Boston Parent October 2023

Fall Math Classes Now Enrolling

The Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning after-school math enrichment program. We use the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop our students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life.

RSM is “among the top 10 schools in the world.” – Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth

Family F.Y.I.

GREATER BOSTON PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!

The2023/24 edition of The Greater Boston Private School Guide is available and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the month-by-month calendar to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www. BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

Private School Online Admission Events Calendar

Whatbetter way to keep track of all the preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on www.BostonParentsPaper. com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on www.BostonParentsPaper.com

Get Lost – Corn Maze “Agritainment”

Awaits

NO GPS TO RELY ON AMID SOME TALL CORN STALKS. Finding your way out of these area farm corn mazes in Massachusetts requires perseverance, a good memory and patience – lots of patience. Corn Mazes in Massachusetts are a family fun adventure and a great way to get out in the country and get kids off of their screens. Massachusetts farms with corn mazes often have lots of family fun activities including pumpkin picking, hayrides, and more. Always check providers websites before heading out and purchase tickets in advance when possible.

Connors Farm – 30 Valley Road, Danvers

Their “Unexplained” maze is open daily through Oct. 31. Ride the Putnamville Railroad with the littles or take more adventurous kids on the seven-acre Flashlight Haunted Maze. 978-777-1245; www.connorsfarm.com

Davis Mega Maze – 142 Redstone Hill, Sterling

This eight-acre adventure maze includes zones with quests, brain teasers and lots more. Weekends & holidays through Oct. 24, check website for details. 978-422-8888; www.davismegamaze.com

Flint Farm – 789 East Street, Mansfield

Their maze is open Saturdays and holidays through Oct. 29. Check website for hours. 508-337-6473; www.flintfarmstand. com

Hanson’s Farm – 20 Nixon Road, Framingham

Tom and Matt’s Excellent Adventure Corn Maze is open daily in October. 508-877-3058; www.hansonsfarm.50webs.com

Honey Pot Hill Orchards – 138 Sudbury Road, Stow

A maze option for all ages. Check out a unique hedge maze called “The Big Green Monster”. Mazes are open weekends from 10:30am – 4pm. 978-562-5666; www.honeypothill.com

Marini Farm – 259 Linebrook Road, Ipswich

Their eight-acre, interactive and educational corn maze comes with a game sheet with the goal of finding 18 stations placed throughout the maze. A one acre mini-maze is available for younger children. Open 10am – 6pm, Saturdays & Sundays through Oct. 31. 978-356-0430; www.marinifarm. com

Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch – 200 Center Street, Plympton

Their world class corn maze and pumpkin patch is open Saturdays, Sundays & holidays through Oct. 29. 781-585-1522; www.sauchukmaze.com

Family F.Y.I.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Halloween is one of the most fun holidays for children. It gives them a chance to break away from their “every day self” to become their favorite princess, super hero or cartoon character for the night. Through all the fun and games, Halloween is also known to have the potential of becoming one of the most injurious holidays. Most of these injuries are preventable, so before heading out to Halloween parties and trick or treating this season, be sure your children have taken all the safety measures possible!

• Children should never carve pumpkins on their own. Have them participate by drawing the face they want on the pumpkin and have an adult do the cutting.

• Avoid lighting your pumpkin with a candle. Instead use a flashlight or battery-operated candle to avoid a potential fire in the home.

• When choosing a costume, be sure all parts are flame resistant.

• Before leaving the house, be sure your child’s costume is equipped with reflective stickers or attachments and that they are carrying a flashlight or glow sticks, so that cars can see them better when crossing the street.

• Be sure your child’s costume is not obstructing their view of the road and that it is free of tripping hazards.

• Always accompany your children when trick or treating.

No matter how friendly the neighborhood, children should never be out without adult supervision.

• Be sure to always cross the street at corners and on crosswalks. Though it may be tempting for children to run from house to house, they must still adhere to the rules of the road to avoid potential hazards.

• When crossing the street, you and your children should avoid looking at any electronic devices, and always look left, right, left before stepping out into the street.

