What Hotchkiss School Is and Who Attends

Hotchkiss School is a private boarding school in Lakeville, Connecticut, serving students in grades 9 through 12 and a postgraduate year. The school enrolls roughly 600 students, about 85% of whom board on campus during the school year. Students come from across the United States and more than 30 countries. The school is coeducational and does not have a religious affiliation, though it was founded in 1891 by a Congregational minister.

Hotchkiss is one of the older and more selective boarding schools in the country. It competes academically with schools like Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy, and Andover. Most students who attend come from families with the financial means to pay tuition, though the school does offer financial aid to families who need it. The typical student has strong grades and test scores before arrival and participates in sports, arts, or other activities outside the classroom.

Key Takeaways

  • Hotchkiss charges tuition, room, and board together; the total cost for boarding students is over $60,000 per year, though this varies by year and the school publishes current figures on its website.
  • The school uses the Common process for admissions and requires transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), teacher recommendations, and an interview.
  • About half of admitted students receive some form of financial aid, and the school meets demonstrated financial need for admitted students without requiring loans from families.
  • The academic calendar runs from late August through early June, with breaks at Thanksgiving, winter, and spring; most boarding students remain on campus during these breaks or go home.
  • Students live in dormitories organized by grade and gender, with faculty members and residential staff living in the dorms to supervise and support students.

Tuition, Room, and Board Costs

Hotchkiss publishes its costs on its website each year. For the 2024–2025 school year, boarding tuition plus room and board totals approximately $63,000, though you should verify the current year's figure directly with the school. Day students (those who live off campus with family nearby) pay tuition only, which is lower than the boarding cost. These figures do not include books, supplies, uniforms, or travel to and from school.

The school's financial aid office uses the CSS Profile and FAFSA to assess family finances. Hotchkiss meets the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student, meaning the school will not ask a family to take out loans to cover the gap between what they can pay and what the school costs. About half of the student body receives some financial aid. Families should submit financial aid forms at the same time they submit their admissions process.

How Admissions Works

Hotchkiss uses the Common process to receive applications from prospective students. The school requires an official high school transcript, scores from either the SAT or ACT (the school is test-optional for some applicants, but you should check current policy on the admissions website), two teacher recommendations, and a school report completed by a guidance counselor. Most applicants also complete an interview, which can be conducted on campus, online, or through an alumni interviewer in your area.

The admissions office reviews applications holistically, meaning they look at grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations together rather than using a single cutoff score. The school typically admits students with strong academic records and demonstrated involvement in activities outside the classroom. The process important date is usually in early January, and the school notifies admitted students in mid-March. Admitted students have until mid-April to confirm their enrollment.

Life on Campus and Residential Structure

About 85% of Hotchkiss students board on campus, living in dormitories organized by grade. Ninth graders typically live together in one residence area, tenth graders in another, and so on. Most dorms are single-sex, though some residence halls house both boys and girls on different floors or wings. Faculty members and professional residential staff live in the dorms and supervise students during evening hours and weekends.

The school has rules about when students can leave campus, curfew times, and guest policies. Boarding students are expected to remain on campus during the school week and most weekends, though seniors have more freedom to leave campus than younger students. During Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break, most students go home, though the school offers on-campus housing for international students and others who cannot travel.

Academics and Course Offerings

Hotchkiss offers courses across traditional subjects: English, mathematics, science, history, foreign languages, and arts. The school also offers electives in topics like environmental science, economics, and studio art. Class sizes are small, typically 12 to 15 students, which allows for discussion-based learning. Most classes meet four or five times per week.

The school does not use letter grades in the traditional sense. Instead, teachers provide written evaluations of student work and progress. This system is designed to encourage learning rather than grade competition. Students take four or five courses per term, and the school expects significant homework and reading outside class. Many students work with tutors or academic support staff if they struggle with particular subjects.

Athletics, Arts, and Activities

Hotchkiss requires all students to participate in either a varsity or junior varsity sport, an arts program, or another structured activity each term. The school fields teams in sports including football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, rowing, and others. Students who do not play a sport can participate in theater, music, dance, visual arts, or clubs focused on debate, community service, or academic interests.

The school has a strong arts program with a theater department that produces multiple productions each year, a music program with orchestras and choirs, and visual arts studios. Many students participate in multiple activities, and the school schedules activities so that students can do so without major conflicts. The goal is to develop well-rounded students with interests and skills beyond the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be wealthy to attend Hotchkiss?

No. About half of Hotchkiss students receive financial aid, and the school meets the full demonstrated financial need of admitted students without requiring loans. Families should complete the CSS Profile and FAFSA to show their financial situation. The school's financial aid office will work with your family to determine what you can afford to pay.

What if I live far away and cannot visit campus for an interview?

Hotchkiss offers interviews online and through alumni interviewers in many parts of the country. You do not have to travel to Connecticut to complete an interview. You can ask the admissions office about interview options in your area when you start your process.

Can day students attend Hotchkiss?

Yes, though most students board. Day students pay tuition only and live at home with family nearby. Day students participate in the same classes and activities as boarding students and are expected to stay on campus for evening activities and some weekend events.

What happens if I get sick or injured during the school year?

Hotchkiss has an on-campus health center staffed by nurses and a doctor. The center handles routine illnesses and injuries. For serious medical issues, students are taken to a nearby hospital. Parents are notified of any significant health concerns, and the school works with families and medical providers to support student recovery.

How much homework should I expect?

Hotchkiss students typically spend two to three hours on homework each night, though this varies by course load and individual student pace. The school expects students to read widely, complete problem sets, and write essays regularly. Teachers are available for help during office hours and study periods built into the school day.