They seek answers without hesitation by asking questions that lead to more questions, that lead to opportunities to explore deeply and without limitation.
THEY ARE FEARLESS AND OPEN-MINDED.
They’re not afraid to make mistakes, to have integrity, and to be themselves.
Marvelwood is for anyone with a desire to be themselves, to explore their passions, to discover beyond their imagination, to grow beyond their expectations, and to achieve their own definition of exceptional.
THEY ARE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE.
They learn not only for their own good but for the good of others.
THEY ARE TENACIOUS AND RESILIENT.
They take pride in giving their all. The result? Fortitude for a lifetime of success.
BE. EXPLORE. DISCOVER. GROW. ACHIEVE.
Marvelwood is for anyone with a desire to be themselves, to explore their passions, to discover beyond their imagination, to grow beyond their expectations, and to achieve their own definition of exceptional.
STUDENT-DRIVEN EXPERIENCES
INTEREST INTO ACTION
Students lead, collaborate, and build community around their passions. Favorites clubs and activities have included A Capella, Dungeons & Dragons, Envirothon, Finance Club, Rock Band, and Wellness Club.
4:1
STUDENT:FACULTY RATIO
BEING KNOWN
Small classes and customized learning experiences are hallmarks of Marvelwood. Faculty are responsive to individual learning styles and creative in their approach to engaging and challenging their students.
GETTING REAL
EMPOWERMENT
The Cultural and Social Awareness club (CASA) is a group of students and faculty committed to fostering inclusivity at Marvelwood through knowledge and empowerment.
YOU CAN SUCCEED HERE BECAUSE YOU CAN BE YOU HERE.
Come as you are or become who you want. Either way, we want you to just be you. Our students experience the freedom to be who they are, and they love it. We have something special here—a culture of teens who demonstrate unwavering kindness, acceptance, and loyalty to one another. For our students, it’s simply life at Marvelwood. For the adults who witness it, it’s awe-inspiring.
A MARVELWOOD STUDENT THRIVES in a small, nurturing environment where they can shape their experience, celebrate who they are, and grow into who they want to become.
NO BARRIERS
GIVE IT A GO AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS
At Marvelwood, there’s room for everyone to explore, grow, and belong. With no try-outs and endless opportunities to get involved, students are encouraged to try new things— whether it’s on the stage, the field, or in the studio. Here, you can discover your passions, uncover your strengths, and surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
SMALL IS SUPPORTIVE THE CLARK CENTER FOR LEARNING SUPPORT
Marvelwood is dedicated to the belief that every student learns differently and that these differences are to be appreciated and accommodated. Our tiered Learning Support classes provide the tools to help students succeed academically, increase their confidence, and acquire self-advocacy skills needed in college and beyond.
WHO BENEFITS FROM A SMALL SCHOOL EXPERIENCE?
EVERYONE.
Some call our school small; we call it transformative. Our founders established Marvelwood as a small school for students who may not have thrived in a larger school setting. It’s our size that allows us to know our students—to really know their intricacies and interests—so that we may create individual opportunities to learn that will most deeply resonate, inspire, and engage. Our small school makes a very large impact on our students.
THE UNEXPECTED: “The last thing I expected to experience in high school was to feel like everyone in my school is my friend. This doesn’t mean we are all the same and that’s why we get along. We are actually all so different, but we all support one another in just that…being different. Maybe it’s because we are a small school? Maybe it’s just that we all found a school where people value being nice. Whatever it is, it’s a level of respect and kindness that I am so grateful to experience every day.” –Marvelwood Freshman
ELECTIVES ENRICHMENT
FIND WHAT FUELS YOU
At Marvelwood, electives are more than options—they’re opportunities to explore what excites you. Whether you’re drawn to a camera lens, the thrill of launching a business, or the challenge of leading a team, our diverse offerings let you dive into your passions. From filmmaking to leadership to entrepreneurship, you’ll build real-world skills, discover new interests, and grow in ways that are personal and powerful.
