In 1926 our founder Lloyd Harvey Hatch had the vision to create a school that would be based on very small classes and highly individualized teaching.  Mr. Hatch believed that his philosophy would allow students to achieve greater success in a traditional curriculum.  His approach ensured that students more rapidly acquired skills and knowledge.  Eighty-four years later, our mission statement, while updated to reflect 21st century opportunities and realities, is still firmly based on Mr. Hatch’s timeless vision:

I am regularly asked what makes Winchendon different or better.  From my perspective, there are three aspects of the Winchendon experience on which to focus:

• The people – people, not facilities, provide for a really great education.  Winchendon is an intimate community of 220 students and approximately 80 educators and other adults committed to supporting and learning from each other.  Our teachers are excited about and really good at what they do.  They have put the ‘fun’ back in fundamentals.  That is why our students are engaged and developing the confidence to succeed.

• The Winchendon Way – Our commitment is to small classes, individualized support, daily and weekly written feedback, clear expectations, constant interaction with teachers, consistent structure, and a purposeful focus on building skills and strategies.

• Global community – Many schools offer different aspects of multicultural education.  At Winchendon, we live it, perhaps like no other school in the Northeast.  Our student body is truly diverse in every respect.   One unique element of the Winchendon program is that every student and teacher at Winchendon is participating in Global Dynamics, an interdisciplinary journey that incorporates the history, art, literature, science, current events and economics of various regions.  The learning expedition started in Africa this fall and will move on to the Middle East for the second semester.  Winchendon students graduate with a global awareness and the ability to live and work successfully with people from around the world.

There are the other wonderful aspects of The Winchendon School, our highly competitive athletic teams, new arts facilities, our 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course, extensive technology, our beautiful setting close to Boston and all of the other features of a great boarding school, but the three key elements listed above define and differentiate our school.



If you want to become a more successful student and a global citizen, the Winchendon Way may be the best option for you. Thanks for taking the time to virtually visit our school.  Now, I hope that you will come visit us, talk with our students and teachers and learn more about why people are excited about what is going on at Winchendon.