Gain expert skills and highest-level competition experience under top U.S. coaches in an elite fencing program, while earning your diploma at one of America’s oldest boarding schools.
Why Apogee Fencing at Cheshire Academy?
Apogee Fencing at Cheshire Academy (AFCA) offers you the chance to compete at the highest level across the U.S. and around the world. You will be one of a select group of international fencers who will train on a rigorous schedule with a team of seasoned coaches led by renowned Yale University coaches Marat Israelian and Jeremy Goun.
In addition, you will earn your diploma from Cheshire Academy, an International Baccalaureate® world school located in the picturesque town of Cheshire, Connecticut. You can gain your full IB diploma or bilingual (Mandarin) IB diploma, choose a Global Citizenship Diploma Distinction pathway, or focus on art and music. And you’ll enjoy a residential experience on a welcoming New England college preparatory school campus with a full range of clubs and activities.
Meet the Coaches
Cheshire Academy’s Apogee Fencing head coaches lead a team dedicated to improving your technique and experience while training on campus and in top-flight Connecticut facilities.
Marat Israelian
Marat Israelian, Yale University’s interim head fencing coach, has led the Bulldogs to three top 10 finishes at the NCAA Fencing Championships. He has coached seven All-Americans, 12 All-Ivy competitors, and two Ivy League Champions. Prior to joining Yale’s coaching staff in 2019, Israelian served as a coach at the North Shore Fencing Club on Long Island, while also serving as head coach for St. Peter’s Prep High School in New Jersey. During his tenure he produced two undefeated seasons with two state championships and was named New Jersey High School Coach of the Year.
Israelian also enjoyed an outstanding career as a fencer at St. John’s University, winning the NCAA epee championship in 2010 and 2011. He was a captain for the Red Storm and helped the team to three top four finishes at the NCAA Fencing Championships. Israelian was a European Championship finalist in 2005 and ranked third overall in the junior world rankings in 2003 and 2004.
Photo Credit: Yale University
Jeremy Goun
Prior to joining Apogee Fencing at Cheshire Academy, Jeremy Goun was an assistant coach of Women’s Fencing at Yale University. There, he focused on the growth and competitive success of the Bulldogs. He has served as the chair of the Connecticut Division of the U.S. Fencing Association for several years. As a coach, he has trained under several Olympians and national team coaches. He has taught fencing at Vassar College and Manhasset High School and has extensive referee experience at both the national and collegiate levels. Several of his students have gone on to fence at top NCAA programs. A 2009 graduate of Stony Brook University, Goun is licensed by the United States Fencing Coaches Association.
Photo Credit: Yale University
Does Apogee Fencing Provide Special Support for the Student-Athlete's Schedule?
Training and competing at a sport’s top level requires time, focus, and dedication. Cheshire Academy understands the unique needs of the student-athlete and provides the perfect blend of stability and flexibility to allow you to reach your goals.
Grounded in research, Cheshire’s signature Roxbury Academic Support Program offers a customized approach that bolsters academics by teaching students the skills they need to develop as proactive, independent learners who take responsibility for their academic success.
Our comprehensive, four-year College Counseling program will pair you with the ‘right fit’ college. Elite fencing experience, paired with high-level academics, is often a desirable combination for many colleges and universities. In the AFCA program, we will guide and support you as you explore your academic interests and strengths while learning about top-notch schools where you might continue to develop as a fencer.
Our International Community
Students and families choose Cheshire Academy because of our reputation as one of the top internationally minded private high schools in the United States. Our tradition of enrolling international students dates back to 1850.
Apogee Fencing reflects Cheshire Academy’s legacy of supporting learners and athletes from around the world.
Those who opt in to Cheshire’s international student program receive:
International Student Support
- SEVIS/F-1 Visa and I-20 Support
- ELL classes (also known as ESL)
- Transportation to nearby airport/train station/shuttles for major school breaks
- TOEFL registration and transportation assistance
Enhanced International Community
- Dedicated International Student Office & Coordinator
- Monthly, Thanksgiving, and Spring Break on-campus program
- Peer Counselor Program for new students
- Affinity Groups and Clubs
Cheshire Academy Facts & Stats
394
STUDENTS
18
COUNTRIES
5
CONTINENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
STUDENTS
OF COLOR
OF RECENT GRADS IN COLLEGE SPORTS
90-minute drive to New York City | 2-hour drive to Boston | 20-minute drive to Yale University in New Haven
Ready to apply?
Applications for Apogee Fencing at Cheshire Academy are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority deadlines of January 15 (international) and February 1 (U.S.).
Contact
Want to learn more about program requirements, dates, and outcomes? Please contact our Admission Office.
