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The Frederick Gunn School

Who we are

The Frederick Gunn School, founded in 1850, is a coed boarding and day school for 330 students in grades 9-12 as well as a post-graduate year located in Washington, Connecticut. Frederick Gunn was a pioneering educator, courageous abolitionist, and rugged outdoorsman. He inspired generations of students to be curious and thoughtful, to be active members of their communities, and to stand up for what they believe in. He was a transformational leader with an educational philosophy that shaped the foundation of our school. This vision is even more powerful today as our students become principled, active citizens and lifelong learners, who will be entrepreneurial forces for good in the world.

THE IMPACT OF A $120 MILLION CAMPAIGN

We are highlanders.

Hear from students, teachers, and alumni who are living the mission — who are learning boldly, leading kindly, and leaving their mark on the world. At Gunn, every voice adds to our legacy of purpose.

Ashleen

Gunn Alum — Tulane '27

Finding the people that become lifelong friends

Harry

Class of '26

Hear about our welcoming environment that will quickly become your second family

Mr. McMann

Dean of Programmatic Innovation

Finding your voice and owning the room - the Junior Speech is your moment to shine

Blake

Class of '26

Hear Blake talk about a school living up to the hype

Bea

Gunn Alum — Amherst '28

Being a leader made the difference

We will challenge you.

You will be amazed.

A rigorous, humanities-based curriculum with more than 150 classes and over 40 advanced courses awaits you. Yet what sets Gunn apart is the range of electives you can explore. Find a new interest or passion you can pursue in college and beyond. 

BE A FORCE FOR INNOVATION

Advanced Engineering

Design, build, and pitch real-world solutions through engineering and entrepreneurship.

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BE A FORCE FOR INNOVATION

Advanced Engineering

In this rigorous course, students apply advanced engineering skills to solve real-world problems through entrepreneurship. Working in teams, they identify engineering challenges, conduct market research, and develop solutions that merge technical design with business strategy. The capstone project mirrors start-up development, giving students hands-on experience in product development, commercialization, and market analysis. This is a launchpad course for aspiring engineers and innovators ready to create and lead in the modern world.

Prerequisite: Engineering I or similar.

BE A FORCE FOR PERSPECTIVE

Abnormal Psychology

Profoundly learn about clinical psychology and human psychopathology in this introductory level class.

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BE A FORCE FOR PERSPECTIVE

Abnormal Psychology

Students are introduced to clinical psychology and human psychopathology. This course introduces students to vocabulary and fundamental diagnostic procedures of people with cognitive, mental, and emotional disorders. The major classes of mental disorders are reviewed as guided and diagnosed by the DSM-5. The course material is interdisciplinary; it examines biological, medical, psychological, social, cultural, and political aspects of mental illness. Students are taught ways to formulate and analyze psychopathology, with the purpose of helping them develop an introductory but integrated understanding of mental disorder and intervention. Focus will be on diagnosis, epidemiology, course of the disorder, etiology, and treatment issues. We will also briefly examine ethical and legal issues pertaining to psychopathology. A major goal of the course is to promote greater awareness and knowledge of psychopathology in hopes that we can reduce the suffering and stigma associated with mental disorders.

BE A FORCE FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING

Sports Business Seminar

Study a high growth industry, scrutinize a major sports league, and present your findings to peers — develop skills you can take anywhere.

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BE A FORCE FOR PROBLEM-SOLVING

Sports Business Seminar

This class provides a dynamic look at how the sports business segment works and how to plan for a career in this high growth industry. The class follows a workshop format as the various business topics that are studied will be applied to understanding the structure and revenue flows of the U.S. and global sports business markets. The course brings a number of speakers with relevant industry experience to class and share their real-life experiences with the students. Students will develop a business case covering one of the major sports leagues of their choosing and analyze one of the major franchises of that league, understanding the profit and loss statements, the human resource requirements, talent management, growth plans, marketing efforts, and competitive positioning. The class culminates in a presentation where each student is given the opportunity to share their findings — a real-world experience that prepares you for anything. 

BE A FORCE FOR DISCOVERY

Premed

Explore the medical world in this one-of-kind class.

Two young women in aprons and gloves are working together in a kitchen, with shelves and a window visible in the background.

BE A FORCE FOR DISCOVERY

Premed

Take a one-year course where you will join other highly motivated students exploring a potential career in the medical field. Led by a medical doctor, this introductory class will expose you to clinical methods with hands-on experience in medical techniques and a brief exploration of topics such as anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, cardiology, neuroscience, pathology, immunity, and endocrinology, and medical ethics.

BE A FORCE FOR CURIOSITY  

Gunn Scholar

Study your passion; leave your mark.

