Hamden Hall County Day School, an independent, college preparatory, coeducational PreSchool through Grade 12 day school, fosters the individual growth of every student. We challenge students to develop a strong sense of personal integrity, social responsibility, and a global perspective, while preparing them for demanding academic programs at the collegiate level.
Hamden Hall Country Day School continues to embrace the spirit of family that has defined the sampus since its opening days in 1912 as the nation's fourth country day school.
The Hamden Hall Experience starts with academic excellence as enhanced by our dynamic learning environment and fostered by our esteemed faculty. Our core values - excellence, support, participation, accountability, and respect - are interwoven in that overarching experience and are integral to the academic growth and success of every student.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked CT School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 650 students
- Yearly Tuition: $41,000
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Hamden Hall Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1912
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
650 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
12 students
Number of AP Courses
30 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP Art History, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language, AP French Literature, AP Latin, AP Latin Literature, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Physics, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature & Culture, AP Statistics, AP U.S. Government & Politics, AP United States History, AP World History, Global Online Academy, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus
Average SAT score
1330
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$41,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $23,000 in PS to $50,900 in Upper School
Summer Program Cost Notes
Our costs vary for our various summer programs and camps.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Janet Izzo
Admissions Associate
Megan Borelli
Sports
Total Sports Offered
21 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
45 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
A Capella, Admissions Ambassadors, Amnesty International, Art Club, Asian Student Union, Biology Olympiad, Black Student Union, Board Games Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Chorus Ensemble, Computer Science Club, Conservation Club, Debate Team, Economics, FACES Literary Magazine, Fiber Arts/DIY, GSA, High Schoolers into Business, Innovation & Design, Interact Club (Community Service), Investment Club, Jazz Ensemble, Linguistics Olympiad, Math Team, Model U.N., Multicultural Students Interests, Physics Bowl, Production Crew, Puzzle Team, Robotics Club, Science, Student Government, Student Musicians Union, Student Newspaper, Swarm: School Spirit, Table Tennis Club, Thespians/Drama Club, Woodworking Club, Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Health and Fitness Club, Outdoors Club, Running Club, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga
A Capella, Admissions Ambassadors, Amnesty International, Art Club, Asian Student Union, Biology Olympiad, Black Student Union, Board Games Club, Book Club, Chess Club, Chorus Ensemble, Computer Science Club, Conservation Club, Debate Team, Economics, FACES Literary Magazine, Fiber Arts/DIY, GSA, High Schoolers into Business, Innovation & Design, Interact Club (Community Service), Investment Club, Jazz Ensemble, Linguistics Olympiad, Math Team, Model U.N., Multicultural Students Interests, Physics Bowl, Production Crew, Puzzle Team, Robotics Club, Science, Student Government, Student Musicians Union, Student Newspaper, Swarm: School Spirit, Table Tennis Club, Thespians/Drama Club, Woodworking Club, Yearbook
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Health and Fitness Club, Outdoors Club, Running Club, Strength and Conditioning, Yoga
School Notes
- THE SCHOOL
- A college preparatory independent day school.
- Enrollment of 650 boys and girls.
- PreSchool through Grade 12 from 50 communities and six foreign countries.
- Founded in 1912 by Dr. John Cushing.
- Accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
- THE FACULTY
- 112 faculty members.
- 80 percent of the faculty hold advanced degrees.
- Student/faculty ratio: 6 to 1.
- Average class size: 12.
- THE STUDENTS
- Three-quarters of graduating seniors historically admitted tocolleges ranked as "most competitive" or "highly competitive."
- Historically, 15 percent of our seniors receive recognition from the National Merit ScholarshipProgram.
- In 2022, 45 juniors and seniors who took AP exams were recognized as either an AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, or AP Scholar with Distinction. Over the past four years, more than 200 students earned recognition from the College Board for outstanding achievement on their AP exams.
- Historically, 15 to 20 percent of students in our graduating classes compete at the collegiate Division I and Division III levels.Click hereto view the schools at which our students are playing.
- SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
- Nearly 30 Advanced Placement and post-AP academic courses offered.
- Over 50 varsity and sub-varsity oerings at the Middle and Upper School levels.
- Signature Programs include our Global Online Academy, EarlyChildhood Reading Program, Mystic Seaport Partnership, Science, Innovation & Design Program,Princeton Peer Leadership Program, Makerspace Design Lab, and Music and Theatre Programs.
- After School Academy featuring Extended Day, Extended Courses, and Extended Activities during the after-school hours and non-school day coverage throughout the year andsummerfor students in Grades PreSchool through Grade 8.
- Extensive enrichment and recreational programs for all grade levels to complement a state-of-the-artathletic and recreation center.
- Grades 4-6 athletic teams.
- Robust performing and visual arts program that garners national attention.
- Broad selection of student clubs and activities, including numerous community serviceopportunities.
- Transportation covering a 40-mile radius.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dr. Benjamin Spock, Class of 1919 - Dr. Benjamin Spock was a pediatrician and the author of the 1946 book “The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care,” which helped legions of parents with their child-rearing responsibilities over the course of several decades.
