Overview Brochure

1833

THE YEAR SUFFIELD ACADEMY WAS FOUNDED ----------

1000

AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ANNUALLY ----------

125

NUMBER OF NEW STUDENTS ENROLLED EVERY YEAR ----------

325

ACRES OF LAND HOUSE OUR VAST AND BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS ----------

“We agree on the fundamentals of hard work, respect, and kindness. Suffield blends talented, invested students and educators, a world-class campus, and a philosophy focused on distance traveled.”

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

ESSE QUAM VIDERI To Be Rather Than To Seem Charlie Cahn has been Suffield Academy’s Head of School since 2004. Talented and engaging, Charlie has been instrumental in securing Suffield’s strong position in the independent school world. During his tenure Suffield has seen record levels of applications and unprecedented fundraising success. Yet what most strikes people about Charlie is his genuine and deep enthusiasm for Suffield and its students, parents, faculty, and staff. He has helped lead Suffield through an unwavering commitment to a core philosophy and the development of an incredible campus.

THE CAHN FAMILY

“It is extraordinary what Charlie Cahn has done in leading Suffield and helping it become one of the very best independent schools in the country.”

EXPERIENCE SUFFIELD

EACH STUDENT IS KEY TO OUR SUCCESS Suffield is More Than a School Suffield Academy’s core values center on hard work, community involvement, and kindness.

Our 420 students come from around the United States and the world to be key parts of this special school. The enrollment size is ideal—small enough to build genuinely close relationships and large enough to support robust offerings in the academic and extracurricular programs.

Suffield focuses most closely on the distance traveled by each student during their years on campus. We offer a diverse, inclusive atmosphere with world-class facilities and faculty members. They are teachers, advisors, coaches, and dorm parents focused on helping each student thrive. Suffield Academy can have a profound impact on your life.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/WELCOME

“Suffield Academy is a vibrant community filled with interesting people who bring with them unique perspectives and creative ideas. It is a place where

420

STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOL ----------

talented students can reach their potential with the help of inspiring teachers, coaches, and advisors.”

10

STUDENTS IN THE AVERAGE CLASS ----------

85

FACULTY MEMBERS ----------

25% DOMESTIC DIVERSITY ----------

20%

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ----------

225

SECTIONS OF COURSES PER ACADEMIC YEAR ----------

52

ELECTIVE COURSES ----------

14

STEM COURSES ANNUALLY ----------

175

STUDENTS TAKING AP EXAMS ----------

19

DIFFERENT AP SUBJECT EXAMS TAKEN BY SUFFIELD STUDENTS ----------

THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

ENGAGE IN CRITICAL THINKING Be Inspired & Feel Supported The Suffield Academy academic program is centered on providing close attention for each student and a wide range of course choices. Guided by our faith in the liberal arts as a foundation for learning, we offer a strong core curriculum with many AP and Honors classes and various electives.

Our academic philosophy rests on the belief that every student is unique. While we have defined academic requirements in nine specific areas, we focus most closely on the distance each student travels during their time at Suffield. We provide small classes with supportive, encouraging teachers.

We challenge and inspire our students and are committed to helping them achieve success.

Each year Suffield has a community theme. The philosophy of this program is based on having a shared intellectual experience and raising awareness about pertinent, timely issues. Components include a film and discussion program, speaker series, charity fundraiser, and the shared experience of all faculty and students reading a community text. Past community themes have included courage, loyalty, gratitude, identity, conviction, and empathy.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/ACADEMICS

“All of my teachers at Suffield were passionate about the subjects they taught which made learning challenging and fun. They encouraged me to be my absolute best and were always available for extra help.”

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

EMBRACE & VALUE DIFFERENCES Suffield’s Commitment to Diversity Enhances the School Suffield Academy is very proud of our close-knit, diverse school community. The school’s mission centers on mutual respect, generosity, kindness, and concern for others. A core belief is that a diverse and inclusive educational atmosphere helps all students grow in positive ways and prepare to be effective, thoughtful leaders. This is reflected by the diversity of Suffield’s community members and educational program.

