The Winchendon School
General Information
About
The Winchendon School is a private, coeducational college-preparatory boarding and day school located in Winchendon, Massachusetts, with an additional day campus in New York City. Founded in 1926 by Lloyd Harvey Hatch, Sr., the school is deeply committed to personalizing education — small class sizes, individualized advising, and a community-centered ethos define its core identity. Students benefit from a highly supportive environment where their learning styles, goals, and aspirations are known and nurtured.
The 326-acre rural Massachusetts campus provides a serene backdrop for academic and personal growth, while the New York City campus offers an urban alternative for students drawn to a city experience. Winchendon emphasizes real-world learning through its signature “ColLAB” (Collaborative Laboratories) program, in which students immerse themselves in semester-long projects that align with their personal interests, passions, and future ambitions. This balance of rigorous academics, experiential learning, and community produces graduates who are not only ready for college, but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Contact Information
Address: 172 Ash Street, Winchendon, Massachusetts, 01475
Phone Number: (978) 297-1223
Email Address: admissions@winchendon.org for general inquiries; the Director of International Enrollment is Erika Rothkegel
School Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1926 |
| Motto | Nulla Vestigia Retrorsum (Latin: “No steps backward”) |
| Type | Private, Coeducational, College Preparatory (Boarding & Day) |
| Grades Served | 9 through 12 and Postgraduate (PG) year |
| Campus Size | 326 acres (Massachusetts campus) |
| Student-Teacher Ratio | Approximately 6:1 |
| Enrollment | ~ 265 students |
| Accreditation | NEASC (New England), NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) |
| Endowment | Approximately US$ 30 million (as of 2017) |
The Winchendon School Rankings
| Scope | Status / Ranking |
|---|---|
| State (Massachusetts) | Ranked among well-regarded independent boarding schools in MA with strong academic reputation and highly personalized learning. (Per private-school directories.) |
| National / Global | Known nationally as a distinctive preparatory boarding school; its model of individualized education, real-world projects, and student-centered learning places it among innovative U.S. boarding schools. (According to boarding school reviews.) |
The Winchendon School Academics
Faculties / Departments
- English / Literature / Composition
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Social Studies / History
- World Languages
- Fine & Performing Arts (Visual Art, Theater)
- Physical Education & Athletics
- Learning Strategies / Academic Support
- ColLAB (Project-based / Independent Exploration)
Courses and Programs / Majors
Since The Winchendon School is a high school, it does not have “majors” in the university sense. However, it offers a broad course catalog and signature programs, including:
- Core academic courses in English, Mathematics, Science, and History
- World Language offerings suitable for college prep
- Fine arts courses: studio art, performance, theater
- Physical education and competitive athletics (NEPSAC)
- Learning Strategies classes tailored to different learners
- The ColLAB program, allowing students to pursue semester-long independent or collaborative projects (internships, research, real-world problem-solving) as part of their curriculum
Online Learning
While The Winchendon School emphasizes in-person, experiential learning on its Massachusetts and New York campuses, it has affiliations with broader learning consortia (such as Hybrid Learning Consortium) that provide optional online courses (AP, honors, etc.) for students to augment their on-campus program.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Average / Typical Range |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not publicly aggregated in recent sources; high-achieving student body suggests competitive scores. (Data not reliably published.) |
| ACT | Not publicly aggregated; emphasis is on holistic education rather than single-test metrics. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a four-year high school plus postgraduate year, Winchendon’s retention is strong: most students remain through graduation. The school prides itself on graduating students who are well-prepared for college, and alumni matriculate to a wide variety of higher education institutions. Public data suggest a stable student body with low attrition, given the close mentoring and personalized learning environment.
The Winchendon School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
The Winchendon School does not rigidly publish minimum GPA or standardized test cutoffs. Admissions is competitive (acceptance around 35–40%) and holistic, considering academic record, personal character, learning style, and fit with Winchendon’s mission.
The Winchendon School Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Estimate |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 35% (per recent private-school profiles) |
The Winchendon School Application Requirements
To apply, prospective students must complete an application (via The Winchendon School application or Standard Application Online), submit school transcripts, provide teacher recommendations, and often take an optional entrance exam (such as SSAT). International applicants may also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Families complete financial aid applications if needed. The admissions process is designed to evaluate both academic potential and personal fit, emphasizing student-centered learning and community engagement.
Application Process
- Inquire via the school’s inquiry form to share interests and align with admissions staff.
- Submit application through TWSA or the Standard Application Online (SAO).
