond our campus community. Avon Old Farms develops boys into men of strong moral character with conviction who learn together in an inclusive, time-honored community defined by academic, athletic, and creative excellence. Avon Old Farms is one of the finest preparatory schools for boys; our understanding of adolescent boys and their development is key to our success.
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A Our Teachers Have a R.E.A.L. Impact
Avon teachers understand that inspiring future young leaders requires educating boys amid a changing landscape of education. We strive for balance in all things, and aim to teach our students how to think critically, not tell them what to think. To accomplish this, Avon employs a system of R.E.A.L. Learning. The tenet of R.E.A.L. Learning Relational, Experiential, Active, and Lifelong—informs not only how we educate boys, but also why we educate boys.
A Relational
Students form strong, lasting relationships with teachers and peers through classroom interactions, dormitory life, extracurriculars, residential programs, and family-style meals. These connections are vital to the teaching and learning process.
A Experiential
Meaningful and lasting knowledge is gained through relevant experiences that extend classroom learning. From U.S. History students reenacting the Civil War with a teacher in the Oak Grove to physics students learning about friction in the hockey rink, experiential learning is a core part of the Avon experience, fostering a personal connection to learning.
A Active
Recognizing that prolonged sitting hinders focus, Avon Old Farms encourages students to be physically active during class when appropriate. Beyond movement, students are expected to be active participants in their own education, taking ownership of their studies for a transformative, rather than transactional, learning experience.
A Lifelong
Avon aims to cultivate lifelong learners who understand that growth is continuous. Students are encouraged to be curious and find ways to learn and contribute meaningfully, leading purposeful and rewarding lives. STUDENTS:
A Honoring Tradition.
We commit to the values that set Avon apart every day through our actions and traditions. We wear formal attire for community events like morning meetings, classes, sit-down meals, and award programs. We attend chapel services to share stories of triumph, pain, and personal
Founded in 1927, Avon Old Farms is a world-class college preparatory school that develops boys into men of strong moral character with conviction who learn together in an inclusive, time-honored community defined by excellence.
growth before joining together in song. We love the annual Boars Head Festival—hosted by the senior class—an event to celebrate the end of the first semester and embrace the joy each holiday season brings.
Theodate Pope Riddle, one of America’s first licensed female architects, built Avon Old Farms specifically to address the needs of educating young men within one of the most beautiful campuses in New England.
At Avon Old Farms, we encourage our students to explore excellence in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the art studios, and on the stage. Because we believe in the value of a well-rounded man, our faculty challenge and guide each student to not
only find his niche, but also broaden his outlook to cultivate a holistic educational experience. Learning at Avon Old Farms extends beyond the classroom walls because Men of Avon learn to embrace the trials that accompany the pursuit of individual growth.
A The Avon Brotherhood
“ Although I’m proud of what I’ve achieved over the past four years, I must emphasize that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support from the school and the community. ”
- Logan Glass ’25
The Brotherhood starts on our campus, nestled on 860 acres with Cotswold-inspired architecture, and it spreads across the world. Our founder Theodate Pope Riddle said, “the ways in which we differ are far more important than the ways in which we are alike.” For generations, Avon Old Farms has taken pride in the rich mosaic of our community: a body that can accomplish incredible
31 States 21 Countries
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feats and support one another through the obstacles of learning and life. Membership in the Brotherhood is a privilege and responsibility. Avon Old Farms holds its Brotherhood to the highest standard, expecting each boy to value respect, embody courage, to stand up to injustice, and be a force for good in the world.
A Together Stronger
A We’re All on the Same Team
Bound by the common goal of pursuing excellence, students find strength in our Brotherhood. At Avon Old Farms, the lessons about teamwork continue to guide our students and alumni to be their best selves and to sacrifice for the greater good.
A Graduation Is Just the Beginning
When students matriculate from Avon Old Farms, they are equipped to handle the challenges that lay ahead; however, they always find their way back “home.” Year after year, our alumni return to Avon Old Farms where they find comfort and strength. Here, they rekindle meaningful memories and experiences.
A Respect Is the Core of Our Brotherhood
All students at Avon are unique, and we derive strength from this diversity. Our students appreciate the value of these differences, which helps to create a community as strong as the stone and oak on which our campus is built.
