September 10, 2025
Westover School is a girls-centered boarding and day school for grades 9-12 located in Middlebury, Connecticut. Founded in 1909, visionary educator Mary Hillard and architect Theodate Pope imagined a world for women bigger and bolder than the one before them. With a mission to empower students to lead lives of consequence, Westover blends tradition with innovation, from pioneering one of the nation’s first high school STEM programs to offering distinctive global learning opportunities. Today, the school continues to shape confident, compassionate leaders who carry its trailblazing spirit into the world and beyond.
What sets your school apart?
At Westover, every scholar, artist, problem-solver, and leader is a girl—making students the central characters in their own stories. Within a close-knit, empowering community, they discover their passions, voice, and leadership through programs like Women in Science & Engineering (WISE), the Westover Institute, and the Rasin Center for Global Justice. Students develop confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose, guided by a culture that prioritizes curiosity, collaboration, and resilience in all areas of learning and life.
Student experience
At Westover, students are excited to come to school each day. With a mix of day students and domestic and international boarders, our community is built intentionally so every student can be authentically themselves. Small classes and close relationships with teachers anchor the educational experience, while signature programs, arts, athletics, and clubs spark curiosity and fuel passions. Whether taking center stage in a play, trying out for the volleyball team, or leading a club on an issue that matters, each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
Signature programs
Westover’s signature programs in STEM, finance, and global justice extend learning beyond the classroom. Students begin with Creative Problem Solving in WISE, explore financial fluency through FIRE (Financial Independence, Readiness & Empowerment), and engage with global issues through the Rasin Center. Programs like the Westover Institute and Oxford Tutorial cultivate independent thinking, intellectual curiosity, and confidence, preparing students to take on leadership roles locally and globally, while encouraging meaningful exploration of their interests.
Support beyond the classroom
Students are supported through advisory programs, small classes, and partnerships with the JED Foundation. Residential life, wellness initiatives, clubs, and robust arts programming foster creativity, resilience, and community. Every student is encouraged to explore passions, develop talents, and feel known and empowered socially, emotionally, and creatively, building relationships and skills that last a lifetime.
Teachers and professional growth
Westover cultivates a culture of lifelong learning through robust professional development, knowing that when teachers grow, so do students. Innovative programs like the Westover Institute allow teachers to explore interests while blending tradition with new approaches. In turn, they spark curiosity, creativity, and engagement, inspiring students to lead lives of consequence.
Recent success story
Westover’s AP Environmental Science program exemplifies student initiative. In the 2024 Project Green Challenge, students competed globally, placing third overall, while Sarah Q. ’26 was recognized as a Top 10 Finalist internationally. Inspired by her participation at the San Francisco Eco-Summit, she launched Style Cycle, a student-led swap shop promoting sustainability, creativity, and community—now a beloved staple on campus.
Learning environment and visiting Westover
With an average class size of 12 and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, Westover offers personal attention, lively discussion, and deep engagement. Advisory, one-on-one conferencing, and the Oxford Tutorial Model further support student growth. Families interested in learning more or arranging a visit can contact admission@westoverschool.org or visit westoverschool.org.
