Student Life
our community. your experience.
Boarding school is a transformational experience — and not just in the classroom. You'll live alongside your friends in a 24/7 world, building relationships that last simply by being yourself.
At Gunn, we're an independently minded community of hard workers who compete fiercely and still have a lot of fun — because you can do both. We support each other in taking thoughtful risks, trying new things, speaking up, and listening to others.
That spirit shows up everywhere: weekend excursions, spontaneous Spikeball™ tournaments on the turf, sledding behind Teddy House after an unexpected snow day, tossing a frisbee on the Quad as the weather warms. At Gunn, we're student-focused — and committed to making your time on campus the best and most formative years of your life.
Maya '26
Yale University '30
Anabel
Class of 2028
Ryan
Class of 2024
Jaime
Class of '26
Madeline
Class of '29
80%
Boarding Students
125
New Students Each Year
70
Dedicated Advisors
30+
Major Leadership Positions
We Believe in fun
We start with fun on purpose. You're in your teenage years, and it's healthy to balance a rigorous academic routine with real time enjoying your friends — nothing makes boarding school more memorable than shared experiences.
At Gunn, weekends might mean a trip to the mall for Chipotle, a night of bowling, or New Haven pizza with friends. They also build in time to recharge — and no Sunday is complete without a stop at our omelette and waffle bars (the donuts are pretty exceptional too). Campus stays busy on weekends, and you won't want to miss it.
living with friends
Gunn's residential community is built around 10 Houses, with accommodations ranging from singles to quads and common areas for spending time together. Each House has dedicated House Parents, along with rotating faculty support for duty throughout the year. Together, they help:
- promote safe, cohesive communities
-
enforce study hall rules
-
build House relationships that become some of the strongest you'll form at Gunn
Residential life is core to the boarding experience, and our time-tested approach works.
Nothing brings Houses together like House Cup Challenges, where students compete in School Meeting games. We'll be the first to admit it can get loud — even a little silly — but chasing the House Cup creates memories that make boarding school different in the best way.
be a leader
At Gunn, we take leadership seriously — and we believe our students are capable of guiding much of what makes this campus special.
Our size is an advantage: it means everybody has a real shot at a leadership role. Leadership here takes many forms — leading a collaborative project in the classroom, running a campus club, captaining a team, guiding prospective families on campus tours, helping tell Gunn's story to alumni with our Development office, overseeing a House as a Residential Assistant, or serving as an elected member of the school leadership structure.
Whatever your interests, there's a way to lead your peers and shape our community.
head to the po
Most meals happen in our dining hall, where the choices feel endless — a main entrée, a loaded salad bar, a make-your-own-sandwich station, and a daily pasta option for when you need something comforting.
Weekends are even better. Saturday nights bring themed dinners, and Sunday mornings bring waffle and omelette bars. Between meals, stop by our grab-and-go station for fruit, bagels, and coffee.
And just off campus, generations of Highlanders have gathered at The PO for lunch or breakfast. Order the same thing often enough, and it might get named after you.
House Rules
Residential life at The Frederick Gunn School is all about community. It’s about finding your friend group and learning to live respectfully with others. More than any other space on campus, your House becomes a home away from home. It’s where you learn to be independent, manage your time and become self-reliant.
Clubs & Organizations
At The Frederick Gunn School, student life extends far beyond the classroom, offering a vibrant landscape of clubs and organizations where Highlanders can pursue their passions, develop leadership skills, and build lasting connections.
Health & Wellness
The health and well-being of our students is a priority. Our Health Center is open seven days a week with an experienced staff that includes registered nurses and athletic trainers.
Belonging & Inclusion
Our school places the highest value on character education, centering pluralism and fostering an inclusive community. We empower students to share their beliefs and values, encouraging them to stand with conviction while practicing kindness, respect, and empathy toward others.
Campus
Safety
Among all that is done to create a welcoming, nurturing and positive school experience at The Frederick Gunn School, we take very seriously the issues of appropriate behaviors and conduct relative to relationships among all members of our community.
Daily
Schedule
Gunn students attend classes five days a week and follow a block schedule. Classes meet three times per week for 65 minute blocks. Wednesdays are half days for academics, allowing for our athletic teams to compete in the afternoons.