• Always walk on the sidewalk and stay on well-lit streets. If there is no sidewalk, be sure to walk facing traffic, with your children on the inside of the road.

• Walk pass driveways and parking lots slowly and carefully in case cars are entering or exiting.

• Have an emergency plan set up with your child before leaving the house and be sure your child is familiar with calling 911 in case of an emergency.

• When returning home, be sure to check your child’s candy before allowing them to eat any.

• If you child has a food allergy, be sure to read all labels to ensure it is free of any hazardous ingredients to them.

• Ration your child’s treats to avoid them consuming too much sugar and potentially becoming ill. Y

Baby & New Mom Y We Love It! Y

MY RECORDABLE STORYTIME: WELCOME LITTLE ONE

Create lifelong memories by putting yourself into beloved stories so little ones can hear you read this favorite story again and again. Gift givers can also record a personal message at the beginning of the story, directly expressing their affection. $24.99, ages birth+, read.sourebooks.com

CYBEX CLOUD G LUX

By Elena Epstein Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

Features a full recline position and an extending leg rest for a comfortable and ergonomic position when used outside the vehicle. In addition, the oneclick rigid LATCH install offers quick, simple and safe installation in seconds while air ventilation channels in the car seat provide natural airflow to keep your child comfortable.$449.95, ages birth – up to 30 inches tall and 35 lbs., cybex-online.com

BEBÉ FUERTE COLLECTION

A new infant toy line that brings a fresh, colorful palette of fitness themed and LatinX culture to seven products that feature Spanish words and phrases parents can share as they play with baby. Motivational messages like “Si Se Puede” and “Vamos A Movernos” can be found throughout the inclusive collection. $8.99 - 23.99, ages birth+, us.tomy.com

NATUREPEDIC ORGANIC NURSING PILLOW

Encased in soft organic cotton and filled with PLA made from nonGMO sugarcane, the pillow offers comfort and support – without polyurethane foam, flame retardants or harmful chemicals. It includes a waterproof, machine-washable cover that makes feeding time, tummy time and anytime clean and easy. $119, naturepedic.com

LEAPFROG REMOTE ACCESS 1080P TOUCH SCREEN 5.5” BABY MONITOR

Features high-definition video quality on both the local parent unit as well as remotely on the app. Equipped with sound and light profile which enhances a baby’s sleep environment by providing calming sounds and lights specifically designed to promote better sleep. Includes free professional in-app advice and videos from experts providing helpful tips and advice about sleep, developmental milestones and more. $179.99, store.leapfrog.com

PHILIPS AVENT NATURAL BABY BOTTLE WITH NATURAL RESPONSE NIPPLE

Works like the breast to enable an easy transition between breast and bottle feeding. New nipple technology supports a natural feeding rhythm by only releasing milk when baby actively drinks. $29.95 (4-pack | 9oz.), ages 1 month+, usa.philips.com Y

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

Add it Up: 25 Ways to Make Math

FUN

By Janeen Lewis

Does your elementary-aged child suddenly get a stomach ache the day of a math test? Maybe your middle schooler constantly declares “I hate math!” or your high schooler doesn’t like Algebra because he or she doesn’t see how it connects to real life.

If any of this sounds familiar, there is good news. Recent research shows that despite what they may think, most students can succeed at high levels in math. While it may be hard to disguise a dislike of math, if parents model a positive outlook, children are more likely to feel the same way. Research also shows that students like math more when they understand how it applies to their future. Here are 25 easy ways parents can make math fun, interesting and relevant, and ultimately help children become better at it.

1Use measuring and fraction skills when you bake or cook with your child. When the measuring cup or spoon you need is dirty, ask your child to use a different size utensil correctly to get an equivalent amount.

2Use grocery store math. For example, have your child figure out how many pounds of produce to get without going over a certain dollar amount. Say, “Please weigh and bring me three dollars’ worth of granny smith apples.”

3Take math outdoors. Make a hopscotch with addition or multiplication facts in the squares. Pick up sticks or use straws and make as many interconnecting squares or triangles as possible on the grass. Or Combine math with your child’s favorite sport. For example, if your child likes baseball, assign different points for single, double and triple hits. Have your child keep score.

