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Why Gunn
About
The Frederick Gunn School has always been a place for students to take risks. We want you to push yourself because you are the kind of student, the kind of person, who can achieve remarkable things. We will challenge you and will insist that you push yourself. We don’t believe in letting students default to a comfort zone. You will learn just how much you can accomplish. And you will be astonished.

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Admissions
Students at The Frederick Gunn School spend their high-school years growing up, growing wiser, and growing more confident. They form lasting friendships by supporting each other as they step outside of comfort zones alongside faculty who truly believe in them. Coming to Gunn is a choice to dig a little deeper, to get past the shiny surface of so much that surrounds us. We would love for you to become a Highlander.
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Academics
The Frederick Gunn School prepares students for college and global citizenship by integrating academic learning with the immersive experiences of boarding school life. By extending education beyond the classroom, we equip students with the leadership skills needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

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Arts
At The Frederick Gunn School, we invite our students to be creators and makers. Whether you are interested in the visual or performing arts, you will have the chance to leave your mark on the world, to challenge others to see the world in a new way, and to express your perfectly unique point of view.

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Athletics
Inspired by Frederick Gunn’s belief that athletics builds both "muscle and character," our program offers 36 teams across 16 sports. Whether you are a high performing athlete or a beginner, this is where you can master new skills, discover new passions, and contribute to the tradition of being a Highlander, in and out of competition.

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Student Life
At The Frederick Gunn School, the best moments often happen between the bustle of academics and co-curriculars. Whether it’s sharing lunch, hosting a movie night, or sledding behind Teddy House, you will find opportunities to gather, relax, and build lasting friendships across our campus. It's why students and alumni refer to Gunn as home.

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Giving
From experiential learning opportunities and faculty development, to student life activities, athletics, and financial aid, gifts of all sizes — from alumni, friends, faculty and staff, students, and families — collectively ensure the school can maintain our standards of excellence and improve where needed.

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In this section

Breadcrumb

Arts

Mr. Burnham

Director of Theatre Arts

Blake

Class of '26

Logan

Class of '26

Poppy

Class of '26

415

Seat Theatre

18

HALO Award Nominees

6

Advanced Level Arts Classes

4

Students Honored With CT Scholastic Art Awards

Be Amazed. Be Amazing.

Art in its various forms has been a part of our school since its inception. Frederick Gunn wove music into the early fabric of the school and organized plays for his students and town residents. This commitment to making art part of the everyday experience for students, and finding ways to connect the school with the community through art, is supported today in the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. This beautiful building supports The Frederick Gunn School’s Vision for Arts and Community and the continued growth of the school’s visual arts, music, theatre and dance programs.

Where Makers and Creators Thrive

At The Frederick Gunn School, we invite our students to be creators and makers. Whether in the visual or performing arts, students are asked to leave their mark on the world, to challenge someone to see the world in a new way, to express their perfectly unique point of view.

Risk-Taking and Innovation

We ask students to learn to take public risks, to be makers not consumers, to be citizens who imagine a beautiful future without cynicism, to face failure with hope.

The arts break down barriers for those who are nervous about trying new things, as well as those who want to actively engage in the arts for the rest of their lives.

Art for Every Student

All students are required to take the equivalent of one credit in art. This can be accomplished through three single-term courses or one full-year course in our music, drama or visual arts programs. While the requirement is one credit, our students are encouraged, and often do take more than the required classes. The goal is for every student to recognize and appreciate the valuable role that art plays in our lives.

Arts News