NCCS is a private, independent school for beginners through ninth grade, located on a 75-acre campus with five academic buildings. The campus includes 30 acres of woodland trails. A bus program enables the school to serve families in surrounding communities of Darien, Norwalk, Stamford, Ridgefield, and Wilton, as well as New Canaan. Financial aid is available to families who qualify. The school is committed to maintaining a diverse student population. The athletic program is mandatory for the middle and upper schools. In the fall trimester, students can choose from soccer, boys' football, girls' field hockey, or co-ed cross country. In the winter trimester the options are basketball, co-ed squash, co-ed yoga, co-ed fitness and co-ed paddle tennis. A drama program is also available to students in place of playing a sport for a season and has always been an option for upper schoolers. In the spring, the options are lacrosse, boys' baseball, girls' softball, and co-ed cross country. As of 2017–18, the school had 640 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The average faculty member has 17 years teaching experience, and 65% of faculty have graduate degrees. Twenty-four percent of students received financial aid awards totaling $3,310,000. Twenty percent of the students are classified as students of color. Blue and white are the primary colors of the school. The mascot for middle and upper school athletics is the cougar.
Buildings
There are four divisions within the entire campus: The Thacher Building named for former headmaster Nick Thacher; The Welles Building ; The Middle School ; and The Stevens Building, as well as one administrative and functional building, the Grace House, or Main Building. The ninth grade year is a unique pre-preparatory program that emphasizes teaching leadership and independent thinking skills. A fully staffed placement office works with students to coordinate placement in top boarding and day schools. The Stevens Building was opened in September, 2007, with science labs, art studios, and expanded classroom and meeting facilities for use by students in Grades 7–9. The building was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council with the LEED Silver Award. On Earth Day, Senator Judith Freeman presented a proclamation from Governor Jodi Rell in recognition of its being the greenest school building in the state of Connecticut.
History
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.” Henry Welles retired in 1963 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, Country School was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Exemplary “Blue Ribbon” School for Excellence in Education. In 2000, Timothy R. Bazemore was named the school's fourth head. Under his leadership, the school's enrollment, faculty, and commitment to excellence have been 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, Country School has emphasized the value of childhood and the role of experience in learning. For nearly 100 years, teachers have blended an outstanding academic program with an appreciation for patience, simplicity and the power of imagination. The longstanding 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.
Dave Forney, American electrical engineer who made contributions in telecommunication system theory, specifically in coding theory and information theory.
Peter C. Goldmark, environmentalist
Hardy Jones, a wildlife and conservation filmmaker, class of 1958
