Program Description:

Marianapolis Preparatory School is a unique, co-ed private high school that offers its 320 day and boarding students the opportunity to prepare for college in a loving, values-based community. Americans from 35 area communities and throughout the country, and residential students from around the world come to Marianapolis develop the confidence and skills required for spiritual, intellectual, athletic, and artistic success. The school’s New England location means it is central to major metropolitan areas such as Boston and New York City, while its picturesque 150-acre campus provides a beautiful and safe haven for study and sports.

Marianapolis is known for its comprehensive English as a Second Language program, as well as its rigorous college preparatory academics, excellence in athletics, cultural diversity, outstanding community service programs, breadth of student activities, and the warmth and friendliness of its students, faculty and staff. The school offers honors and advanced placement courses in many subjects, and boasts 100 percent college placement.

Learning and Living at Marianapolis

Each year, students from over 15 countries come to Marianapolis to improve their English and receive a comprehensive college preparatory education alongside their American counterparts. Rigorous academics, small class sizes, talented and dedicated faculty - these are some of the hallmarks of Marianapolis. Yet what makes Marianapolis unique among American boarding schools is its warmth and sense of community.

Residential students live in dorms, overseen by dorm parents - faculty members who live on campus and provide a sense of security away from home. Students get to know their teachers outside the classroom, and benefit from extra help and encouragement. Living with their peers from around the world, students also discover a support network in one another.

Learning and playing sports side by side with Americans, students share experiences and traditions like dances, trips to amusement parks, athletic contests and community service projects.

In addition, nearly 50 local American families volunteer as part of a Family Network, welcoming international students into their homes for dinners and holiday celebrations, taking them to baseball games, and bringing in cakes to celebrate their birthdays.

More than Learning English

At Marianapolis, the ESL program is about more than learning to read, write and speak in English. It is also about adjusting to a new culture. Many students arrive at Marianapolis knowing little to no English, yet within 2-3 months, they are conversing in English with friends and teachers, in social situations and in the community.

The ESL faculty is specially trained in foreign language instruction as well as foundation subjects such as English, Math and Science, and have travelled extensively.

Upon arrival at Marianapolis, international students are tested and placed at the appropriate English level or go directly into mainstream English classes with native speakers.

There are 4 levels of ESL specific curriculum: Beginning, Intermediate, Transitional and Advanced. In addition, ESL students enjoy numerous off-site trips, which introduce the students to historical cities and landmarks as an adjunct to classroom study.

While Marianapolis is located in a rural area in historic New England, it is just a short drive to major landmarks and cities. Within one hour’s drive is Boston, Massachusetts, the birthplace of America, and Hartford, Connecticut, the state’s capital, and it is only a three-hour drive to the excitement of New York City. Shopping centers are located in neighboring towns, and the colleges, food, shopping and culture of Worcester, Massachusetts, are only 20 minutes north. At Marianapolis students have the best of both worlds – fewer distractions so they can concentrate more on their studies, but access to nearby attractions so they don’t feel too far away from city life.

Marianapolis is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and is approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Marianapolis is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, The Association of Boarding Schools, the Catholic Boarding Schools Association, and the National Honor Society.