In addition to enrolling students from different cultural backgrounds and many parts of the world, Suffield focuses on ensuring that topics related to diversity and inclusion are central to community life. This is evident in the academic and campus life offerings, from classes to student and faculty initiatives, and campus affinity groups. Suffield is focused on helping each student prepare to have a significant and positive impact on the world.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/DEI

10

CAMPUS CLUBS OR AFFINITY GROUPS FOCUSED ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ----------

31

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED IN SUFFIELD’S STUDENT BODY ----------

2

FACULTY AND STAFF GROUPS FOCUSED ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION PROGRAMS ----------

7

DAYS IN SUFFIELD’S LGBTQIA+ ALLY WEEK ----------

“Suffield made me appreciate the value of deeply listening to gain a better understanding of others.

There are so many opportunities to build life-long relationships at our school.”

510

PEOPLE AT SUFFIELD’S WEEKLY COMMUNITY MEETING ----------

90%

OF SUFFIELD SENIORS ATTEND THEIR FIRST CHOICE OR TOP INTEREST COLLEGE ----------

5

COLLEGE COUNSELORS ----------

120

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES VISIT CAMPUS EACH YEAR ----------

280

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES RECEIVED APPLICATIONS FROM SUFFIELD STUDENTS ----------

100%

OF SUFFIELD GRADUATES GO ON TO HIGHER EDUCATION ----------

“The college counseling program is a great part of the Suffield experience. The individual attention I received made me feel confident and reassured despite the stress that comes with the college search process.”

THE COLLEGE COUNSELING PROGRAM

OWN YOUR FUTURE Find the Right College for You Our innovative four-year college counseling program is a distinctive part of a Suffield Academy education. Each student receives comprehensive, supportive guidance that helps make the complex college admissions process smoother to navigate. Five college counselors help Suffield students from the beautiful Hoffman College Counseling Center located in the middle of our academic quad.

Overview of Our Four-Year Program by Grade 9th – College Basics – Four-Year Course Planning – College Campus Field Trip 10th – Introduction to Standardized Testing – Basic College Vocabulary – Exploring Career Fields 11th – College 101: Self-Reflection & Self-Advocacy – College Matching – Building a Balanced College List – Planning Campus Visits 12th – College Essays & Applications – Meet with College Admission Representatives – Refine College Lists – Submit Applications – Final Decisions

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/COLLEGECOUNSELING

THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

BECOME AN EFFECTIVE LEADER Empower Yourself & Inspire Others The Leadership Program at Suffield is centered on encouraging students to be active, responsible citizens and community members. It impacts each Suffield student and focuses on self-reflection, strong communication skills, the importance of working collaboratively, how to best set and pursue goals, and being mindful and balanced in our lives.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/LEADERSHIP

“The Leadership Program helped me become more thoughtful, independent, and determined. Most importantly, it enabled me to build confidence so I can better inspire others.”

– Life Skills & Orientation to High School – Community Values & Expectations – Self-Awareness & Personal Identity – Individual Goal Setting & Time Management

›››› SKILLS

9th GRADE: FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

10th GRADE: VALUES & CITIZENSHIP

– Communication Skills & Self-Awareness Tools – Media Literacy – College Counseling Part 1: PSAT & PLAN Tests – Group Dynamics

– Teamwork & Group Dynamics

– Ethical Scenarios & Case Studies

– Personal Mentors & Role Models

– Social Issues & Leadership Solutions

– Climbing Wall & Ropes Course

– Off-Campus Community Service Projects

– Introduction to College Counseling

– College Visits

– Public Speaking & Active Listening

– Learning College Admission Language

11th GRADE: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

12th GRADE: BECOMING A LEADER

– College 101: Navigating the College Process – Developing Individual Leadership Capabilities – Leading Meetings & Group Dynamics – Feedback: Giving & Receiving Messages – Understanding Different Forms of Intelligence – Self-Advocacy & Conflict Resolution – Leadership Styles & Case Studies – Exploring 12th-Grade Leadership Positions – Standardized Test Preparation

›››› ACTION

›››› DISCOVERY

›››› CORE

THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOUR-YEAR CURRICULUM

– Leadership Positions A year-long formal leadership position in the community.

