Founded in 1915, Canterbury School is an independent, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9–12 and postgraduate study. Rooted in a Catholic tradition and welcoming students of all faiths and backgrounds, Canterbury is a community built on the belief that adolescence should be a time to try, stretch, and discover—not to be confined to a single path.
Situated on a picturesque 150-acre campus in New Milford, Connecticut, Canterbury offers the beauty and tranquility of New England while remaining conveniently accessible—just 90 minutes from New York City and approximately two and a half hours from Boston. With approximately 335 students from across the United States and around the world, Canterbury offers a distinctive "right-size" advantage: the opportunities of a larger boarding school within a community where every student is truly known.
Students are encouraged to say "yes" to new experiences: to challenge themselves academically, compete on athletic teams, perform on stage, pursue creative interests, serve others, and discover unexpected strengths along the way. Canterbury's intentionally sized community allows students to participate fully rather than wait for opportunities to emerge. They are known well, expected to contribute, and empowered to grow into the fullest version of themselves.
Faculty members serve in multiple roles—as teachers, advisors, coaches, and mentors—guiding students through the intellectual, social, and personal transformations that define the secondary school years.
At Canterbury, students don't have to choose between becoming accomplished and becoming grounded. They graduate prepared to do both.
What Makes Us Unique
The D'Amour Center serves as the heart of Canterbury's commitment to educating students for lives of purpose and impact. Through immersive service experiences, leadership development, reflection, and engagement with issues of justice and the common good, students are challenged to connect compassion with action. Rooted in the School's Catholic tradition and open to all perspectives, the D'Amour Center helps students understand that their education carries both privilege and responsibility.
The "Right-Size" Advantage - Canterbury offers the best of both worlds: the breadth of opportunities typically associated with larger boarding schools and the personal attention of a smaller community. With more than 125 courses, 44 athletic teams across 17 sports, a vibrant arts program, and abundant leadership opportunities, students are encouraged to participate fully and pursue multiple passions. At the same time, they benefit from close relationships with faculty and peers in an environment where they are known, valued, and supported. It's a small school with a big program—and a place where students don't have to wait in line for opportunity.