The members of New Canaan Country School's Class of 2023 included, front row from left: Celia Baliotti, Louisa Gosk, Itzel Llamas, Ella Charron, Eleanor Levinson, Samantha Aliapoulios. Second row from left: Daley Keogh, Consuelo Bowman, Caroline Coniglio, Julia Coniglio, Charlotte Cooper, Katherine Johnson, Charlotte Mannix, Lillian Back, Blaire Williamson. Third row from left: Larson Johnson, Jayden Liu, Octavio Calderini, Jonathan Gavidia, Capone Andrade, Joseph Calio, Harry Jellinek. Fourth row from left: Peter Goodyear, Grady O'Connor, Andrew Burr, Andres Catano.
This year’s ninth grade graduates are ready to go boldly and take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
For more than 100 years, Country School has provided an intentional journey that balances strong academic preparation with social emotional development for children age 3 through grade 9. The result is alumni who are confident leaders and bold thinkers, prepared to contribute to their next school and beyond.
“I am so grateful to be part of a community that creates a safe and fun learning environment and where student-teacher relationships are valued. One that celebrates mistakes and encourages curiosity.”
Class of 2023 Secondary School Destinations
Avon Old Farms
Berkshire School
Calhoun School (NYC-Day)
Greenwich Academy
Greens Farms Academy
Hill School
Hopkins School
The Hotchkiss School
Kent School
Miss Porter's School
New Canaan High School
Rye Country Day School
St. Paul's School
St. Luke's School
Sacred Heart Greenwich
Berkshire School
Calhoun School (NYC-Day)
Greenwich Academy
Greens Farms Academy
Hill School
Hopkins School
The Hotchkiss School
Kent School
Miss Porter's School
New Canaan High School
Rye Country Day School
St. Paul's School
St. Luke's School
Sacred Heart Greenwich
At New Canaan Country School’s Closing Exercises Friday, June 9, Head
of School Aaron Cooper encouraged the members of the Class of 2023 to draw upon the many strengths they developed during their tenure at the Pre-K through Grade 9 school, particularly the skill of building stronger work teams.
of School Aaron Cooper encouraged the members of the Class of 2023 to draw upon the many strengths they developed during their tenure at the Pre-K through Grade 9 school, particularly the skill of building stronger work teams. “Make a difference with the groups with which you work, and do it in a purposeful manner that betters the group’s work. You know about these skills, you have practiced them here, and you are ready to use them in the future.” Read Aaron Cooper's speech.
Ninth-grader Capone Andrade of Bridgeport delivered the
Salutation in which he welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged Upper School students (Grades 7-9) and their families, as well as the school’s faculty and staff, all of whom gathered in the school’s Athletics & Wellness Center. Read Capone's complete remarks.
Salutation in which he welcomed those in attendance and acknowledged Upper School students (Grades 7-9) and their families, as well as the school’s faculty and staff, all of whom gathered in the school’s Athletics & Wellness Center. Read Capone's complete remarks.
Ninth-grader Julia Coniglio of New Canaan presented the Class Reflection. She noted that she and her classmates constantly redefined the definition of team over the years, embracing both the school’s mission of leading lives of impact and purpose as well as its community values.“Living our childhoods in an environment like Country School has taught us responsibility, leadership, and kindness. It allows us to try new things, mess up, and start again. It has everyone watching rooting for us to succeed, sitting on the edges of their seats in anticipation.” Read Julia's complete remarks.
Class of 2023 Award Winners
Andres Catano received the Gamble Award, which is presented to the student who exemplifies, to the highest measure, the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. 
Capone Andrade received the Johansen Award, which is presented to the member of the graduating class who most exemplifies the qualities of care and concern for others, compassion and a sense of community.
Parent Testimonials
“Itzel has gained the knowledge and confidence to tackle any obstacle in her future. She has grown into an amazing leader and will forever cherish the people and memories NCCS has given her.”
- Silvia Olivia & Oswaldo Llamas
Itzel Llamas will attend Greenwich Academy in the fall
Itzel Llamas will attend Greenwich Academy in the fall
“Ellie’s experience at NCCS has built her confidence as a person and a learner. She has developed relationships with classmates and teachers, which have allowed her to understand who she is, develop and share her strong voice and become an effective leader and teammate. The stepping stones she built at NCCS have paved the way for her to flourish on the next step of her journey. We will forever be grateful for her years at NCCS!”
- Tara & Rob Levinson
Ellie Levinson will attend The Hotchkiss School in the fall
Ellie Levinson will attend The Hotchkiss School in the fall
“The most important lesson I learned at NCCS was to be myself no matter what.”
Capone Andrade will attend Greens Farms Academy in the fall
“What I value most about the Country School experience is that it has not only left me with invaluable lessons but also has prepared me for my future.”
Julia Coniglio will attend St. Luke’s School in the fall
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