4Check out Texas Instruments’ “STEM Behind Cool Careers” (https://education.ti.com/en/activities/stem/gen-stem) for a variety of videos connecting algebra, geometry and physics to real world jobs like fashion design, flying jets and more. Students can also take a quiz at this site to find their “stem style.”

5Learn about the lives of famous mathematicians and what they accomplished. Some interesting mathematicians include: Pythagoras, Archimedes, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, John Nash, Hypatia of Alexandria, Julia Robinson, Emily Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

6Let your child plan a special dinner. Then give them a budget and let them shop for the ingredients without going over the budget.

7Make technology your friend. Games and apps make learning math facts more fun than flash cards and drills. For homework help, try Didax’s virtual manipulatives at www.didax.com/math/ virtual-manipulatives.html

8Introduce your teen to a fun math club. FIRST Lego League and FIRST Tech Challenge involve math, science and engineering skills.

9Plan a trip together, calculate the miles you will travel at a designated speed. Decide how long it will take to get there.

10 Give your child an allowance that they have to manage. Together decide how much they will save, spend and give away.

11If your child is a teen with a job, help them write a budget and open a savings account.

12 Teach your child mental math tricks. These are like magic tricks in the math world, breaking down calculatorsize problems into problems that can be solved mentally. Try Thoughtco.com for 9 Mental Math Tricks and Games (www. thoughtco.com/mental-math-tricks-games-4177029).

13

Sing songs and watch math music videos. Check out “Schoolhouse Rock!” (“Multiplication Rock” and “Money Rock”) and “Numberock.” They are catchy ways to teach important math concepts.

16Get up and move! Take a brain break and play a maththemed YouTube or GoNoodle video that teaches about a math concept. These videos combine movements with vocabulary to help kinesthetic learners.

14

Read picture books. “Bedtime Math” includes fun short stories with math questions for different age levels and promotes discussion of math strategies. Other good ones include “The Greedy Triangle,” “The Grapes of Math” and” How Big is a Foot?” “G is for Googol” is an alphabet book for tweens and teens.

15Have your tween or teen pick out the make, model and year of a car they would like to buy when they are 18. Look up the value of the car and figure out how much they will have to earn every week until they are 18 to buy the car.

FUN MATH APPS PRESCHOOL

• Moose Math by Duck Duck Moose: Includes games that teach counting, addition and subtraction.

• Drive About Number Neighborhood: Kids travel through a seaside neighborhood and stop at different shops. Each shop has a different math game.

PRIMARY

• Peter Pig’s Money Counter: By Visa, this app teaches students to identify, count and save money. Includes fun facts about US currency.

• Marble Math Junior: Students solve math problems as they roll their marbles through mazes.

ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE

• Mathmateer: Students do math to earn money to build virtual rockets.

• Chicken Coop Fractions: Helps children develop strategies for solving problems involving fractions.

HIGH SCHOOL/TEENS

• Unit Converter: This app converts currency, data, energy, power or temperature.

• Math Ref: Helps find formulas across multiple disciplines, but focuses on algebra, geometry and calculus.

BOOKS THAT MAKE MATH FUN FOR EARLY LEARNERS

Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (Bedtime Math Series) written by Laura Overdeck, illustrated by Jim Paillot: One hundred fun, kid-friendly riddles with three different levels of challenge: wee ones, little ones and big kids.

FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY/TWEENS

Secrets of Mental Math: The Mathematicians Guide to Lightning Calculation and Amazing Math Tricks by Arthur

Benjamin and Michael Shermer

How Big is a Foot written and illustrated by Rolf Myller: The king wants to give the queen a bed for her birthday, but since there is no standard measurement, it becomes a challenge to make it the right size.

FOR PARENTS

Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students’ Potential Through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching by Jo Boaler with foreword by Carol Dweck

17 Go on a shape hunt. Find various geometric shapes around your house and yard. Draw or take photographs and label the shapes and what they comprise (for instance, the roof, the mailbox, the deck railing) and make your own version of a book like Tana Hoban’s Shapes, Shapes, Shapes.

