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24 Boston Schools Offering a World Class Education

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The environment your child spends their day in will shape them not just for their careers, but for their entire adult life. Thankfully, Boston is the place for a great education, with a long list of independent schools that offer challenging and enriching courses, extracurricular activities, summer camps, and programs for preschoolers through high school seniors. With so many options, it’s easy to find a world-class education that’s perfect for your child.

The Advent School

The Advent School is a premier elementary school located in the heart of Boston. Students from pre-K to grade 6 are immersed in an engaging and rigorous academic environment while learning to be confident community members. Advent quickly becomes a second home for children as they develop a genuine love of learning and a strong foundation in preparation for middle school. A commitment to social justice shapes Advent’s curriculum. The curriculum is guided by a hands-on, integrated approach that allows teachers to design projects based on student interest. Students learn to think in innovative ways, becoming problem solvers and researchers who grow to see themselves as change-makers. Visit adventschool.org/admission or call 617-742-0520.

Austin Preparatory School

Austin Prep is an independent Catholic school serving students in grades 6 through 12. They are proud of their tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, and committed to an educational environment focused on exemplary teaching and learning. In keeping with their Augustinian values—veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love)—they invite you to learn more about their community and join them on the Austin Prep journey. Visit austinprep.org or call 781-944-4900.

Bay Farm Montessori School 

Bay Farm offers strong academic programs rooted in Montessori philosophy that inspire children to grow with joy, purpose, and compassion. At Bay Farm, children learn in an environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and empathy with highly trained teachers who know how to support each student’s individual learning path. Students are equipped with the confidence to challenge themselves and an excitement to try new things. Attracting students ages 12 months to grade 8 from all over the South Shore, Bay Farm fully integrates its challenging academic curriculum with agriculture, drama, music, and the fine arts. With limited availability at various levels, Bay Farm has rolling admissions throughout the school year. Visit bfarm.org or call 781-934-7101.

Belmont Hill

Belmont Hill is always improving character and togetherness. Since 1923, Belmont Hill has focused on developing boys in mind, body, and spirit. Through years of practice and research, they know how boys learn best: how they interact, develop, and ultimately thrive as their best selves. Boys are known and nurtured and are free to pursue their academic interests and their passions in athletics, music, service, and the arts. Working together with faculty mentors, boys maneuver through challenges, strive for excellence, celebrate difference, and develop friendships that last a lifetime, but always, the heart of the mission is in developing boys into young men of great character. Visit belmonthill.org or call 617-484-4410.

Boston Ballet School

Boston Ballet School is the official school of Boston ballet, offers a comprehensive dance education for students of all ages and abilities. The Children’s Program and Classical Ballet Program provide an array of levels for all students (16 months through age 18), taught by world-class faculty at three locations in Newton, Boston, and Marblehead. The Adaptive Dance Program offers inclusive classes for all abilities including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome. The Adult Dance Program provides workshops and open classes for students 16-plus. Registration is now open. Visit bostonballet.org or call 617-695-6950.

Cambridge Friends School

Cambridge Friends is dedicated to engaging students in meaningful academic learning within a caring community strongly committed to social justice. CFS is an independent day school in Cambridge, MA, that provides an education guided by Quaker principles for grades pre-K through 8. Students develop their intellectual and creative potential to become active and lifelong learners. CFS graduates are exceedingly well prepared both academically and socially to take on the rigors of high school and beyond. Visit cfsmass.org or call 617-354-3880.

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Cape Cod Academy

Cape Cod Academy is an independent, college preparatory school for students in kindergarten to grade 12. Situated on 46 acres in Osterville, the school features outdoor classrooms, multiple athletic fields, two gymnasiums, state-of-the-art science labs, and a black box theatre. CCA instills a love of learning in students as they pursue academic excellence and develop life skills in a safe, valuescentered community. Students are inspired to become inquisitive learners, leaders in their communities, and eventually, leaders in our global community. 100 percent of Cape Cod Academy seniors are accepted to four-year colleges! Learn about CCA’s personalized tuition program by visiting capecodacademy.org or calling 508-428-5400.

Cushing Academy

Founded in 1865, Cushing Academy is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory boarding school for students from grade 9 through postgraduation, located 60 miles northwest of Boston. For more than 150 years, Cushing Academy has transformed scholars, athletes, artists, and individuals who are endlessly curious and actively engaged in discovering new talents and interests. Their innovative curriculum prepares students well for college and life by emphasizing essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and global awareness. Widely recognized as a leader in educational innovation, their real strength is in the commitment of every teacher to the success of every student. Visit cushing.org or call 978-827-7000.