SCIENCE THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
INNOVATIVE & HANDS-ON
The Marvelwood Science curriculum inspires students to explore their world. Our Skiff Mountain campus is a vibrant classroom where students participate in real-world projects in partnership with local and global conservation organizations, such as the Kent Land Trust, UConn’s Natural Resources Conservation Academy, and the Center for Conservation Bioacoustics with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
ROOTED IN BALANCE
At Marvelwood, learning isn’t limited to academics. Several Saturdays each term, Enrichment workshops and events invite students to explore topics that support personal growth and real-life readiness. From healthy relationships and mindfulness to digital citizenship, cooking, yoga, and hidden histories, Enrichment offers space to reflect, connect, and build lifelong skills that matter.
WE CAN DO THAT. We take an individualized approach to college-preparatory learning. For us, teaching is personal. We know our students well, and we are skilled at intentionally directing (and sometimes redirecting) instruction in ways that connect with their unique skills and personalities. Our ability to respond to their needs, interests, and strengths allows us to create exceptional learning experiences that empower and engage. This openness to possibility means that everyone in our community—from students to faculty to administration—can experience the freedom of thought and expression that brings meaning to everything we do.
THIS IS NOT HIGH SCHOOL BY THE BOOKS.
At Marvelwood, we believe that learning is a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery. While traditional academics lean toward passive learning, Marvelwood academics are experiential, active, and hands-on. Our faculty thoughtfully and intentionally design a tailored curriculum that engages all students.
TAKE FLIGHT FIELDWORK THAT SOARS
Since 2001, Marvelwood students and faculty have contributed valuable local and global scientific data via bird banding, eBird reports, audio and photo records. Through our MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity & Survivorship) and migration stations, we have documented 151 species on or adjacent to campus. Banding data was utilized by local conservation organizations to help keep land surrounding the campus from being developed; this acreage is now protected by the Kent and Sharon Land Trusts.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Marvelwood students participate in an afterschool activity or sport for each of the three terms of the academic year.
AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Include theatre, art portfolio, ceramics, gardening, and sports journalism.
ATHLETICS
Include soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, alpine ski team, rec skiing/snowboarding, lacrosse, tennis, equestrian and Outdoor Adventures.
ATHLETICS FOR EVERYONE: At Marvelwood, there is a place for everyone to participate—from the accomplished, recordbreaking athlete to the player new to a sport. We see the most growth in our student-athletes when they learn to support and encourage one another, play as a team, and respect their opponents. We believe that how the game is played is as important as the outcome. As a result, our athletes are recognized by peer schools, coaches and referees for their incredible standards of conduct and camaraderie.
OPPORTUNITY DOESN’T
KNOCK...
IT JUST ENTERS.
We believe in opportunity without compromise. During a time when specialization is the norm, we choose to create instead a culture of balance that makes space for our students to explore their varied passions and be inspired by new ones. At Marvelwood, you don’t have to choose between being an athlete or an artist, between community service or chorus, between rock band or rock climbing. You can simply enjoy experiencing what inspires you.
GETTING OUTSIDE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
For adventure-seekers, our Outdoor Adventure Program is an alternative to competitive sports that gives students the opportunity to learn about and explore all things out-of-doors. The OA team spends afternoons hiking on the many local trails, including the Appalachian Trail; canoeing on nearby ponds, lakes, and the Housatonic River; rock climbing on the well-known St. John’s Ledges; or practicing orienteering skills. Other activities may include mountain biking, raft-building, maple syrup production, and wilderness survival
IT’S THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL YOU’LL NEED.
Marvelwood students are encouraged to speak their minds, and they know that when they do, we will listen and engage. We believe that by creating a safe and supportive space for young people to express themselves, we are creating unique opportunities for them to discover just how much they are capable of achieving. We see it happen every day: that incredible moment in adolescence when self-awareness and self-confidence collide and an empowered young adult emerges.
THE MARVELWOOD PLAYERS is an active and inclusive theatre group. Performers, stage crew, and theatre technicians work together on two major productions each year. Both novices and theatre pros find a place in the program.
EXPRESS YOURSELF ARTS
Our arts program empowers all students to discover and foster their creativity by giving them the skills and tools to develop and explore their own personal methods of self-expression. Curricular and extracurricular options in studio art, chorus ensembles, music theory, songwriting, music concerts each term, photography, ceramics, and filmmaking challenge and encourage the creativity, technique and talents of our students.
MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN A MOST BELOVED TRADITION
With over 70 shows and counting, this beloved open mic night brings students, faculty, and even alumni to the stage for an unforgettable mix of music, poetry, comedy, and surprise talents. From soulful solos to spirited ensembles, everyone’s invited to share their voice—no audition, no pressure, just pure expression on the mountain.
ROUND SQUARE MEMBER
GLOBAL COMPETENCE, CHARACTER & CONFIDENCE
Marvelwood is a member of Round Square International, a network of 260 schools in 50 countries. Round Square schools share an approach to learning based on six themes. A Marvelwood delegation attends the annual International Conference and we host exchange students throughout the year. Students may participate in exchanges with member schools around the world.
YOU DON’T KNOW UNTIL YOU KNOW: “I literally had no idea how much of an impact my experience in Panama was going to have on me. There is nothing I could have ever learned in any class or any book that could replace experiencing another culture firsthand. My eyes are forever opened and I now know that it’s my life goal to study environmental science, to travel, and to continue expanding my mind.” -Marvelwood Graduate
IT WILL TAKE YOU PLACES.
Marvelwood students are global citizens. This may be hard to believe with a campus situated in tranquil bliss atop a mountain—but it couldn’t be more accurate about who we are as a community. As a Round Square member school, we host international student exchanges that foster a deep understanding and respect for other cultures. But this is just the beginning when it comes to global education at Marvelwood; our travel adventures include experiences that deeply influence our social consciousness and inspire a lifetime of awareness and action.
ENTRE-X
BIG IDEAS START HERE Through Marvelwood’s partnership with the University of Delaware, students can earn three college credits in the dynamic, year-long EntreX Lab course. Along the way, they’ll build real-world entrepreneurial skills—and may even compete in the global venture competition at the Horn Entrepreneurship Limitless World Summit.
OPPORTUNITIES IN:
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
CANADA
CHINA
COLOMBIA
FRANCE
GERMANY
INDIA
INDONESIA
JAPAN
MOROCCO
NEW ZEALAND
PANAMA
PERU
SOUTH AFRICA
SWITZERLAND
THAILAND
UNITED KINGDOM
MODELING LEADERSHIP
AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL
MODELING PEACE PEER MEDIATION
At Marvelwood, leadership isn’t a title—it’s a way of life. From running school-wide meetings to collaborating with administrators on real policies, students take the lead in shaping campus life. Whether organizing events with the Residential Life team, proposing new ideas through Student Government, or guiding peers as prefects, leadership opportunities abound.
Students learn to mediate conflict between their peers, without faculty presence, in the Peer Mediation program that borrows heavily from Quaker beliefs. In weekly, yearlong training sessions, they discuss what peace is and why it’s difficult to achieve and the
LOOK AT ME NOW: “No one at my old school would ever believe who I am now. Marvelwood is the first school I have ever attended where I feel comfortable speaking up and taking my turn to lead. The only way I can think of to describe it is: life-changing. It’s unreal to be at a school like this where there is so little judgment and so much support. My only wish is that I had found it sooner.” -Marvelwood First-Year Sophomore
THE WORLD NEEDS LEADERS LIKE MARVELWOOD LEADERS.
Marvelwood students understand that strong leaders empower others, effective leaders show compassion, and wise leaders listen. This is not something we teach. We don’t “make” leaders here. Instead, our students discover their own path to leadership by following our example and their passions. And while we understand that not every path will be the same, we believe that every young person has within them the unique potential to lead. We are here to guide students along the way, but it’s ultimately their own discovery of tolerance, empathy, and purpose that directs their journey.
LEADING THE WAY STUDENT LEADERS
LEADING THE WAY STUDENT PREFECTS
Student leadership at Marvelwood comes in many forms and provides all students with the opportunity to affect change and develop lifelong advocacy skills. Leadership roles include student government representative, dormitory prefect, peer mediator, judicial council representative and admission tour guide.