– Senior Speaker Series All seniors are required to deliver a talk to the community during the school’s weekly chapel meeting.

– Senior Seminars A three-part seminar that highlights important topics for graduates as they head on to the next stage in their lives.

30 +

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES EACH YEAR ----------

100%

OF SENIORS HOLD AT LEAST ONE FORMAL LEADERSHIP POSITION IN OUR COMMUNITY -----------

10

ANNUAL SOPHOMORE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS ----------

35%

OF THE SCHOOL’S ELECTRICITY IS SUPPLIED BY OUR SOLAR ARRAY ----------

“I have learned a lot about environmental responsibility at Suffield, especially seeing how the school composts food waste from the dining room and turns it into organic fertilizer and fuel.

There is also a new solar energy array and we have energy reduction contests throughout the year.”

SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP

CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE Experience the Outdoors & Learn to Make a Difference A central part of Suffield Academy’s leadership training focuses on environmental responsibility, preparing students and alumni to help make a substantial difference beyond our campus.

This includes Suffield’s Outdoor Leadership Opportunities [SOLO] which is an afternoon outdoor program featuring hiking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, camping, and other seasonal activities.

From the ropes course to camping trips, SOLO uses outdoor experiences as an integral approach to learning leadership skills. We take immense pride in our beautiful campus and closely focus on using resources responsibly to minimize our carbon footprint.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/SUSTAINABILITY

RECENT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Solar Power Array covering more than 1/3 of our school’s annual energy use A YETI for Everyone [reusable tumbler] Composting of food waste into fuel and fertilizer Campus-wide filtered water machines

CAMPUS LIFE

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME Be Yourself in a Vibrant Community Suffield’s close emphasis on community is reflected in campus life programs. Among our most valued traditions are daily sit-down lunch for all students and faculty members with assigned rotating seating, and weekly all-school meetings featuring talks by Suffield seniors. The robust student activities are reflective of the comprehensive lifestyle that accompanies a largely residential school. Suffield has Saturday morning classes each week, followed by athletic contests and weekend activities both on and off campus on Saturday evenings and Sundays. Unique offerings unfold in the Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 Balance Barn—including yoga and meditation—and at the Courtney Robinson ’88 Outdoor Leadership Center with our high ropes course and indoor rock-climbing wall. Suffield students also love spending time in the Landis Student Union—enjoying bagels and treats from the snack bar—and rave about the food quality and many options provided in the Koo Family Dining Room.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/CAMPUSLIFE

21

DIFFERENT BEVERAGE OFFERINGS IN THE DINING ROOM ----------

40

FOOT ROCK CLIMBING WALL IN THE OUTDOOR CENTER ----------

0

PHONES ALLOWED IN THE BALANCE BARN ----------

10

COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT EACH LUNCH TABLE ----------

20

#BellHill

#SuffieldForLife

#Suffsets

MEALS SERVED EACH WEEK IN THE KOO FAMILY DINING ROOM ----------

47

INTERSCHOLASTIC TEAMS ----------

5+

NON-INTERSCHOLASTIC AFTERNOON OPTIONS ----------

2

SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS ON CAMPUS ----------

1

NEW STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING CENTER ----------

“Suffield’s strong athletics help support incredible school spirit. We love spreading the Tiger Pride!”

ATHLETICS

COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL Tiger Tradition Suffield Academy has a storied athletic history. Teams compete at the highest prep school levels and many continue as college student-athletes. Yet sports at Suffield are about far more than competition. The programs directly support the school’s mission in emphasizing commitment and leadership. There are incredible facilities on campus for Suffield teams and outstanding coaches guide our students and programs.