The Fessenden School

The Fessenden School, in West Newton, MA, is more than an independent day and boarding school for boys in pre-K through grade 9. It’s the perfect intersection of tradition and innovation, where tried and true educational techniques are woven seamlessly into a STEAM-inspired, passion-based curriculum in a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community that emphasizes academic excellence and character development. The faculty understand how boys learn best and provide the individual support and encouragement children need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Fessenden also has the distinction of being one of only 12 schools in the world invited to partner with NuVu (an innovation school founded by MIT graduates) to deliver an academic program that encourages students to be creative problemsolvers, critical thinkers, and global citizens. NuVu helped Fessenden design its spectacular Ciongoli Center for Innovation and its project-based curriculum—a model that hundreds of educators have visited Fessenden to experience firsthand. Learn more at the Saturday, October 5, open house or at their website. Visit fessenden.org or call 617-630-2300.

Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center

Frances Jacobson at Temple Israel of Boston offers an innovative, high-quality secular and Judaic curriculum where critical thinking is fostered. Children from 1 to 5 years of age thrive and have fun while developing curiosity and a love of learning in a safe, nurturing environment under the guidance of the highest caliber teachers, all holding degrees in early childhood. Based on the developmental model of education, the school meets diverse needs by paying attention to each child’s interests and strengths. The Outdoor Nature Classroom provides additional unique learning opportunities. The philosophy is rooted in respect, individual dignity, and self-worth. Families of all religious and cultural backgrounds are welcomed and embraced. FJECC is centrally located between Boston, Brookline, Jamaica Plain, and Chestnut Hill. Visit fjecc.org or call 617-739-6455.

Inly School

An innovative learning community on the South Shore, Inly School inspires students to be creative thinkers and self-motivated, lifelong learners. Inly’s toddler, preschool, full-day kindergarten, elementary, and middle school programs blend proven Montessori curriculum and educational best practices at all levels. A year-round program for toddlers and preschoolers offers flexible scheduling options for working families. Hands-on, experiential learning, world languages for all ages, and an arts-rich, integrated, rigorous academic curriculum prepare Inly students to be independent, forwardthinkers who succeed at their choice of secondary schools and in real life. In addition to academic excellence, Inly grads receive intangible benefits—confidence, independence, and social and interpersonal responsibilities. Visit inlyschool.org or call 781-545-5544.

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The International School of Boston (ISB)

ISB is an independent, nonprofit, pre-K through grade 12, bilingual (French-English), and international school located in Cambridge, MA. As a world-class, accredited academic institution, ISB places the development of the bilingual brain at the heart of its mission. ISB students graduate with an American high school diploma and choose between two internationally renowned diplomas, the French or the International Baccalaureate, giving them the opportunity to thrive at leading universities in the United States, France, and around the world. Visit isbos.org or call 617-499-1451.

Jackson Walnut Park

Located in Newton, Jackson Walnut Park is an independent school in the Catholic tradition for children 18 months through grade 6 that ensures a strong academic foundation, fosters a love of learning, and provides a values-based education. By preserving the natural curiosity of our youngest and encouraging leadership, compassion, and resilience as students grow, they develop confident, capable learners. Graduates are recognized by area secondary schools for being well prepared, engaged students. They have an accredited Montessori curriculum for toddlers and preschoolers, and their elementary program is interdisciplinary and project-based. They are sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston. There will be open houses on Saturday, October 26, and Wednesday, November 20. Visit jwpschools.org or call 617-202-9772.

Kingsley Montessori School

Located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, Kingsley Montessori School is a premier independent day school serving ages 2 through 12 and guided by a unique blend of Montessori philosophy and innovative programming. Kingsley offers a Montessori education tailored to the talents, curiosity, and growth of each student. Their progressive, inquiry-based programs cultivate students’ social and academic development and prepare them to advance successfully to top public and private middle schools. Kingsley strives to make the most of each student’s unique gifts and interests and to empower students to take ownership of their learning so that they may become happy, confident, and successful learners for life. Visit kingsley.org or call 617-226-4900.

The Newman School

The Newman School, founded in 1945, is located on Marlborough Street in Boston’s Back Bay. Their student body comprises 220 students in grades 7 through 12, and come from Boston, surrounding towns, and 15 countries. Newman students pursue the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and more than 130 students have earned the prestigious IB Diploma since its introduction to their school in 2009. Students play leadership roles in a variety of sports and activities including crew, sailing, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, model U.N., mock trial, and robotics. Students have recently been accepted to Yale, MIT, Cornell, Duke, Boston College, Northwestern, Boston University, Emory, and Northeastern. Visit newmanboston.org or call 617-267-4530.

The Meadowbrook School

What’s the value of a great education? How about a lifelong eagerness to challenge the intellect, a spirit that’s never satisfied with “good enough,” and the drive to move the world. The Meadowbrook School is a coeducational independent day school in Weston that inspires and challenges learners in grades junior-kindergarten through 8. Their talented teachers engage students in an advanced curriculum from the very beginning, building deep personal connections to spark the potential of every child. There, innovation goes beyond technology and engineering or even the latest curricular approach. It’s a deliberate mindset of always seeking a better way. Visit meadowbrook-ma.org or 781-894-1193.

