About Us

Head of School Welcome

Head of School Aaron Cooper

“We believe that by creating an active and joyful learning environment, where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously, they will thrive and go on to lead lives of impact and purpose.”

Welcome to Country School!

One of the things I love most about New Canaan Country School is that we don’t rush childhood—we honor it. We are intentionally not a high school. We focus exclusively on the early years, ages 3 to 15, because we believe these years matter profoundly. They’re not just preparation for what’s next—they are a meaningful part of life in their own right.

This belief shapes everything we do. It means we meet children where they are, while challenging them to grow. It means we create time for joy and play, even as we build strong academic foundations. And it means we surround students with adults who know them well and care deeply—not just about what they learn, but about who they’re becoming.

If you’re just getting to know us, I encourage you to look closely at how we use time, space, and relationships to support learning in all its forms. You’ll see a school that feels both grounded and alive—with curious students, passionate teachers, and a community that believes in the promise of childhood. 

I look forward to welcoming you to Country School.

Warmly,

Aaron Cooper
Head of School

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  • Meet Aaron Cooper

    Aaron Cooper has made his career working in pre-K through ninth grade independent schools as a teacher, coach, advisor and administrator. Aaron became the Head of School at New Canaan Country School in July 2018.  
     
    Aaron earned an Ed.M. in Private School Leadership and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. He received his B.A. in the Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College. Aaron is himself the product of independent schools, having earned a diploma from Groton School.
     
    Before the Country School, Aaron served as the Head of Elisabeth Morrow School in Englewood, N.J. He has also worked at the Peck School (NJ), Germantown Friends School (PA) and with the A Better Chance (NY) organization. 
     
    Aaron serves on the Boards of Horizons at NCCS, the Westover School, and the New Canaan Community Foundation. He has also served on six re-accreditation visiting committees for peer independent schools. In his free time, Aaron enjoys running, reading, traveling and anything outdoors.
     
    Aaron and his wife, Kara, have two daughters, Julia ’21 and Charlotte ’23.

New Canaan Country School

635 Frogtown Road, New Canaan, CT 06840
Phone: (203) 972-0771

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Accreditations

New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.