Marianapolis Preparatory School

• Location: Thompson, Connecticut, USA,
• Year of foundation: 1926,
• Number of students: about 350,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: mixed.

The Marianapolis Preparatory School is one of the best schools in the state of Connecticut, offering fully accredited programs for grades 9-12 and preparing students for admission to leading universities, colleges in the United States and abroad.

The history of the Marianapolis Preparatory School began more than 95 years ago, and after such a long time it has become one of the most sought-after schools for both local and foreign students. Due to their focus on preserving Catholic traditions, following modern educational methods, and the qualifications of teachers, students of the educational institution receive high-quality knowledge and applied skills that allow them to continue their academic career at their chosen university. Students are offered not only a wide range of subjects to study, but also a variety of extracurricular activities to develop their interests: from themed clubs, sports sections to educational trips abroad.

Today, about 350 students study at the Marianapolis Preparatory School, some of whom come from more than 20 countries. Special attention is paid to each pupil, whether it is a daily lesson, additional individual lessons or extracurricular activities — teachers ensure that students are in a comfortable atmosphere, were able to discover their talents, improve academic and other abilities that will serve them as an excellent base for the start of adult life.

Laura Galindo

Marketing Director

What are the most important factors parents should consider when choosing a school?

That the school views their students as individuals instead of cash flow. Unfortunately, there are institutions whose main priority is to sell their programs and lose sight that this is a big step for the students and their families. Embarking on a new journey in a new country can be frightening, so having the support of the staff members and students will be vital to a successful studying-abroad experience. 

During studying, students actively use technology: computers in classrooms and the library, equipment for scientific laboratories, personal gadgets - iPads, Android tablets, Windows and Apple laptops. Upon admission, the student must purchase a device, which will fully immerse themselves in all the academic features of the curriculum.

It offers programs in grades 9-12. Also in the summer months, short-term courses are organized on campus.

Students have the opportunity to continue their studies at the summer period, allowing them to improve their knowledge of the disciplines passed, prepare for upcoming tests and exams, and deepen their knowledge in disciplines that are interesting to them.

Six residences have been prepared on the campus of the Marianapolis Preparatory School: two for boys and four for girls. Students are offered excellent living conditions during studies in the USA: double, triple, and quadruple rooms, shared facilities for recreation and self-study. Not all residential buildings have fully equipped kitchens, but students are provided with three meals a day in the common dining room.

Staff members live in the residences with the students, providing round-the-clock support and care, and you can contact them for any issue, whether it's help with homework, cleaning a room, or resolving a conflict situation.

The families of local students are also happy to welcome students living in the residences — they help to alleviate homesickness, adapt faster to an English-speaking unfamiliar environment, and make friends. Students are allowed to leave residential buildings to spend the night with their classmates, visit their families during dinner, and go on joint trips.

The sports and creative development of schoolchildren is an important part of the educational system — children choose different sports and creativity for themselves, they can change them, try themselves in different directions, and there is a talent support system.

Sports are offered according to the seasons: autumn, spring and winter. The national teams of the season train for most of the school week, and then participate in interscholastic, city, and national competitions.:

• Fall: cross-country, field hockey, golf, soccer, volleyball,
• Spring sports: badminton, baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, track and field,
• Winter: basketball, swimming, indoor athletics, wrestling.

Some sports offer same-sex participation: boys and girls train separately, compete with same-sex teams from other institutions, and achieve excellent results without any restrictions.

Art is offered in two directions: performing and visual. Students can devote their free time to acquiring skills in photography, painting, drama and theater, music in groups, and participate in many campus events: concerts, productions, and master classes.

An important place is given to spiritual and moral education: schoolchildren learn to appreciate people, respect other people's opinions, and be a kind and sympathetic member of society. The opportunities for extracurricular development are not limited to this — thematic communities work on the campus, social events, seminars of invited speakers, field trips, hiking trips, and environmental actions are organized.

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (WEASC) Accreditation,
• Member of the TABS, IECA, NAIS, SBSA, and CBSA educational groups that support high standards of education,
• The ratio of students to teachers is 7:1,
• More than 100 elective interest courses,
• An extensive list of Advanced Placement subjects — 20 disciplines will allow you to earn credits even before entering college,
• About 40 sports clubs and thematic organizations for extracurricular development,
• About 80 students are foreigners representing 20 foreign countries.,
• The opportunity of learning in an online format,
• An experimental educational program with trips abroad.

The Marianapolis Preparatory School campus is located in the quiet and beautiful town of Thompson, one hour from New York City, three hours from Boston. The studying area covers 150 acres of picturesque countryside with many trees and shrubs, and there are many indoor and outdoor areas for study, sports and recreation.:

• Main building: main classrooms, science labs, large dining room, chapel, library,
• The Admissions Office Building,
• Sports complex: multifunctional game halls, gyms, dance studios,
• Male and female residences,
• Medical Center,
• Outdoor fields of athletics, field hockey, frisbee, lacrosse,
• Four large fields for team sports, tennis courts, softball and baseball fields.

The academic year lasts from the end of August to the beginning of June, and includes several semesters: autumn and spring; they are separated by Christmas holidays, during which students rest, both during Easter and summer vacations, international and national holidays, and weekends. Studies are organized on weekdays: the first half of the day is devoted to lessons, followed by participation in sports, creative, and themed clubs.

An approximate list of additional expenses includes:

• Entrance fees,
• Additional academic support, including language courses,
• Medical insurance,
• Textbooks, personal office,
• Accommodation, meals,
• Some extracurricular activities, including guided tours,
• Pocket expenses.

Candidates are required to pass several entrance stages, which stipulate:

• Filling out the online application, providing the required documents,
• Payment of registration fees,
• Passing an interview, possible entrance exams,
• Obtaining an official invitation for studying,
• Payment of part or all of the program cost,
• Arrival on campus: check-in at the residence, attending introductory events, starting classes.

Before applying, applicants are provided with the opportunity to get acquainted with the school staff, visit the campus with an introductory tour.

Thanks to effective academic preparation, high school students of Marianapolis Preparatory School successfully pass final exams and enter selected colleges, universities, choose prestigious higher institutions in the USA, Great Britain, Canada and other countries.

For foreign students to enter the Marianapolis Preparatory School, they must provide:

• Personal documents: passport, medical insurance and health certificates, visa or residence permit,
• Official transcripts for the last two academic years, exam results,
• Letters of recommendation from teachers of mathematics and English,
• Language test results: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic or equivalent.

It will be easier for future students to cope with the academic load if they are proficient in English at the B2 level and above.

Students who demonstrate excellent academic performance  in their studies are provided with a scholarship from the Trinity Foundation - the award covers part of the progrma cost per year, other expenses and can be prolonged if excellent academic performance is maintained. For families in difficult situations, the school offers financial support, which, like scholarships, covering tuition costs.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision