Meet Watkinson School, a valued member of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

In this edition of Member Spotlights, we share the story behind the business, explore what inspires their work, and highlight the impact they are making in West Hartford’s vibrant business community.
 
What inspired you to start (or lead) your business?
David Watkinson, encouraged by his wife Elizabeth who had a passion for education, opened Watkinson School in 1881 as a farm school for boys.
What problem do you solve, and who do you serve?
Now, Watkinson School is a coed independent private day school for grades 6-12/PG. Our mission is to develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them. Watkinson is a rigorous college prep school that focuses on getting exceptional results from happy students.
What is a milestone or moment you’re especially proud of?
In 2026, Watkinson is celebrating its 145th anniversary, making us among the oldest continuously operating nonprofits in the area. We are celebrating 145 years of taking students seriously, providing a learning environment built on mutual respect between students and teachers.
How do you engage with or give back to the local community?
Watkinson is a private school with a public purpose that has community ties with more than 100 area businesses and non-profits. From our educational partnerships with organizations like the University of Hartford and the University of Saint Joseph, to our community service partnerships like Watkinson has built with the United Methodist Church for our annual food drive, Watkinson has built myriad institutional relationships that allow our students to connect, learn, and serve all over the region.
What’s one thing people might not know about your business?
Watkinson offers a post-graduate year, called The Academy at Watkinson which is a highly personalized program that maximizes students skills and interests, while developing all they need to succeed in college. Academy students experience the rigor of college academics (at USJ or UHa) and participate in the larger social environs of college, while also receiving the guidance of Watkinson teachers and advisors.
How can fellow Chamber members best support or connect with you?
Please come see Watkinson's educational program at work by scheduling a visit or attending an info session, https://watkinson.org/visit/