- Provide academic transcripts and teacher recommendations.
- For international students: submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo) as required.
- Attend a campus visit, interview, or virtual meeting if possible.
- Apply for financial aid (via the school’s financial aid office; decisions begin in mid-January).
The Winchendon School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Date / Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Rolling admissions — there is no strict deadline. |
| Financial Aid Deadline | Families are encouraged to submit aid applications by mid-January for full consideration. |
| International Enrollment | Follow special timeline to secure I-20 for visa, submit financial proof, passport ID, etc. |
Essay Prompt
The Winchendon School doesn’t publish a formulaic essay prompt, but students are typically asked to write thoughtful, reflective essays that reveal their character, intellectual curiosity, learning preferences, and how they might contribute to Winchendon’s collaborative, project-based community.
The Winchendon School Scholarships / Financial Aid
Winchendon offers need-based financial aid, with approximately 45% of students receiving aid. The admissions office makes concerted efforts to provide flexible funding so that students from a variety of economic backgrounds can access its model of personalized, transformative education.
The Winchendon School Tuition and Fees
| Category | Cost (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Day Tuition | US$ 36,500 per year (for day students) |
| Boarding Tuition | US$ 77,750 per year (7-day boarding) |
Student Profile and Demographics – The Winchendon School
Student Demographics
The student body at Winchendon is coeducational, enrolled in grades 9–12 and postgraduate. The school draws from a broad geographic base: around 18 countries and approximately 25 U.S. states are represented among students, reflecting significant cultural diversity.Students typically range in age from about 14 to 19, depending on grade level.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
About 45% of the student body receives need-based financial aid, showing a commitment to socioeconomic diversity. As for students with learning differences or disabilities, Winchendon has a Learning Strategies program and small class sizes (often 6–8 students) that support various learners, making individualized assistance feasible.
Student Body Size
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~ 265 (per most recent reporting) |
| International Students | ~ 21% international (per international admissions page) |
School Diversity
The Winchendon School is characterized by a rich, multicultural community. International students make up a significant portion of the population, contributing to global perspectives in the classroom. The school intentionally supports cultural inclusion through its International Support Program, small micro-classes for English language learners, and a two-year Composition & Rhetoric sequence designed to develop writing and speaking skills. Furthermore, the ColLAB program encourages students to connect their academic interests with global and social issues, reinforcing a mindset of real-world responsibility and cross-cultural engagement. Winchendon’s commitment to personalized education, informed by character development and global citizenship, makes its student community both diverse and deeply interconnected.
Average Earnings
As a secondary school (grades 9–12 plus PG), The Winchendon School does not report “average earnings” of its graduates in the way colleges do. Instead, its success is measured by the college matriculation of its graduates, the depth of the learning experiences, and how well students are prepared for life beyond high school — intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Alumni often go on to a wide range of colleges and universities, and their long-term achievements reflect the school’s mission of personal growth, character, and readiness for meaningful contribution.
The Winchendon School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Winchendon School employs around 60 faculty members. With a student-teacher ratio of approximately 6:1, teachers can devote significant individual attention to each student. The faculty includes academic teachers, advisors, residential staff for boarding students, and administrators, all working closely to create a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at Winchendon are not just subject experts but mentors and collaborators. Many are experienced in differentiated instruction, supporting students through their Learning Strategies program. Educators guide students through the ColLAB program, supervising independent, project-based work with real-world relevance. Teachers also engage in advisory roles, helping students with personal development, college planning, and character growth. Their expertise spans traditional academics, creative disciplines, and student support, reflecting the school’s holistic philosophy. The faculty’s commitment to community, mentoring, and innovation is central to Winchendon’s identity.
The Winchendon School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Winchendon’s Massachusetts campus covers 326 acres of rural New England landscape. Boarding students live in dormitories (six dorms, typically two students per room) staffed by dorm parents, fostering a familial and supervised residential experience. Student life is rich: beyond academics, students participate in athletics, arts, student government, and the ColLAB program. Weekend trips, community service, and leadership opportunities all contribute to a close-knit, purpose-driven environment where students form lasting bonds and develop independence.
Transportation
Given its rural location, many boarding students arrive via school-arranged transportation or by private transport. Day students commute from nearby towns, and the school coordinates logistics to balance residential and day student needs. On campus, students move among classrooms, labs, athletic fields, dorms, and shared communal spaces. The walkable layout of the campus and supportive residential staff make daily mobility smooth and integrated into campus life.