|  | New Canaan Country School was founded as the Community School in 1916, under the leadership of co-principals, Miss Effie Dunton and Miss Edith Dudley. Ten members of the Board of Trustees administered the school, assisted by teachers’ and mothers’ committees. This tradition of parent support and involvement has been the wellspring of the school’s vitality and perhaps is its most valued heritage.
In 1936, the Community School moved to Ponus Ridge and established itself as the New Canaan Country School. Soon after, Henry Welles became headmaster and set the school on a course that has always been directed toward the "pursuit of excellence."
In 1963, Henry Welles retired and was succeeded by George E. Stevens. Under his resourceful direction, the school's curriculum and organization were gradually changed to meet the needs of modern life. Mr. Stevens was also instrumental in the creation of the Horizons Student Enrichment Program and helped the school to focus greater efforts toward enrolling students from diverse backgrounds.
In 1979, Nicholas S. Thacher became the school’s third headmaster. During Mr. Thacher's tenure, the school’s enrollment reached 500 students. In 1994, NCCS was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Exemplary "Blue Ribbon" School for Excellence in Education.
Since 2000, Timothy Bazemore has served as the school’s fourth headmaster. The school’s enrollment, faculty, and commitment to excellence are as strong as ever. In 2007, in recognition of the school’s environmental commitment the first LEED certified building opened on campus. Throughout its history, NCCS has emphasized the value of childhood and the role of experience in learning. For ninety years, teachers have blended an outstanding academic program with an appreciation for patience, simplicity, and the power of imagination. The long-standing tradition of parent support and involvement continues to be a vital element of the school. The character and accomplishments of New Canaan Country School alumni provide powerful testimony to the success of the school’s approach. |
The Story of Grace House-in-the-Fields |
In 1898 Grace Episcopal Church purchased 150 acres of land on Ponus Ridge in New Canaan for the sum of $5,000. The Church had been doing what they referred to as “fresh air work” for a number of years at a small summer home they owned in Far Rockaway, New York, known as “Grace House-by-the-Sea.” During the summer months, women and children of the parish were invited to spend several weeks of holiday, free of charge,
in the country. In 1899 a new larger summer home was built on the land in New Canaan to compensate for the overcrowded house in Far Rockaway which was soon after sold. The new home was dedicated “Grace House-in-the-Fields” on June 23, 1899 with the Reverend Charles M. Sellick making reference in his speech to Chief Ponus of the Indian tribe which once occupied the region. The building, designed in the Colonial Revival style gave many visitors the impression of the White House. The “Chapel of Peace” stood to the west and was given to honor a son’s safe return from the Spanish-American War. Grace House-in-the-Fields operated successfully as a summer retreat for disadvantaged parishioners until the mid 1920’s after which it was rented for period of time until the buildings and land were sold to New Canaan Country School in 1936. |
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