18Have daily countdowns to special events, or do a ___ shopping days until Christmas starting on January 1st.

19 Redecorate their rooms. Have your teen do a scale layout drawing of the room to make sure new furniture or decorations will fit. Teens and younger kids alike can measure windows and floor space to make sure curtains and rugs fit before purchasing.

20 Play board and card games that inspire mathematical thinking. Some to try are Uno, Crazy Eights, Mathopoly, Qwirkle, Yahtzee, and Rummikub.

21Tell math jokes. Yes, they can be corny, especially for teens, but keep it humorous and light, and they may just remember the vocabulary.

22Have fun with food. Cut food into fractional parts and use the food fractions to introduce equivalent fractions. For younger children, cut sandwiches and pizzas evenly and talk about equal parts.

23Take a tour of your local bank. Talk to your child about words like loan, interest and principal.

24 Celebrate special math days like the 100th day of school. On Pi Day talk about what it means and why it is important. Make your child’s favorite pie.

25 Put math in their hands. Use Legos to teach about area and perimeter. Math manipulatives like rulers, seamstress tapes, tangrams, pattern blocks, play money, fraction bars, counters, and geometric shapes are great for kids to make discoveries with while playing. Y

Janeen Lewis is a freelance writer and certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in education. She loves to see children get excited about learning math.

October Fun for the Whole Family

Looking for a little Halloween fun that won’t send your kids screaming for the hills? Check out this month’s more family-friendly Halloween events and attractions across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Haunted Happenings

Salem annually transforms into a Halloween lovers paradise in October with Kids Fun Fest, Haunted Marketplace, a Kid’s Pub and more. Throughout the month, there are events for little ones and braver “big kids,” such as haunted house tours, witch trial re-enactments and costume balls. For more events and details, visit hauntedhappenings.org.

“The Unexplained” Corn Maze

Come on down and make lasting memories at Connors Farm. Experience the feel of the country only minutes from your home. With numerous daytime attractions, there is something for all ages! Thru October 31. Connors Farm 30 Valley Road (Rt. 35., Danvers; www.connorsfarm.com.

Phantoms by Firelight

Phantoms by Firelight returns to Old Sturbridge Village for 12 nights this Fall…and it’s bigger than ever! Step into the firelit shadows of history and uncover its eerie tales. Learn about the history of Halloween traditions, play games, find treats, and listen to ghost stories by the bonfire. Plus, be entertained by the spectacle of mesmerizing performances including fire breathing and flame spinning, as well as ac-

robats flying high over the Village with their vampire-like ways from Oct. 6 - 29, 4:30-9 pm. Old Sturbridge Village, One Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge; osv.org.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

5,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns along a beautiful wetland trail at the Roger Williams Park Zoo from 6-10:30pm evenings through Halloween. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, R.I. All tickets must be bought in advance; rwpzoo.org.

Frightful Fridays

Beginning Friday, Oct. 13, from 6:30-8:30pm, Gore Place allows Friday-night visitors to tour the 1806 Governor Gore mansion and hear traditional New England ghost stories. 52 Gore St., Waltham. Each tour is limited to 13 people; goreplace.org

Harvest Festival

Join in for our annual Harvest Festival to support the Pediatric Unit at Emerson Hospital. A day of family fun featuring games and prizes, live music by Sandy Ridge Boys, PYO pumpkins, 4-H animals, a silent auction and a la cart food. Saturday, Oct. 14 at Verrill Farms, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord; verrillfarm.com.

Boo at the Zoo

Trick or treat among the animals at the Stone Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22, 10am – 3pm. Kid’s costume contest, mystery animal encounters and terrifying tasty treats to be had. 149 Pond St., Stoneham. Advanced General Admission tickets required; zoonewengland.org.

Zoo Howl

Trick or treat among the animals, kid’s costume contest, mystery animal encounters and terrifying tasty treats to be had. Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, 10am – 3pm, at the Franklin Park Zoo. One Franklin Park Road, Boston. Free with admission. 617-541-5466; zoonewengland.org.

Halloween Hullabaloo

Enjoy music and activities at this Discovery Museums festival, on Saturday, Oct. 28, thru Tuesday, Oct. 31(not Oct. 30). Dress for the occasion and give your Halloween costume the chance to spook, sparkle, and shine. Challenge yourself to a few holes of Pumpkin Putt Putt and other outdoor games with a frightfully fun twist. Use your powers of observation on a Spooktacular Scavenger Hunt and expect other ghostly surprises to pop up around the Museum! 177 Main St., Acton; discoverymuseums.org Y

7 acre corn maze

7 acre corn maze

Open from Sept. 10th - Oct. 31st 9am-6pm

Open from Sept 2 - Oct 31, 9am-6pm

Numerous Farm Fun Activities such as apple picking, hayrides, farm animals, jumping pillow, and much more...

50 Farm Fun Activities such as apple picking, hayrides, farm animals, jumping pillow, and much more...

Children’s Birthday Parties School Field Trips

Children’s Birthday Parties

Take

www.connorsfarm.com for details 30 Valley Road, Danvers • 978-777-1245

www.connorsfarm.com for details 30 Valley Road, Danvers • 978-777-1245

ConnorS

To School or Not to School

By Sarah Lyons

Your child wakes up with a sore throat and you begin an internal debate of whether to keep your child home or send them to school. On one hand, you do not want your child to struggle through the school day because they don’t feel well but, on the other hand, having your child catch up on school work and taking a day off of work yourself can be difficult if your child feels fine after getting their day started. How is a parent to know when it’s best to keep your child home to rest and reduce the risk of spreading illness to other kids? Let’s look at some common symptoms kids have and when it’s ok to go to school and when it’s best to stay home and recuperate.

Symptom – Fever

If your child wakes up with a fever over 101 degrees then they should stay home from school. Giving ibuprofen or acetaminophen will help bring your child’s fever down but the temperature should be taken prior to medicine given to determine if your child should go to school that day or not. A child with a fever is most likely contagious so they should stay home.

Symptom – Sore throat

If your child has a mild sore throat due to allergies or cold symptoms then they are most likely well enough to attend school. If the sore throat is severe it could be strep throat and you should take your child to a doctor to be tested. If your child tests positive for strep throat, they should be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning to school to avoid spreading illness.

Symptom – Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is extremely contagious. If your child has yellow/green discharge coming

out of their eye or the white of the eye is a pink color then your child should stay home until they have seen a doctor. Most schools will require a note from a doctor saying the child is well enough to return to school or that the child take antibiotic eye drops for 24 hours before attending school.

Symptom – Headache

If your child wakes with a headache but does not have a fever it is most likely safe to send them to school. However, if your child is excessively tired or has other symptoms besides just a mild headache it is possible, they are coming down with something and it might be best to stay home and rest.

Symptom – Rash

If your child has a rash from an unknown source keep them home until you are able to see a doctor to determine what the cause is. Rashes can be caused by many things and some of them are contagious. If you know the cause of your child’s rash such as ringworm or impetigo, use the appropriate measures to ensure it doesn’t spread.

Symptom – Ear ache

If your child has ear pain and no other symptoms, they are not contagious and can technically go to school. If the ear pain is causing discomfort, loss of sleep, or a fever, staying home to recuperate may be the best choice.

Symptom – Tummy troubles

If your child is having diarrhea or is vomiting, they will need to take the day off of school. Not only are they contagious but they probably aren’t up for their usual routine anyway.

Symptom – Cold symptoms

If your child has mild cold symptoms such as clear runny nose, mild sore throat, and mild fatigue then they are allowed to attend school. Keep in mind that while cold symptoms don’t affect your ability to participate in normal activities, it doesn’t mean that they are not contagious. Take care to practice frequent

hand washing, cover that cough, and get dirty tissues in the trash can.

Symptom – Cough

You cannot keep your kids home from school and activities every time they cough but kids with a severe cough should stay home from school. Likewise, children who are experiencing shortness of breath or wheezing should stay home and see the family doctor.

