Headmaster’s Welcome

We are glad you are interested in learning about Suffield Academy. This is a special school with a tremendous clarity of purpose. I am exceptionally proud of our deeply committed and talented faculty, our gorgeous campus, and our commitment to common goals and values. Suffield’s mission is important and unique. It is an essential part of who we are, guiding our philosophy and program.

Specifically, the mission reads: “Suffield Academy is a coeducational independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic. A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.”

There is an emphasis here on helping students succeed, and focusing on the distance they travel during their years on the Suffield campus. Our mission also speaks to the nature of our community—what it feels like to be at Suffield. This is a school that combines challenging academics and high standards with an encouraging, supportive faculty. This clarity about who we are gives Suffield an important position in the independent school world. We hope you enjoy this website and that you will take an online tour of our offerings. Most of all, we hope it inspires you to come visit so you can see and feel what makes Suffield a truly special environment. I look forward to meeting you. For more information on arranging a visit, please contact our admissions office at 860-386-4440.

Sincerely,
 
Charles Cahn III
Headmaster

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  • + About Headmaster Cahn

    Charlie Cahn has been Suffield Academy’s headmaster since 2004. A widely admired, engaging, talented leader, Charlie has been instrumental in securing Suffield's strong position in the independent school world. During his tenure the school has seen record levels of applicants and unprecedented fundraising success. The recently completed campus master plan was funded entirely by gifts to Suffield. What most strikes people about Charlie, however, is his genuine and deep enthusiasm for Suffield and its students, faculty, and staff. Prior to being appointed headmaster Charlie served in several capacities at Suffield including English teacher, varsity lacrosse coach, dorm parent, director of admissions, dean of faculty, and associate headmaster.

    A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Charlie is a graduate of Gilman School. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Michigan and his graduate studies at Wesleyan University. He is or has previously been a member of the Board of Trustees of Eaglebrook School, Renbrook School, Rumsey Hall School, the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, Hartford Youth Scholars, and the WALKS Foundation. He also serves on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Commission on Independent Schools. Charlie’s wife, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, is the school’s creative director and photographer, and she coaches Suffield’s Alpine ski team. They live on the Suffield Academy campus and have two children, Peyton ’18 and Harrison ’22.

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Suffield Academy   185 North Main Street   Suffield, Connecticut 06078   Phone 860.386.4400  |  Fax 860.386.4411