New Addition to our Athletic Facilities: A 4,800-square-foot Athletic Performance Center that enables teams to train together. Equipment includes: – Five power racks with bench presses & platforms – Weights – Drive sleds – Plyo boxes – Three Keiser functional trainers – Turf training space SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/ATHLETICS

VISUAL ARTS

EXPAND YOUR CREATIVITY Discover Your Potential in the Studio The arts are an integral part of Suffield Academy’s core curriculum, where teachers work closely with students to discover their interests and strengths. Education in the arts provides benefits including aesthetic awareness, cultural exposure, creativity, and appreciation for diversity. Leonardo da Vinci once described the arts by categorizing people into three groups: those who see, those who see when they are shown, and those who do not see. Arts education at Suffield helps teach students to see. The foundation of the philosophy in the visual arts department is that everyone has potential.

Self-inquiry begins here as students work independently with close faculty mentoring to explore and develop their strengths and ideas.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/VISUALARTS

8

FOUNDATION ART COURSES ---------“Through the encouragement of my art teachers I have been able to experiment with two mediums—photography and film.

Their support and guidance has helped me define who I am as an artist.”

6

ART MEDIUMS ----------

4

FOCUSED STUDIOS ----------

1

STUDENT GALLERY ----------

100+

WINDOWS BRINGING NATURAL LIGHT INTO TREMAINE ART STUDIO ----------

40+

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE MUSICAL ANNUALLY [CAST OR STAGE CREW] ----------

3+

PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTIONS ANNUALLY [MUSICAL/PLAY/DANCE] ----------

“Our biggest goal is to assist students in understanding and appreciating the arts.

1

MUSIC AND SOUND RECORDING STUDIO ----------

17

PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS ----------

We have a wide range of vibrant programs.”

PERFORMING ARTS

PURSUE YOUR PASSIONS Reach New Heights Suffield Academy offers robust programs in music, theater, and dance. Students have numerous opportunities to excel both onstage and behind the scenes. Each year Suffield produces two major theatrical productions, three popular guitar shows, a one-act festival, a new playwrights festival, several jazz and ensemble performances, multiple choral performances, and full dance productions. These provide students with hands-on experiences in performance, lighting, sound, stage management, set construction, make-up artistry, costume design, and house management.

Our extensive performing arts facilities include a state-of-the-art theater, set design shop, recording studio, dance studio, and music center.

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/PERFORMINGARTS

STEPHEN SONDHEIM AWARDS 2019 Best Supporting Actor

2021 Best Choreography

2022 Best Supporting Actor

CONNECTICUT HALO AWARDS 2019 Best Contemporary Play Best Musical Performance: Featured Actor Best Lighting Design and/or Execution Best Featured Director

2020 Best Musical Performance: Featured Actress Best Lighting Design and/or Execution Best Sound Design and/or Execution

2021 Fearless Award

2022 Best Stage Management

Best Chorus in a Musical

Best Cast Performance: Ensemble Production

Best Musical Performance: Supporting Actor Best Musical Performance: Leading Actress

Best Comic Female Performance

INQUIRE, VISIT & APPLY

BE A SUFFIELD ACADEMY TIGER Schedule a Visit – Schedule Online: suffieldacademy.org/visit – Contact the Admissions Office: 860-386-4440 | admissions@suffieldacademy.org

How to Apply – Step by Step Instructions: suffieldacademy.org/apply – The Standard Application: ssat.org/admission/the-sao – Gateway to Prep Schools: gatewaytoprepschools.com/school/suffield-academy – Secondary School Testing Information [SSAT]: ssat.org | Suffield Academy Code: 7558

Important Dates – Application deadline: January 15 – Acceptance notifications: March 10

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/ADMISSIONS

“Suffield Academy helped me become a more outgoing, positive person. I’ve formed so many friendships with people from all over the country and world. This school leaves a lasting impact on everyone that passes through.”

Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078

SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG

Mission Suffield Academy is a coeducational, independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students.

Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.