When it comes to the decision of whether to keep your child home or

send them to school, use common sense. If you saw another child with the same symptoms at school, would you want them to be around your healthy child? If your child has extreme fatigue or generally feels unwell, it might be the sign of something to come and it may be best to rest at home. Usually, when it comes to stopping the spread of illness, it’s best to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, keep your child home until they are back to their normal, active self. Y Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including eight year old triplets.

AND PARTY NEEDS

When in doubt, keep your child home until they are back to their normal, active self.

ARLINGTON

Lesley Ellis School

Welcome Weds. Open House

October 18, 2023 @ 9:00 am

Free Fun Fair

October 21, 2023 @ 9:00 am

34 Winter St

www.lesleyellis.org

ASHLAND

St Paul’s Choir School

Open House

October 15, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

51 Captain Eames Circle www.saintpaulschoirschool.us

BOSTON

The Advent School

All-School Preview

October 14, 2023 @ 9:00 am

15 Brimmer Street

www.adventschool.org

BC High School

Open House

November 5, 2023

Grades 7-8 @ 10:00 am

Grades 9-11@ 2:00 am

150 Morrissey Blvd www.bchigh.edu

Boston Trinity School

Open House

October 14, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

17 Hale Street www.bostontrinity.org

British International School

Open House

October 18, 2023 @ 9:30 am

416 Pond St www.bisboston.org

German International School

Vitual Admissions Open House

Lower School

October 17, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

57 Holton St https://gisbos.org

The Learning Project

Open House

October 21, 2023 @ 9:00 am

October 22, 2023 @ 3:00 pm

107 Marlborough Street

www.learningproject.org

The Newman School

Virtual Open House

All Grades

October 11, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

Middle School

October 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

Upper School

October 25, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

247 Marlborough Street

www.newmanboston.org

Torit Montessori School

Open House

October 25, 2023 @ 4:00 pm

300 Cambridge St

www.toritschool.org

School Admission Events

BRAINTREE

Thayer Academy

Open House October 28, 2023

Upper School @ 9:00 am

Middle School @ 8:30 am

745 Washington St www.thayer.org

BROOKLINE

St. Mary of the Assumption School

Discovery Days

October 10, 2023 @ 9:00 am

67 Harvard St stmarys-brookline.org

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge Friends School

Open House at CFS

November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am

5 Cadbury Rd

https://cambridgefriendsschool.org

Fayerweather Street School

Prospective Parent Morning

October 16, 2023 @ 8:30 am

765 Concord Ave www.fayerweather.org

CHESTNUT HILL

Brimmer and May School

Open House October 22, 2023

Lower School @ 10:00 am

Middle School @ 1:00 pm

Upper School @ 2:00 pm

69 Middlesex Rd www.brimmer.org

The Chestnut Hill School

Open House

October 29, 2023 @ 10:00 am

428 Hammond Street www.tchs.org

DEDHAM

Dedham Country Day School

Open House Classroom Observation

October 13, 2023 @ 8:30 am

Open House Classroom Observation

October 27, 2023 @ 8:30 am

90 Sandy Valley Rd www.dedhamcountryday.org

Ursuline Academy

Open House

November 5, 2023 @ 11:00 am

85 Lowder Street

www.ursulineacademy.net

GREAT BARRINGTON

Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock

Discovery Day

October 14, 2023 @ 11:00 am

84 Alford Road

https://simons-rock.edu

HINGHAM

SELA

Early Education Open House

October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am

Elementary & Middle Open House

October 24, 2023 @ 5:00 pm

75 Sgt. Wm Terry Dr.

www.suescuela.com

LEXINGTON

Lexington Christian Academy

Open House

October 28, 2023 @ 10:00 am

48 Bartlett Ave

www.lexingtonchristian.org

Waldorf School of Lexington

Open House

November 4, 2023

Early Childhood @ 10:00am

Grades 1-8 @ 2:00 pm

739 Massachusetts Ave

https://thewaldorfschool.org

MARLBOROUGH

New England Innovation Academy

Open House

October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

280 Locke Drive

https://neiacademy.org

MILLIS

Woodside Montessori Academy

Open House

November 5, 2023 @ 10:00 am

350 Village St

https://woodsideacademy.com

MILTON

Milton Academy

