It was founded in 1833 to train young men for ministry in the Baptist Church.

The early mission of the school was to educate young men for the ministry.

Despite its founding links to the Baptist Church, the institute quickly moved towards a non-denominational model and in 1833 was renamed Connecticut Literary Institute, locally known as CLI.

[5] The institute was the only high school in town, and local government funding helped to pay for each student's tuition.

[6] There are Varsity, JV, Thirds and Fourths levels throughout several sports.