Eunice Newton was born in Goshen, Connecticut, to Isaac Newton Jr. and Thirza Newton. Her early life provided a foundation for her later intellectual pursuits, though details about her childhood are scarce. This marked the beginning of a life that would challenge societal norms and contribute significantly to scientific understanding.

Eunice attended the Troy Female Seminary (now Emma Willard School) in Troy, New York. Founded by Emma Willard, this institution provided a progressive education for women, emphasizing science and mathematics. Here, Eunice would have received access to scientific instruction not readily available to women elsewhere, fostering her scientific curiosity and providing her with the tools to conduct research.