History

The Stanwich School was conceived by Patricia Young, founding Head of School, and Dan Reid, founding Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Young envisioned a co-educational school that, like other premier independent schools in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, would offer a rigorous academic program combined with a creative approach to the arts and a varied physical education program. However, Mrs. Young also envisioned a school that could instill in its students values based on Judeo-Christian principles and traditions. She foresaw a curriculum that would incorporate values and ethics classes, and engage its students in regular, meaningful community service projects. Mrs. Young's goal was to create a school that would develop each student's mind, body and spirit.

Mrs. Young's vision was based on her extensive experience as an independent school educator in the Greenwich community. For seventeen years, Mrs .Young held many positions at Greenwich Academy, the last six as Head of the Lower School. She founded and directed the Intern Teacher Program at Greenwich Academy in conjunction with Manhattanville College, where she had been a graduate instructor. She also co-founded REACH Prep, an organization that prepares qualified, low-income, minority students for entry into area independent schools.

With the support and encouragement of the existing Greenwich independent schools and the commitment of a group of enthusiastic parents led by Dan Reid and community leaders including Gina Higbie, Mrs. Young decided to make her dream a reality. The Stanwich School was formally incorporated in January 1998. Dan Reid's son Colin was the first enrolled student! In the fall of 1998, The School inaugurated its charter year with 72 students in grades K-2. At that time, the Board of Trustees intended to add one grade per year through grade 5. The School began its second year with 123 students in grades K-3. Based on the success of The School and commitment of the parent body, in December of 1999, the Board of Trustees unanimously decided to build a K-12 school.

In September 2000, The School began its third year with 172 students in grades K-4. In September 2001, The School was formally divided into two "Houses," a Primary House serving students in grades K-3 and an Intermediate House serving students in grades 4-6. In its fourth year, The Stanwich School served a total of 232 students and during the 2002-03 school year, The School grew to 281 students.

In December 2003, The Stanwich School was fully accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, one of the youngest Connecticut schools ever to receive this distinction.

The Junior House for students in grades 7-9 was formally launched in the fall of September 2003, with the first students in Grade 7. In September of 2005, the first class of students in Grade 9 led the Junior House. In the future, a Senior House will serve students in grades 10-12.

Now with more than 425 students, The Stanwich School is housed in several locations. The Primary and Intermediate Houses are temporarily located in leased classroom space belonging to Greenwich Reform Synagogue. It's Junior House is located in temporary leased facilities located at "Stanwich East,"a beautiful 11 acre campus in Stamford, and its Pre-K Cottage is located at the Greenwich Baptist Church.

The Stanwich School has added one grade level each year since opening in 1998 and currently offers a pre-K to Grade 8 program. The school recently purchased property adjacent to its current Stanwich Road campus and complete campus expansion plans are underway which include opening a Senior House (Grades 10-12) enabling the school to be the only co-ed independent Pre-K - 12 school in Greenwich.