Lower School Virtual Introduction

October 18, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

Middle School Virtual Introduction

October 25, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

LS & MS On=campus Open House

November 4, 2023 @ 2:00 pm

170 Centre St

www.milton.edu

NEWTON

The Fessenden School

First Looks PreK - Grade 4

October 2, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

First Looks Grades 5-9

October 10, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

First Looks Grades 7-9

October 11, 2023 @ 10:30 am

250 Waltham St

www.fessenden.org

Jackson Walnut Park School

Open House

October 21, 2023 @ 11:30 am

200 Jackson Rd

www.jwpschools.org

Wellan Montessori School

Open House November 5, 2023

Toddler - G3 @ 11:00 am

G4 - G8 @ 1:00 pm

80 Crescent Ave

www.wellan.org

NORWELL SELA

Early Education Open House

October 21, 2023 @ 10:30 am

137 Washington St

www.suescuela.com

READING

Austin Preparatory School

Middle & Upper Fall Open House

October 22, 2023 @ 10:00 am

101 Willow Street

www.austinprep.org

ROWLEY

Clark School

Tour-Us Tuesday

October 17, 2023 @ 10:30 am

High School Open House

October 18, 2023 @ 5:30 pm

14 Forest Ridge Drive www.clarkschool.net

SOUTHBOROUGH

Fay School

Open House

November 5, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

48 Main St

www.fayschool.org

WELLESLEY Saint John School

Open House

October 29, 2023 @ 10:00 am

9 Ledyard St.

www.saintjohnschool.net

Tenacre Country Day School

Open House

November 4, 2023 @ 10:00 am

78 Benvenue St.

https://www.tenacrecds.org

WEST ROXBURY

The Roxbury Latin Information Sessions

October 17, 2023 @ 6:45 pm

October 26, 2023 @ 6:45 pm

101 Saint Theresa Avenue www.roxburylatin.org

Holy Name Parish

Open House

October 14, 2023 @ 10:00 am

525 W. Roxbury Pkwy

www.holynameparishschool.org

WILBRAHAM

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Open House

October 1, 2023 @ 10:00 am

423 Main St www.wma.us

WILLIAMSTOWN

Buxton School

Open House

October 9, 2023 @ 10:00 am

291 South St

https://buxtonschool.org

WINCHESTER

Acera School

Information Session

October 10, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

5 Lowell Ave www.aceraschool.org

WORCESTER

Bancroft School

Open House

October 15, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

October 25, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

110 Shore Dr

www.bancroftschool.org

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child Private Schools

THE PUBLISHERS OF BOSTON PARENTS MAGAZINE TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, FROM START TO FINISH. The following articles are excerpts from the 2023/24 Annual Private School Guide, covering “Why Consider a Private School” and “Private School Search Timeline” from the award-winning guide. The complete 2023/24 Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process of selecting a school with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing, testing, and essay writing as well as the ins-and-outs of financial assistance. Also included are school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools, listed by city. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler! Access your copy today of this free resource at BostonParentsPaper.com and tap on “Our Magazines” button.

Why Consider a Private School?

Many parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. While public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS can point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, travel opportunities and art that can be underfunded in public schools. Private schools are often wellequipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child. There are two primary categories of private schools—independent schools and parochial schools.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own

Allston

Boston

Devens

Fitchburg

(978) 342-6053

Foxboro

The

(508) 543-9619

Hingham

SELA:

Lexington

741-5454

Littleton

www.lexmontessori.org

Maynard

Millis

Woodside Montessori Academy

Village Street

• (508) 376-5320 • www.woodsideacademy.com

Newton Centre

Centre • (617) 969-4488

Norwell

Walpole

• (508) 850-3900 • www.leagueschool.org

Wellesley

Tenacre Country Day School

78 Benvenue Street Wellesley • (781) 235-2282 • www.tenacrecds.org

West Newton

The Fessenden School 250 Waltham Street West Newton • (617) 630-2300 • www.fessenden.org

