For many, the independent school search process is about exploration, but for some, it can also be about recognition. “Every year we meet prospective families who tell us we are their top choice," says Dean of Enrollment Management Susan Mantilla-Goin P ’25. “Often they are drawn to our exceptional academics, competitive athletics, or strong human relationships. My hope is that this new Early Decision option will empower those families to act on what their hearts already know.”

Early Decision (ED) has long been a hallmark of college admissions. Bringing it to the independent school level underscores Pomfret’s desire to make the admissions experience as personalized, transparent, and supportive as possible.

Students applying through Early Decision follow the same process and submit the same materials as Regular Decision applicants, including the Standard Application Online (SAO), recommendations, transcripts, essays, and interview. The key difference is timing and commitment.

• Application Deadline: December 1
• Financial Aid Deadline: December 15
• Decision Notification: December 19
• Enrollment Contract & Deposit Due: January 14

As with the college model, Early Decision at Pomfret is binding: students admitted under the ED plan commit to enrolling at Pomfret and withdrawing applications from other schools. For families who prefer more flexibility or need additional time, the traditional Regular Decision process remains unchanged.

“Pomfret has long attracted students who want to engage deeply, think critically, act compassionately, and lead with purpose,” says Head of School Heather Daly. “The new Early Decision plan strengthens that culture by helping Pomfret’s admissions team identify and enroll students who are aligned with those values from the start.”

While Early Decision offers a clear path for those who are certain about Pomfret, it’s also a serious commitment. Because ED is binding, Pomfret encourages families to visit campus, attend an information session, and speak directly with an admissions officer before deciding whether Early Decision is right for them.

“Applicants should only apply Early Decision if they are confident Pomfret is their first choice,” says Mantilla-Goin. “When a student applies ED, it tells us they’ve thought carefully about what kind of community they want to join, and that community is Pomfret.”

For families who are sure, the Early Decision option provides a number of advantages: Students will know before winter break whether they’ve been admitted. And with a longer time horizon, Early Decision families can begin preparing for the transition to Pomfret sooner. The School even offers early access to communications, events, course planning, and orientation resources.

“When our family was applying, we knew from the moment we visited that Pomfret was the right fit,” says Trustee Sean Rhatigan, parent to Sean Jr. ’25 and Finn ’29. “Having an Early Decision option would have been perfect for us. It’s such a thoughtful way for students to show their commitment and for families to plan ahead with confidence.”

For students ready to take that step, the Standard Application Online (SAO) is now open. Families applying for financial aid will receive their admission and aid decisions simultaneously.

Visit pomfret.org/admissions or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@pomfret.org to learn more about the application process.

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