About Us

Our Story, Mission & History

Our Story,
Mission + History

The threads that make up New Canaan Country School have been present since the start. They took roots with parents who wanted a great education for their children. The consistent principles continue to weave through our mission, values and through generations of alumni who make their mark in the world.

Henry Welles, Headmaster 1938

“Childhood is in itself an integral part of life to be lived fully and happily.”

Our Mission + Values

We create an active, joyful learning environment where children are challenged to think deeply, question confidently, and act generously so that they may lead lives of impact and purpose.
  • Community Community
    We seek, respect, and celebrate diversity and ignite a sense of belonging so everyone thrives.
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  • Courage Courage
    We take risks, make mistakes, assume responsibility, and champion those around us.
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  • Curiosity Curiosity
    We explore, investigate, and discover —inspiring a life devoted to endless learning.
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  • Kindness Kindness
    We foster a culture of compassion through our daily words and actions
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A Brief History of
New Canaan Country School

Mark Macrides, Country School Archivist

“Cows grazed in the fields … and hayrides were a frequent well-loved occurrence. The views at that time were remarkably sweeping, as there was much more farmland throughout the region. From the windows of the third floor at that time Long Island Sound was visible, and there were wonderful breezes from the Sound.”
Parents founded this special place — first calling it the Community School — establishing what is still a core value today. It began small — 17 students — in a New Canaan bungalow. It moved several times in the first couple of decades, finally settling on 85 beautiful acres outside of town, which allowed the growth to today serve 550+ students in pre-K through grade nine. Much, however, remains consistent over more than 100 years. Traditions such as the Frogtown Fair, learning to ice skate, and woodworking, trace back many decades. And — as in the early days — the focus is fully on allowing children to be children as they are prepared to explore, question, and impact the world.

A Look Back

Our archivist, Mark Macrides, has captured the history of Country School in a series of essays featured on the Bulletin: 

Moments From Our History

New Canaan Country School

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

Links & Resources

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.