Academics

Secondary School Process

Secondary School Admission Process

Country School's Secondary School Counseling program is designed to support students and their families through the transition to life after Country School. Our ultimate goal is to help our 8th Graders find a school that fits their individual strengths, learning style, and stage of development, so that they can continue to reach their highest, not only in school but also in life.
Our Secondary School Counselors are dedicated to supporting your family throughout the admissions journey, offering personalized guidance every step of the way. With expert knowledge of various school options, from public to private and boarding schools, our counselors provide individual advising to help identify schools that may be good choices for your child.

They offer mock interview opportunities to build confidence and skills, coordinate standardized test preparation and SSAT administration, and prepare professional recommendation letters and student profiles for selected schools.

Our counselors also manage the coordination of recommendation, profile, and transcript delivery to schools, ensuring a seamless process.

Country School families benefit from access to admission representatives through The Country School's annual Secondary School Fair, creating valuable connections as you explore educational opportunities for your child.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Jason Wainio

    Mr. Jason Wainio 

    Latin and History Teacher, Secondary School Counselor
    (203) 421-3113
  • Photo of Stephanie Johnson

    Mrs. Stephanie Johnson 

    Science Teacher, Secondary School Counselor
    (203) 421-3113
We encourage all 8th Grade families to meet with us early in the process. We're happy to meet virtually, by phone, or in person based on your preference. If the following times don't work for your schedule, let us know. We will work to find a mutually convenient time.

Secondary School Office Hours:
Tuesday: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday:  10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.


Admission Timeline

List of 9 items.

  • Throughout the Fall

    Open Houses and School Representative Visits

    Throughout the fall, secondary schools host open houses and send admission representatives to visit The Country School campus.

    Open houses: Complete interest forms on individual school websites to receive information about open houses and special interest events at schools you're considering.

    Campus visits: Check the monthly calendar posted outside the Secondary School Office to see which admission representatives will be visiting campus. Representatives hold informal lunchtime information sessions where students can ask questions and learn more about their schools.


  • September

    Schedule school tours and interviews. Students should begin participating in mock interviews with our counselors, and parents should schedule initial meetings with Stephanie Johnson and Jason Wainio to discuss school plans.

  • October

    Narrow down your school list and begin attending tours and interviews at prospective schools.

  • November

    Complete the SSAT if required or preferred by your selected schools (be sure to register early). The application deadline for parochial schools typically falls in November. Finish any remaining school tours, visit days, and interviews.

  • December

    Finalize and submit all applications. Families applying to parochial schools will receive admissions notifications this month.

  • January

    Independent school application deadlines occur in January. Students planning to attend Daniel Hand High School will participate in the school visit and course selection process. Public school information begins to become available, though timing varies by district.

  • January to March

    This is a waiting period while schools review applications. Please keep Mr. Wainio and Mrs. Johnson informed of any updates, awards, or achievements that we can share with schools on your behalf.

  • Late February to March 10

    Independent day and boarding school admissions decisions are released during this window.

  • April - Intended for 7th Grade Students

    The Country School hosts an annual Secondary School Fair, welcoming admission representatives from a diverse array of public, independent, and boarding schools. This event provides students and families with the opportunity to explore multiple school options, ask questions, and gather information in one convenient location.

    The Secondary School Fair is open to both current Country School families and members of the public who are navigating the secondary school admissions process. Details about the upcoming fair, including date, time, and participating schools, will be announced in the fall.

Student Checklist

List of 3 items.

  • Graded Essay Component

    Some secondary schools require graded writing samples as part of the application. The 8th Grade teachers incorporate this requirement into the regular curriculum:
    Students will complete one analytical essay and one creative piece as part of their regular English and/or History coursework

    Teachers will guide students through the writing process and provide detailed, specific feedback on final drafts

    In early November, teachers will share completed essays in a shareable digital format with grades and comments

    Students and families will upload these essays directly to their applications

    English Department Head Kristin and History Department Head Peter are available to answer questions and provide assistance

  • Mock Interview Preparation

    Practice interviews are an essential part of admissions preparation. Our mock interview process helps students build confidence and polish their interviewing skills before meeting with admissions officers. Students meet with Ms. Sun, Country Schoo's Associate Director of Admission and Latin Teacher and former Associate Director of Admission at Choate Rosemary Hall and Miss Porters.
    Students should reach out to Ms. Sun via email with their available times for a 30-minute practice session (study hall, lunch, or other free periods).

    Coordinate with Ms. Sun to finalize the interview appointment.

    Participate in the mock interview and be receptive to constructive feedback.

    Follow up with a thank-you email or handwritten note expressing appreciation for Ms. Sun's time and guidance

  • Recommendation Letters

    Strong recommendation letters are a vital component of your child's application. Here's what you need to know:
    • Parochial schools: Please inform us immediately if you're applying to parochial schools, as their deadlines arrive earlier than other schools
    • Automatic recommendations: If your child is applying to secondary schools, their Secondary School counselor, Math teacher, and English teacher will automatically write recommendations
    • Additional recommendations: A third recommendation letter can be valuable if it offers a different perspective on your child, but it is not required
    • Supplemental recommendations: We will submit any third or supplemental recommendations written by other Country School faculty members
    • Submission: We email recommendations directly to parochial school admissions offices and upload all recommendations to Gateway to Prep Schools and Standard Application Online (SAO) portals

Secondary Schools for Country School Graduates

Boarding Schools
Andover, Avon Old Farms, Brewster, Burke Mountain, Buxton, Columbus Academy, Eaglebrook, École L'Ermitage, Emma Willard, Ethel Walker, Frederick Gunn, George School, Green Mountain Valley, Gould Academy, Groton, Hilton Head Prep, Holderness, Hotchkiss, Kent, Kimball Union, Loomis Chaffee, Master's School, Millbrook, Milton Academy, Northfield Mount Hermon, Pomfret, Miss Porter's, Portsmouth Abbey, Proctor, St. Paul's, Salisbury, Stoneleigh Burnham, Suffield Academy, Tabor Academy, Taft, Trinity Episcopal - VA, Vermont Academy, Walnut School, Westminster, Westover, Williston Northampton

Independent Day
Cheshire Academy, Chicago Latin, Choate Rosemary Hall, Hamden Hall, Hopkins, King, Kingswood Oxford, Park Tudor School - IN, St. Luke's, Trinity, Williams

Parochial Schools
Fairfield Prep, Lauralton Hall, Notre Dame - West Haven, Mercy
Sacred Heart, Xavier

Magnet/Technical Schools
Coop for Arts & Humanities, Educational Center for the Arts, Maritime Magnet School, Vinal Tech

Public Schools
Amity, Branford, Brookfield East - WI, Daniel Hand, Guilford, Haddam-Killingworth, Hanover - NH, Lyman Hall, Lyme-Old Lyme, Middletown, Morgan, Norwich Free Academy, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Valley Regional
341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 |  Health Office F. 860-469-2550
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent school serving students in PreSchool-Grade 8. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child.

The Country School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of Color are welcomed, valued and supported. 
 
We do not discriminate - nor do we tolerate discrimination - based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry, social and economic status, or other categories protected by Connecticut or federal law.
 
The Country School employs without regard to gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to its community. The Country School is an EOE Employer.