Combining 25 Years of Legacy with Cutting-Edge Brain Science-Backed Pathways
CHESHIRE, Conn. — Jan. 5, 2026 — Cheshire Academy today announced the next evolution of one of its most distinctive academic pillars: the newly rebranded Roxbury Center for Learning & Leadership, a comprehensive, neuroscience-driven program designed to help every student reach their fullest potential.
A signature program unique to Cheshire Academy, it’s designed to enhance student learning and growth toward the school’s mission of generating purposeful global citizens. Students in Roxbury’s pathways report improved confidence, stronger executive function, and greater success in academics, athletics, and leadership roles.
Cheshire Academy has a long and proud history of assisting students with their individual learning needs, helping them to better meet the rigors of a college preparatory program. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Roxbury Center for Learning & Leadership enters this new chapter with an expanded mission, additional student pathways, and a renewed commitment to the science of adolescent learning. Grounded in Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) research and led by faculty fully trained in adolescent learning science, the Roxbury Center for Learning & Leadership integrates neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy into every aspect of academic and community life.
“Roxbury has always been a differentiator for Cheshire Academy,” said Marc Aronson, Dean of Academics. “As we enter this next chapter, we’re drawing on cutting-edge cognitive science to help every student reach the next level. This program translates research into individualized tracks that help students understand how their brain works best. When learners can apply that knowledge across academics, athletics, leadership, and life, they build the character, critical thinking, and confidence they need to thrive as purposeful global citizens far beyond Cheshire Academy.”
A Legacy of Personalized Learning
Roxbury traces its roots to the early 20th century, when Cheshire Academy operated as The Roxbury School, a Yale feeder known for one-to-one and small-group instruction modeled on the Oxford–Cambridge tutorial system. In 2000, the school revived this legacy with the Roxbury Academic Support Program, which grew to support nearly 20% of students through high-touch, research-informed coaching.
The 2026 evolution honors this tradition while broadening Roxbury’s reach, integrating decades of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE) research and faculty expertise in adolescent learning science into every aspect of school life.
Personalized Pathways For Every Learner
The reimagined Roxbury Center for Learning & Leadership offers five Personal Pathways with one-to-one or small-group coaching:
- Academic Excellence – For high-achieving scholars, including IB Diploma candidates, Global Distinction students, and those pursuing rigorous individualized learning plans
- Student Athlete – Supports scholar-athletes with sport psychology, time management, and balancing academic and athletic demands
- Aspiring Leader – Develops executive leadership, decision-making, and relational intelligence for emerging and current leaders
- Academic Support: Executive Function & Cognitive Strengthening – Supports students with learning differences or those seeking structured academic coaching, emphasizing executive function, SEL, and confidence-building
- English Language Learners (ELL) – Provides linguistic, academic, and executive-function support for multilingual students
To give families flexible options based on goals and intensity, each pathway is offered at four levels: Premier, Signature, Collaborative, and Classic.
A Whole-School Commitment to Brain-Based Teaching
While Personal Pathways are elective, all students benefit from the Roxbury Center for Learning & Leadership. Faculty leaders integrate brain-based learning principles across classrooms, advisory, athletics, and residential life. With full faculty MBE certification, Cheshire Academy underscores its leadership in evidence-based education and adolescent learning research.
