Your Future Begins on the SLS Hilltop
SLS is a private, secular (non-religious) school for grades 5–12 located in New Canaan, CT, welcoming students from more than 40 towns across Connecticut and New York.
Here on the Hilltop (our community's nickname for the SLS campus), you’ll be encouraged, challenged, and championed by mentors who see your potential—and help you realize it. You’ll grow into your boldest, brightest self: ready to lead, create, compete, and thrive.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Begin Something Extraordinary
Inquire
Let’s get to know each other! Reach out with questions or request more information, we’re here to help you explore SLS.
Visit Us
Come see the Hilltop in action. Meet our students and teachers, experience the energy, and imagine yourself here.
Apply
Ready to take the next step? Start your application and begin your journey toward joining our vibrant community.
Tuition & Financial Aid
We don’t want cost to stand in the way of an SLS education. If SLS feels like the right fit for your family, we encourage you to apply—and explore the financial support available.
Viewbook
Take a look inside life at SLS. Our Middle and Upper School viewbooks offer a quick overview of our mission, academics, and standout programs.
Why Us?
What makes SLS different? Hear our story, explore our values, and discover why students and families love it here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Students who have demonstrated a consistent record of academic success.
- Students seeking an educational setting with high academic standards.
- Students who want to be actively involved in the life of the school (e.g. performing and creative arts, athletics, student government, student affinity groups, Model UN, etc.).
- Families from over 40 towns choose SLS—many from Fairfield and Westchester counties, and others from throughout the region.
- Approximately 50% of applicants attend public schools and 50% attend independent or parochial schools.
- Candidates represent different gender, racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
You are! The most crucial part of any application is you—your character, your curiosity, your drive. While we seek a strong and consistent academic record, we also look for students who demonstrate six key habits for success: working hard, acting honorably, taking risks, asking questions, embracing differences, and caring about others.
The Admission Committee reviews each applicant holistically—considering teacher and personal recommendations, academic transcripts, extracurricular involvement, student essays, and a personal interview. Standardized tests (ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, or tests taken at your current school) can also help us understand your academic potential.
If you have special talents or creative work to share, we encourage you to submit a portfolio or video—we’d love to see what makes you shine.
Admission to SLS is competitive, and acceptance rates vary by grade in any given year. Typically, SLS accepts about one-third of its applicants.
Our graduates attend a variety of the most selective colleges and universities all around the country and the world. See the list of colleges and universities of our most recent graduates.
Each day, SLS students arrive from more than 40 different towns in Connecticut and New York. The top five towns represented are New Canaan, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, and Ridgefield. The bordering towns of New York (Pound Ridge, Bedford, Katonah, and Cross River, to name a few) represent approximately 10% of the student population. Transportation is provided by the State of New York for all students living within a 15-mile radius of SLS. For students residing in Connecticut, SLS works with an independent transportation company that serves families living in Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, Fairfield, Norwalk, Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and Rowayton. Students meet at designated stops and are picked up and dropped off at designated times in the morning and afternoon.
Seniors are permitted to park on campus, and select Juniors can park at a satellite lot. No other students are allowed to drive to school. Seniors are permitted to leave campus during their free periods, provided they sign in and out accordingly.
Please visit our tuition and financial aid page for the most up-to-date information. There are additional fees, in addition to tuition, for items such as books, Parents' Association dues, and grade-level activities, which cover day and overnight field trips, as well as special classroom programs.
Meet The Admissions Team
If you have further questions or don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out! Our experienced Admissions team is here to help; don't hesitate to schedule a call today.