The Prefect Program is a major component of student leadership at Marvelwood. Dorm Prefects are expected to be role models to their peers, in good standing with the Deans’ and Academic offices, and involved members of the School community. Training and support
MAKING MEANINGFUL MEMORIES: “The senior service trip is a way for our seniors to both celebrate and recognize their efforts from the school year, and to ensure one of their final memories of Marvelwood is one of community. Wherever our graduates go, we want them to remember the importance of working with others and improve the world wherever they are or where they travel. -Marvelwood
Faculty Member & Alumnus
COMMUNITY SERVICE EVERY SINGLE WEDNESDAY
How much can get done when the entire campus community devotes every Wednesday morning to service projects? A lot! On- and offcampus placements include the Marvelwood blueberry orchard, nature preserves and parks, local farms, fire departments, local schools, and animal shelters. And our community doesn’t just give back on Wednesdays; service throughout the year includes fundraising for local and national organizations, preparing and serving lunch at the Town of Kent’s Senior Center, the Senior Service Trip in May, and Earth Day activities—as well as the occasional request to help out a neighbor or lend a hand at an event. Marvelwood’s longtime dedication to community service is not about the number of hours, significant as they are; it’s about the commitment to help, to serve, and to make a difference.
WE HAVE HEART.
Honesty, respect, responsibility, and service are more than nice ideas here. They’re our core values—living, breathing commitments that influence every day at Marvelwood. In fact, we’re continually putting these values to use. At Marvelwood, awareness, compassion, and generosity become a natural way of life that will forever be a part of who our students are.
SERVICE ON A DEEPER LEVEL: “My community service experience has added yet another layer to what I like to call my ‘Marvelwood Family.’ Because I volunteered with the same program for all four years, and because I was able to be there every single Wednesday, it really became like another home for me. I’ve learned that there is a deeper level to service when you have the opportunity to connect with those who you are serving. Am I going to take this understanding with me in life? You better believe it.” -Marvelwood Senior
MAKE IT YOUR OWN INDEPENDENT STUDIES
At Marvelwood, learning goes beyond the classroom and into what truly inspires you. Independent Study allows our students the opportunity to design personalized projects that explore their passions, build research skills, and even open doors to future careers. Whether it’s marine biology, music production, or medieval history—if you’re curious about it, we’ll help you dive in and make it your own.
CHALLENGE + SUPPORT = ACHIEVEMENT: “Before I came here, someone actually told me that Marvelwood wasn’t going to be academically challenging enough for me. That couldn’t be further from the truth! I am challenged every day. My teachers are constantly pushing me beyond my comfort zone, but they do it with a ton of support. It makes me feel like I can achieve just about anything.”
-Marvelwood Junior
GREAT EXPECTATIONS MAKE FOR GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS.
While Marvelwood provides a truly accepting and supportive environment, we also expect our kids to rise to the challenges that will help them reach their potential. Our teachers deeply understand their students’ strengths and weaknesses. And because they know what makes each child tick, they are able to raise the bar just enough to inspire growth. The result? Confident, driven learners who want to achieve more.
ENVIROTHON
SCIENCE MEETS STEWARDSHIP
Marvelwood’s Envirothon team dives deep into environmental science through a year-long, handson curriculum focused on natural resources. As part of this international program, students study topics like wildlife, soils, aquatics, and forestry— building both expertise and a strong sense of environmental stewardship. It’s a collaborative, inquiry-driven experience that challenges students to think critically and propose solutions to realworld ecological issues.
WOW. JUST WOW. “Of course I was thrilled with my daughter’s college acceptances, but what impressed me most was the way she navigated the entire process. While she was both informed and level-headed in her decision-making, it was the confidence with which she presented herself that was the most astonishing. It was clear that she knew who she was and what she wanted and she expressed this with such eloquence and passion. This was the difference Marvelwood made, and we are forever grateful for her experience.” -Marvelwood Parent
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
IT LOOKS LIKE MARVELWOOD.
Marvelwood students want to achieve. And because they are surrounded by peers with a matched level of grit and teachers with an unfathomable commitment to their success, they do. The transformations we see from the time our students arrive to when they graduate are nothing less than astounding. The source of this success? Resilience. What fuels future success? Resilience. Our students graduate with enduring courage, compassion, and confidence for their futures ahead.