West Roxbury

Holy Name Parish School 535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) 325-9338 www.holynameparishschool.org

Weston

Tender Loving Care Childcare Center 101 River Road Weston • (781) 703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com

Woburn

Tender Loving Care Childcare Center 23 Warren Avenue, Suite 180 Woburn • (781) 281-2983 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com

Imagine a place where students are challenged to grow as much as they are supported and loved

Imagine a school where one of the oldest, most influential educational systems in the world is paired with top-tier facilities and innovative opportunities

Boston College High School is a school unlike any other The BC High experience transcends a traditional education to be truly transformative –where young men in grades 7-12 learn, lead, and serve with purpose Learn more at bchigh edu

Jun Zi Lan Montessori School

Welcome to Jun Zi Lan 君子兰Montessori School. We provide a year-round, authentic Montessori education using a Chinese/ English immersion model for children between the ages of 2 years 9 months and 6 years. Montessori tells us that children readily absorb the world in which they live. In our environment, children will have the opportunity to grow and learn in both languages.

Additional after school programs include: Chinese vocal lesson, Chinese reading and writing lesson, Art Lesson, and Monthly Cooking Lesson

Boston

Featured Schools

566-7184

(781) 272-1014

Cambridge

Fayerweather Street School

•( 617) 876-4746

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governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private, lumping them in with parochial and for-profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise, the application procedures are similar to independent schools.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits:

High academic standards. Private schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at private schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public.

Small classes and individual attention. Private schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2021/22 was 8.4 students to 1 teacher.

Excellent teachers. Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.

Education for the whole child. Private schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal, social growth and civic purpose. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.

Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2021/22, students of color were 32 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally.

A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Private schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child. Y

Autism

Chestnut Hill

Deerfield

Groton

Hingham

Littleton

Marlborough

Maynard

Don’t see your school listed? Submit your school information at https://bostonparentspaper.com/school-profile-submission

Wilbraham

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

423 Main Street Wilbraham • (413) 596-9107

www.wma.us

Winchester

Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership

5 Lowell Avenue

Winchester • (781) 729-3489 www.aceraschool.org

Wolfeboro (New Hampshire)

Worcester

• (508) 462-9401

The Imago School

The Imago School is a classical school for grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th, deeply rooted in the Christian Tradition of classical education.

1 Percival Street • Maynard 978-897-0549 imagoschool.org

I STARTED MY OWN BUSINESS.

Where today’s students become tomorrow’s innovators. New England Innovation Academy is a day and boarding school for grades 6-12 students to develop their passion and prepare for their best future.

Private Schools

Basic Timeline

for Applying to a Private School

While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are now offering both in-person and virtual admission events.

AUGUST

(Of the year before you want your child to attend)

• Define your ideal school

• Find schools that match your child’s and family’s needs

• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list

SEPTEMBER

• Browse schools’ websites and look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies

• Request admissions and financial assistance material by phone or online

• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit

• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assistance deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying

• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments

• Register for any standardized tests required for admission

• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books

• Contact schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available

OCTOBER

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests

• Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open house events, attend information sessions, and take tours

• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply

• Take required standardized admission tests

NOVEMBER

• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and preparing and taking standardized or school-based tests

• Watch for open house events you may want to attend

• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school

• Start working on applications, tuition assistance forms, student questionnaires, and essays

DECEMBER

• Watch for any open house or school events of interest

• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester

• Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. Some application materials are due as early as December.

JANUARY 2024

• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial assistance forms

FEBRUARY

• For schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications.

• Visit schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already

MARCH

• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March

• Watch for financial assistance decisions

• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend and let the school know

APRIL

• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits

MAY TO SEPTEMBER

• Attend events and activities for new parents and students

• Get to know other families in the school

• Sign up for fall sports and clubs Y

Why An Independent School?

A group of Greater Boston independent schools invites you to attend Open House Programs