Covenant Prep Relocates to Heart of Downtown Hartford

Covenant Preparatory School, a highly regarded school for Hartford boys in the middle school grades, has begun the school year in a new location brimming with new opportunities for students, adding a vibrancy and strengthening the experiential aspects of their education.

Just steps away from the Old State House and Main Street in Downtown Hartford, Covenant Prep, offering a unique model of education, has relocated to 58 State House Square in the midst of the central business district, only blocks from the Connecticut Science Center, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford City Hall, and scores of businesses and nonprofit organizations.

“The educational opportunities that now begin literally at our doorstop are phenomenal, and the array of first-hand educational experiences that will be within reach of our students is extraordinary,” said school Principal Nikki Cannavo. “Building on our curriculum and dynamic school community, we will now be able to spark curiosity and inspire learning in new and memorable ways. We are thrilled to be in our new neighborhood, and look forward to adding new community partners to our extensive network in support of our students!”

Commenting on the move to Downtown Hartford, Covenant Prep Operations Manager Tim Doyle said, “It’s an exciting change, and one that will allow us to better serve our students and continue building on the mission that brings us all together. Everyone worked diligently and collaboratively to make this a reality, and we’re now on our way, beginning the next chapter for our school and our students.”

Covenant Prep is a tuition-free, independent day school for boys grades 5 through 8 with a maximum capacity of 60 students (15 per grade). The school has developed a solid track-record of “striving to graduate young men who are academically and socially prepared for high school, inspired to lead their lives in the pursuit of excellence, model leadership and integrity, and are committed to their communities.”

The average class size is 12 students, a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. There are more than 20 extracurricular programs including an extended-day program that includes the opportunity for students to participate in after-school clubs including various sports and activities each trimester. The school day is 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM Monday-Thursday and 7:30 AM – 3:15 PM on Friday. Covenant Prep requires that parents/guardians commit to active involvement in the school and support their child’s academic experience, which they do enthusiastically. There is also a mandatory Summer Academy, a four-week academic enrichment camp that precedes each academic school year.

“Our students and their families are unrelenting in their dedication to education, and they inspire us with their character and commitment. You cannot help but be tremendously encouraged by their sense of purpose and impressive achievements,” said Keith Hubert, co-chair of the Board of Trustees Executive Committee. “As Covenant Prep flourishes in our new location, the benefits will accrue to our students, their families, and our entire community. It will be invigorating to work with all of them, and our outstanding teachers and professional staff, to help realize every ounce of potential.”

Established in 2008, Covenant Prep has a stellar track record of 17 years of excellence, including 161 graduates. Graduating its first class of 8th graders in 2011, the school, known for "Inspiring Community Through Excellence In Character, Academics, and Service,” had previously been located on Woodland Street in Hartford for the past three years, following more than a decade on the corner of Broad Street and Farmington Avenue in Hartford.

In recent years, alumni of the middle school have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, and graduates’ college matriculation has included University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, Wesleyan University, Central Connecticut State University, Boston College, Providence College, Connecticut College, and Northeastern University.

As the school year began last week, and the finishing touches were being completed on the new location, students gathered at the Connecticut Science Center to begin their year, the lead example of the possibilities that await at the new school location downtown.

The multi-day program led to this social media comment from the Connecticut Science Center: “We’re so glad your students joined us! It was a joy to see their curiosity and excitement come alive in our programs. Thank you for letting us be part of their learning journey. We're looking forward to having you back again soon!”

Covenant Preparatory School, a 501(3)(c) organization, is an accredited member of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the CT State Department of Education. Covenant Prep receives no federal, state, or religious funding, and is supported by financial donations. More information on the school can be seen at www.covenantprep.org.