ROOTED IN THE JOURNEY READY FOR THE WORLD
At Marvelwood, we celebrate the journey— but we also see where it leads. With the right support, real-world experiences, and a focus on growth, our students step confidently into opportunities that matter. From academic competitions to internships, they discover what they’re capable of—and just how far they can go.
ACADEMIC COMPETITIONS INCLUDE:
YALE MODEL UNITED NATIONS
M3C MATH COMPETITION
YALE PHYSICS BOWL
ENVIROTHON
ENTREX LAB & GLOBAL VENTURE
PREPARING FOR YOUR FUTURE COLLEGE COUNSELING
Marvelwood’s college counselors guide students and parents through the college search process to help them identify schools that best match their interests and goals and where they will have a successful and positive experience. And while nearly all of our students apply and are accepted to two- and four-year colleges or universities, students interested in experiencing a gap year are assisted in creating meaningful and productive plans for their time before college.
WEEKENDS ARE FOR FUN
At Marvelwood, we believe free time is just as important as academics. On-campus activities and off-campus trips are fun and engaging. From firepits and s’mores, outdoor movies, and Bingo on campus to go-karting, paintball, and day trips to New York City, there’s always something to do and someone to do it with.
THE ADVISOR CONNECTION
YOUR MARVELWOOD FAMILY
Every student has a faculty advisor .with whom they meet twice a week. Advisors oversee and monitor their advisees’ progress and are in regular communication with parents. The advisory program is carefully structured, and feedback from faculty, parents, and the students themselves ensures the right fit.
WHAT’S
MARVELWOOD REALLY LIKE?
IT’S, WELL...
Real people. Real relationships. Real learning. There are no fronts or airs here. Instead, we offer a welcoming embrace. We are a community of genuine, considerate individuals who share a deep appreciation for one another’s diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our faculty are also the residential life team, so students are known, supported, and recognized both in and out of the classroom. We value opportunities to learn from one another through community conversations, support, and celebrations. We understand that our differences don’t define us and that our appreciation for one another unites us. That is at the heart of who we are.
A PLACE TO CALL HOME: At Marvelwood, every student—whether day or boarding—has a room on campus, creating a shared sense of place that brings the whole community together. Day students have a dedicated space to study, rest, change for athletics, and even stay overnight two nights a week, making it easy to fully participate in campus life. It’s in these shared spaces that friendships are formed, differences are respected, and students learn to live with care and purpose. With faculty close by and community at the heart of daily life, students grow through connection, responsibility, and the rhythms of living and learning together.
BE INSPIRED.
5 FUN THINGS ABOUT MARVELWOOD:
1. OUR NAME
Marvel-Who? Once you get to know us, you’ll be glad you did.
2. OUR LOCATION
KENT, CONNECTICUT
INSPIRATION FOR MIND & SOUL
Yep, we really are located atop a mountain (and we love it here).
3. OUR SERVICE Community Service... Every. Single. Wednesday.
4. OUR KINDNESS
Perched on an 86-acre mountaintop in scenic Litchfield County, Marvelwood offers more than just stunning views—though you’ll find plenty, from glowing sunsets to star-filled skies. Just minutes from the Housatonic River and the Appalachian Trail, and set in Kent—named one of the most charming towns in America—Marvelwood is surrounded by natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant arts venues. Come tour our campus, meet our welcoming community, and experience a place where inspiration lives both in and out of the classroom.
Everyone here is a friend. That’s right, we said everyone.
5. OUR MASCOT
Have you ever tried to mess with a Pterodactyl?
BE INSPIRED.
KENT, CONNECTICUT
INSPIRATION FOR MIND & SOUL
Perched on an 86-acre mountaintop in scenic Litchfield County, Marvelwood offers more than just stunning views—though you’ll find plenty, from glowing sunsets to star-filled skies. Just minutes from the Housatonic River and the Appalachian Trail, and set in Kent—named one of the most charming towns in America—Marvelwood is surrounded by natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and vibrant arts venues. Come tour our campus, meet our welcoming community, and experience a place where inspiration lives both in and out of the classroom.