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Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart

Since 1880, Newton Country Day School has educated girls to be strong leaders in a global society. The school’s mission is rooted in the vision of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, who established schools of the Sacred Heart in 1800 to prepare young women with the courage and confidence to transform the world. The school offers a program for girls of all faiths in grades 5 through 12, with courses through the AP level. Dedicated faculty promote a dynamic learning environment that encourages each girl to develop her talents and character. Through the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, students take advantage of service trips and curricular exchanges across five continents. Rigorous academics, performing and visual arts, and interscholastic sports build a vibrant school community, while social justice and prayer enrich each student’s experience. Girls are accepted to the most competitive colleges and universities with the goal of living meaningful and joyous lives. Visit newtoncountryday.org or call 617-244-4246.

The Roxbury Latin School

Founded in 1645, and located on 117 acres in West Roxbury, Roxbury Latin is a small, independent day school for boys in grades 7 through 12. They are committed to the character development and rigorous academic training of each boy entrusted to them. The school’s comparatively low tuition, and its policy to admit and enroll students without regard to their parents’ ability to pay, ensures a diverse student body. In designing a vital program, Roxbury Latin is alert to what is best and most effective in educating boys, but they also dare to define what is in their best interest. They care most of all what kind of person a boy is, and they promise to know and love each boy. Visit roxburylatin.org or call 617-477-6317.

Russian School of Mathematics

Russian School of Mathematics is an after-school, kindergarten through grade 12 math enrichment program with locations in 11 states and a virtual classroom. Recently featured in NPR and the Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “math revolution,” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For more information, visit their website or call. Visit russianschool.com or call 855-628-4855.

Teddy Bear Club

Founded in 1993, Teddy Bear Club was born out of the desire to layer a well-rounded academic curriculum over a socially focused preschool experience, in a bilingual French- English environment. The program’s aim is to instill confidence and self-esteem in its students while building a solid foundation for their future academic success in primary school and beyond. Teddy Bear Club is widely renowned for its long-tenured team of caring and enthusiastic teachers—all of whom are bilingual—its gorgeous campuses, its wide-ranging curriculum, and its internationally diverse student body. TBC has locations in West Newton and Lincoln, MA, and serves families with children 21 months through kindergarten from all over the greater Boston area. Visit teddybearclub.org or call 617-332-1611.

Thayer Academy

Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is a co-ed day school in Braintree for grades 5 through 12. At Thayer, students thrive in an environment distinguished by rigorous academics, a supportive culture, and a vibrant community, which combine to create a truly special student experience. Because of the way the Thayer schedule is structured, students do not have to choose one experience over the other—they can be performers, artists, and athletes while still being active and engaged students. Get to know some of Thayer’s recent graduates at thayer.org/seniorprofiles, or visit their homepage to arrange a tour of Thayer’s campus. Visit thayer.org or call 781-843-3580.

Wellan Montessori School

Formerly Newton Montessori School, Wellan Montessori School is an independent, coeducational school for students age 15 months through grade 8, located in Newton Centre. At Wellan, educators harness the power of each child’s intrinsic motivation; all students are known, cherished, and given the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential. Students benefit from hands-on lessons and structured curricula while working toward mastery in all subject areas. Graduates emerge as capable leaders with deep self-knowledge, sharply tuned academic skills, and empathy for others, well prepared for the area’s top public and independent schools. Schedule a tour through their website to see their immersive education firsthand. Visit wellan.org or call 617-969-4488.

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Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy is an exceptional co-educational independent school for day and boarding students in grades 6 through 12 and postgraduates. Through an innovative and thoughtfully designed curriculum, they instill in their students a lifelong passion for learning and a foundation of core values that enable them to achieve honors as leaders and world citizens. They take pride in their diverse local and international community, and situate their curriculum within a global, multicultural context that helps students develop the independence, confidence, and world-readiness they need to succeed in college and beyond. Visit worcesteracademy.org or call 508-754-5302.

Xaverian Brothers High School

At Xaverian Brothers High School, boys in grades 7 through 12 discover the true meaning of strength in a community where the dignity of each person is respected so that all can thrive. In an educational environment that values character, strength is defined by taking responsibility and giving credit where it’s due, knowing when to speak out and when to hold back, doing the right thing even when it’s not popular, and having faith in the face of doubt. With a high-caliber college-preparatory curriculum, devoted teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities, students are empowered to achieve beyond their expectations and share their gifts with a world in need. They are offering open houses on October 27 (9–12am) and November 7 (6–8pm). Visit xbhs.com or call 781-326-6392.

Pick up your copy of the September 2019 issue for the print edition of this special section.