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BE A FORCE FOR CURIOSITY  

Gunn Scholar

Gunn Scholars are historians rigorously committed to unearthing more about our school, our region, and the people and forces that shape our experience. Students apply to this program at the end of their junior year and commit to a yearlong research project, pursuing a research project of their choosing. Students conduct primary-source research and place-based learning within the school’s archives. In previous years, Gunn Scholars have had opportunities to expand their research to other archives and collections, including those at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University Library. Each student’s illustrated paper is published and added to the archives, thereby enriching the school’s history and creating opportunities for further study. This is an experience like no other — one that will be forever a part of our school's history. 

BE A FORCE FOR RESILIENCE

The Junior Speech

Speak from your heart and feel the support of your peers.

A young woman with braided hair wearing a turtleneck sweater and plaid jumper stands in front of a red curtain backdrop.

BE A FORCE FOR RESILIENCE

The Junior Speech

Known as the Declaration, the Junior Speech is a rite of passage for every Gunn student. It is a bond that you will remember forever. Everybody does it and all 400 members of our community will be listening. At Gunn, we believe students should put their voices into action and stand up for matters to them. Speaking in front of the entire school is not easy, but we cheer bravery because we believe in the inherent value of doing hard things. You will be amazed by what you can accomplish!

BEYOND GUNN.

YOU'VE GOT THIS.

From your first conversation to your final decision, our College Counseling program is centered on you. Discover how our College Counseling program supports your path at every step, and how our personalized guidance helps you become a force for something greater. 

Dean of College Counseling

Ensuring colleges know our students

We are a team of strategic partners helping our students stand out in the college admissions landscape — from crafting a unique narrative, to differentiating your essay, to finding the best test support. We are here for you every step of the way.

Kate McMann ’05 — Dean of College Counseling

50

colleges visited by our office each year

the Value of Hard Work, Community, and Changing Your Perspective

The image depicts a church interior with a large pipe organ in the background. In the foreground, several people are seated in pews, and a person is standing at a podium, presumably leading a service or ceremony.

125 Colleges

visited Gunn in 2025

Bea ’24

24 x 7 Availability Makes a Difference

I was able to start my college process during my sophomore year with Mrs. McMann, which made all the difference in the world for me.

Bea ’24 Gunn Alumna, Amherst College ’27 

100+

hours of individual time with college counseling office.

Max Freeman ’13 Talks About his Start-up Success and the Power of the Alumni Network

4 Year

program to build a college application that will set you apart.

Making it Count

Michael made his story stand out

I was able to commit to a two-year Civic Changemakers Project in partnership with an AI-based MIT platform, allowing me to examine the listening and conversation traits of the Gunn community. This project was revealing in so many ways, helping me think about open dialogue on our campus, and also allowing me to think differently about what type of college would be best for me.   

Michael ’26

1

Civic Changemakers Project where you act on your personal convictions, make an impact on our community and set yourself apart.

Demonstrating Citizenship in Action

30 Hours

of service commitment as your complete your Civic Changemakers Project.

Unmatched Essay Support

Does your school have an Essay Specialist?

Mrs. Napoleone was so supportive as I wrote my college essays. Her feedback was both encouraging and specific every step of the way. She constantly pulled out my best thoughts and helped me organize them. I am so grateful that I was able to work with her.

Blake ’26 

1%

of independent schools have a dedicated Essay Specialist.

Learn about Gunn’s one of a kind College Essay Specialist

100%

of Gunn seniors work with our Essay Specialist.

Always Available

BUILDING A LIST WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT

I had a vision of what I wanted in a college — and with the help of my college advisor I was able to find the perfect list of schools that matched my goals. 

Maya '26

10+

Average Number of College Applications per Student

At the Intersection of Business and Fashion: Holly Soroca ’93

80%

of Graduates Admitted to Barron's Most Competitive and Highly Competitive Colleges

The Story You Will Tell

Working with CJD to build your Gunn experience

We challenge our students to be curious, courageous, and independently minded — in the end, making colleges say they need that student to make their campus a better place. 

Bart McMann — Director of Programmatic Innovation

82%

of 2025 seniors received an Early Application acceptance.

Citizenship Curriculum Helps Students Stand Out in the College Process

348

AP exams were administered on campus for Gunn students in 2025.

Fast facts.

Lasting Impacts.

These stats tell the story of a school that’s small by design, diverse by nature, and driven by purpose. From global reach to academic rigor, here’s what makes Gunn, Gunn.

40+

AP and Honors Classes

60%

of Classrooms in New Spaces

$120M+

Capital Campaign Recently Completed

150+

Academic Courses

Top 3%

of Private High Schools in America in Niche 2026 Survey

147

Students sat for 348 AP Exams across 20 Subjects in 2025

80%

Boarding Students

60%

Application Growth in the Last 5 Years

Are you Ready to

Be a force?

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