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About Norwich Free Academy

A historic photo of the Slater Building and the original Tirrell building

Since 1856, Norwich Free Academy has adhered to the philosophy of its founder to “return to our hamlets and our homes its priceless freight of youthful minds, enriched by learning, developed by a liberal culture, refined by study of all that is beautiful in nature and art, and prepared for the highest usefulness and the purest happiness.” ~ Founder, John P. Gulliver, NFA Dedication Ceremony (1856)

Norwich Free Academy, incorporated 1854, is the only remaining privately governed, independently endowed academy in the state of Connecticut. Blending the very best of private and public education, NFA offers students a truly unparalleled four year student experience.

NFA serves nine partner communities: Bozrah, Brooklyn, Canterbury, Franklin, Lisbon, Norwich, Preston, Sprague, and Voluntown. As a school of choice, NFA accepts students who choose to attend, and by agreement, their sending communities fund tuition.

NFA also accepts private tuition students, including international students, attracted to the Academy’s outstanding opportunities and choices, welcoming community, and distinctive campus,

Committed from the beginning to a culturally diverse and inclusive community, Norwich Free Academy reflects the diversity of our region and nation -- geographically, economically, linguistically, and racially. Students experience the richness of global learning and see the world from a variety of perspectives.

Norwich Free Academy draws strength from independence and balances a commitment to excellence with appreciation of and care for each student. NFA’s independence safeguards traditions and fosters innovative responses to ever-changing student needs.

The Academy's opportunities and choices offer students more options than any other school in the region to engage their intellect, develop their passion, refine their interests and prepare for the world beyond the wrought iron perimeters of campus

The measure of Norwich Free Academy’s success and of the transformative power of the NFA four year experience can be found in our loyal alumni, trustees and volunteer leaders and their generous financial support and active participation.