Hello! I’m Ayano Kitsuregawa, an admissions and study abroad advisor for working mothers.

American boarding schools have always been a long-held aspiration for me since I still young, seeming out of reach yet deeply cherished.

In Japan, many may know of The Ten Schools, but few other boarding schools are widely recognized. However, there are countless other wonderful schools.

When comparing boarding schools, it’s vital to look beyond brand names and truly find a school that suits your child. The right boarding school can have a transformative, magnetic effect on teenagers, fostering profound growth.

The Frederick Gunn School (formerly The Gunnery) embodies the dedication and admiration I’ve always felt toward boarding schools. It offered a warm welcome and introduced us to a community that feels like family.

The Frederick Gunn School – “A School I’d Like to Attend in My Next Life”

Nestled in a High-End Vacation Area

The Frederick Gunn School is located in the elegant town of Washington, Connecticut, a high-end retreat accessible from New York City.

The campus is nestled on a wooded hill, featuring beautiful Tudor-style architecture and warmly styled interiors.

A Memorable First Visit

When an American consultant first recommended the school, I was reluctant—it was an unfamiliar name. However, after our school tours, we were underwhelmed by some “famous” schools and fell in love with a few “unknown” ones.

During my first visit with my son, we encountered a torrential downpour, got lost driving a rental car, and even got stuck in the mud on a nearby estate’s lawn. After finally reaching the admissions office on foot and requesting help, a staff member wearing a “Gunnery” T-shirt and shorts appeared with a tow truck and skillfully rescued our car.

Their warm, supportive response—and the school’s small, traditional boarding school atmosphere—made a lasting impression on us.

The Second Visit

After deciding to apply, we returned for an interview. Our guide, a Japanese-American girl, led us around the campus enthusiastically despite another rainy day, dressed in a raincoat and boots. Her clear fondness for the school and happiness was evident.

A Touching Email from tour guide’s Mother

After returning to Tokyo, I received a heartfelt email from the girl’s mother, sharing more about the school’s strengths. I still cherish this message.

A School I’d Like to Attend in My Next Life

Although my son ultimately chose a different school, since starting this blog, I have only grown more convinced that this is truly a “great boarding school.” What matters is whether the school provides an environment where each student can thrive and life-changing experiences can unfold. For those applying to U.S. universities, this is essential: strong academic performance and unique experiences make a powerful combination.

Reflecting on my youth, I lacked the financial means to study abroad. I naturally feel, “If someone had brought me to this school when I was a teenager, I would have had such a happy and fulfilling time, and my life might have turned out differently.” The Frederick Gunn School is a “hidden lily” in the woods, a school I’d love to attend if I had a second chance at life.

School Highlights for Japanese Students

Supportive Student Life

Japanese students have adapted well here, thriving and improving their English skills.

ESL Support

Though not in the official curriculum guide, ESL support is available, with teachers willing to help students practice conversational English.

Remarkable Policy Changes for a Better Student Experience

In 2023, a female head of school brought a more student-centered approach.

Dedicated Guidance

Every night from 8 to 10 p.m., “Study Hall” takes place at the dorm. Counseling is also thorough, with an advisor system that keeps parents informed online.

Unique School Culture

Although not strict, there’s a dress code. Boarding students make up a large portion of the school population, creating a strong sense of community.

Classes, Sports, and Facilities

The school operates on a trimester system, with students receiving percentage-based grades. Students engage in a wide array of sports each term, from skiing to rowing, ice hockey, and lacrosse. The arts building, science facilities, and a new gym highlight the school’s commitment to development.

International and Inclusive Community

With a diverse mix of students from Asia, Europe, and other regions, the school actively promotes diversity and inclusion.

The Frederick Gunn School’s Founding Spirit

Each American boarding school has its unique character, rooted in the founder’s vision. At the Frederick Gunn School, Mr. Frederick William Gunn’s spirit continues to inspire. He was a Yale graduate, educator, abolitionist, and outdoorsman who founded the school in 1850.

The school’s ideals remain rooted in Gunn’s philosophy of intellectual challenge, moral courage, physical rigor, and character development. A smaller school initially, Gunn nurtured students in a warm, family-like environment, incorporating outdoor activities like baseball in summer and football in winter.

Today, Gunn’s vision endures, shaping the school’s academic rigor, life guidance, and sports culture. Though now a renowned college-preparatory school with international students, the essence of the original Gunnery spirit thrives on campus.

Message to Japanese Applicants from Admission Director