A Encouragement Fosters the Strength of Our Brotherhood
Each student finds support in his niche, allowing our community to flourish dynamically. The spirit of reinforcing boys’ goals stems back to our founder, Theodate Pope Riddle, and her vision of creating leaders who are independent in thought and strong in moral principles.
“ The ways in which we differ are far more important than the ways in which we are alike.”
-Theodate Pope Riddle
A A Day in the Life at Avon
2. Morning Meeting
Three times a week, the community gathers to share announcements and celebrate. The boys get a chance to practice public speaking and get to know each other by discussing their meaningful commitments.
1. Breakfast
Students eat breakfast in the iconic Riddle Refectory, which features a state-of-the-art servery. Our balanced meal options provide crucial energy and focus, preparing boys for the day ahead.
5. Lunch
Lunch is an opportunity to form lifelong bonds that are at the core of our brotherhood. Twice a week, students gather with their advisory group for guidance, while rotating seating on other days helps build new connections.
6. Afternoon Class
The academic day concludes with two afternoon classes, wrapping up by 3:00 p.m
Students then have a short break, allowing time to prepare before afternoon activities commence at 3:30 p.m.
8. Dinner
Dinner at Avon offers two distinct experiences: buffet and sit-down. Buffet dinner provides hot meals, specialty stations, and a fresh salad bar. Sit-down dinner requires classroom dress, features student waiters, and emphasizes community and connection, with no early departures.
7. Afternoon Activities
Afternoon activities offer diverse engagement, including athletic practice, theater rehearsal, and Advanced Independent Projects (AIPs). This structured time allows students to pursue passions and develop their niche.
3. Morning Classes
At Avon, the academic day begins at 8:45 a.m.
This later start prioritizes student sleep, fostering alertness, focus, and a healthier learning environment for boys.
4.
Compass Programming
Compass develops strong moral character and fosters overall well-being. Boys learn essential life lessons for becoming better men and caring for their mental and physical health.
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Nightly Responsibilities
In the evenings, boys participate in study hall and enrichment hour to get some extra help from their teachers before engaging in community time, often grabbing a late-night snack before bed
A Academic Innovation
At Avon Old Farms, young men explore a liberal arts curriculum designed for them to develop academic interests, to build confidence, and to encourage curiosity which will in turn prepare them for success in higher education. To complement our core curriculum, we offer Intersession, a week-long program at the beginning of the fourth academic quarter.
A Advanced Independent Projects
The Advanced Independent Project program began in 2016 and allows for students to propose an extended project or area of special interest for them to pursue as their afternoon commitment. Internships in medicine and finance, and intensive studies in art and laboratory science have featured prominently in the AIP program over the years.
This program features courses, often team-taught, that explore subjects outside the traditional curriculum. With a focus on experiential and project-based learning, Intersession extends the classroom through field trips and hands-on activities, allowing students and faculty to delve deeply into a topic of interest.
A Visiting Author Program
Each year the school hosts an established author. Students are assigned to read one or more of the author’s books over the summer in preparation for the visit. Students have the opportunity to listen to a keynote address by the author and work with him or her in smaller focus groups during the author’s visit.
A Avonians Excel in the Arts
Art is more than paint on a canvas, pixels on a screen, or notes in the air. Our students embark on a journey of creative discovery through personal programs that allow them to explore their undiscovered talents.
In the studio or on the stage, students understand the significance of an artistic and creative education. It is through the arts that Avon Old Farms cultivates a curiosity for learning, helping our students discover dormant talents. We have visual artists that continually receive national awards, instrumentalists that command the stage, and a singing group that performs in some of the greatest music venues world-wide. Avon Old Farms is proud of the creative mark we continue to leave on the world.
A Avonians Compete at All Levels
For decades, Avon Old Farms has been a premier independent school in athletics. When our teams wear the crimson and navy, they honor a storied history of countless championships and professional athletes. Our athletic program supports and challenges every student, whether they’re trying a sport for the first time or have a professional future. While we’ve celebrated over 30 championships in the last 15 years, we are
most proud of our commitment to broad participation, offering more than 24 sub-varsity and intramural teams for all students. We ensure there’s a team for every student, encouraging growth and development through participation. Like all aspects of our community, our athletic program emphasizes our mission of cultivating young men of integrity and character.
(George Springer ’08)
Alumni-Won Stanley Cups
(Nick Bonino ’07)