- Dr. Richard Wall Lyman, Class of 1940 - Dr. Richard Lyman joined Stanford University in 1958 and held positions as professor of history, associate dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, and vice president and provost before serving as university president from 1970 to 1980. He was 46 when he became the university’s seventh president.
- Joyce Olson Resnikoff, Class of 1955 - Joyce Olson Resnikoff is the visionary and developer of Olde Mistick Village, a unique collection of specialty shoppes and restaurants in popular tourist-destination Mystic, Connecticut. Along with her twin brother, Jerry Olson, also a Hamden Hall alumnus, Joyce in 1973 created the standout attraction.As a real estate developer, Joyce has been called a pioneer as well as a powerhouse in the tourism industry and a positive force for empowering women. She was the only woman on the board of the Bank of Mystic for 10 years, has supported a number of cultural and non-profit service agencies in the region, and fought the Connecticut blue laws prohibiting retail business on Sundays during the 1960s and ‘70s.
- Jill Medvedow, Class of 1972 - Jill Medvedow, Class of 1972, became the 11th director of the Institute of Contemporary Art in March 1998, following a national search by the ICA’s Board of Trustees.Since her appointment, the ICA has repositioned itself locally and nationally as the leading contemporary art museum in Boston. In 1999, and against all odds, the ICA won civic designation to build a new museum of contemporary art on Boston’s waterfront. In December 2006, the ICA opened to local, national, and global acclaim.
- Michael Barbaro, Class of 1998 - Michael Barbaro, Class of 1998, is a journalist and the host of The New York Times’ news podcast, The Daily, a popular audio series that grew out of a podcast that aired during the final months of the 2016 presidential election.Prior to his hosting duties, Michael worked as a reporter for the Times, which he joined in 2005. He was a national political correspondent and during the 2016 presidential election he was frequently featured on the front page of the Times for his coverage of Donald Trump and the election. Earlier beats included articles on Walmart for the Business section, personality stories out of New York City Hall, and coverage of the American retail industry.
- Ross G. Douthat, Class of 1998 - Ross Douthat, Class of 1998, is a published author and a blogger and columnist for The New York Times.Ross graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 2002, where he was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While there he contributed to The Harvard Crimson and edited The Harvard Salient.In April 2009, Douthat became the youngest regular op-ed writer in The New York Times after replacing Bill Kristol as a conservative voice on the publication’s editorial page.
- William Carpenter, Class of 2008 - After leaving our halls, alumnus William Carpenter 2008 went on to graduate from West Point and is now a military justice advisor in the 3rd Infantry Division Office of the United States Army.In the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate in Fort Stewart, GA., Will addresses soldier misconduct and has advised more than 35 company commanders, nine battalion commanders, and two brigade commanders. He served as a government representative during Separation Hearings and was the lead prosecutor in one court-martial.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Hamden Hall Country Day School cost?
Hamden Hall Country Day School's tuition is approximately $41,000 for private students.
What schools are Hamden Hall Country Day School often compared to?
Hamden Hall Country Day School is often viewed alongside schools like Cheshire Academy by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Hamden Hall Country Day School?
Hamden Hall Country Day School famous alumni include: Dr. Benjamin Spock, Class of 1919, Dr. Richard Wall Lyman, Class of 1940, Joyce Olson Resnikoff, Class of 1955, Jill Medvedow, Class of 1972, Michael Barbaro, Class of 1998, Ross G. Douthat, Class of 1998 and William Carpenter, Class of 2008.
Does Hamden Hall Country Day School offer a summer program?
Yes, Hamden Hall Country Day School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Hamden Hall Country Day School offer?
Hamden Hall Country Day School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting and Wrestling. Hamden Hall Country Day School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for most sports offered.
What is Hamden Hall Country Day School's ranking?
Hamden Hall Country Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Connecticut for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Hamden Hall Country Day School?
The application deadline for Hamden Hall Country Day School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
School Reviews
5 4/22/2021
Hamden Hall school is extremely DIVERSITY school. They care about Students achievements, extra curriculum activities and provide guidance for them. Truly blessed to send my kid to Hamden Hall..
5 9/21/2020
Great school with amazing academics that will surely prepare any student for the rigor of college academics. So many clubs and sports to choose from as well!
5 5/12/2020
Hamden Hall Country Day School offers rigorous academics and a plethora of opportunities for students at all levels in which to participate. More than that, Hamden Hall is truly a community that cares about the students and the people they become after graduation.
5 12/17/2019
The amount of diversity Hamden Hall cultures is irresistible. When I look around the courtyard, there are no two people that are exactly alike. At Hamden Hall, I feel a sense of comfort with both the students I am learning with, but more importantly the faculty and staff. Hamden Hall truly is ONE big community, which is why I encourage everyone to stop by, see our campus and meet some of our amazing students and faculty that create a wonderful Hamden Hall Experience.
Endorse Hamden Hall Country Day School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.