Find the Right School for Your Child BOSTONPARENTFrom the publishers of PRIVATE2021/2022SCHOOLS GREATER BOSTON • NEW ENGLAND Preschools, Boarding and Private Day Schools BP PSG Cover 2021d.indd 1 9/29/21 5:12 PM
2 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com COUNTTHATRESULTS Thayer Find out more about us online at www.thayer.org/results Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is an independent, co-ed day school in Braintree for grades 5-12 See bus transportation at thayer.org/transportation Middle School (5-8) Open House: October 23 | Upper School (9-12) Open House: October 30 Here, Gabriella recites a memorized passage about Women’s Rights during the Middle DeclamationSchool’sFinals. Thayer is a unique experience because of the teachers. They care about their students, want them all to succeed, and will do anything to help Additionally,them. the community is very supportive interestedwhatexplore,opportunitiesthereencouraging,andandaremanytonomatteryou’rein. “ “
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 3www.BostonParentsPaper.com www.leagueschool.org To Learn More Contact L y n n e G o y u k , A d m i s s i o n s C o o r d i n a t o r 5 0 8 8 5 0 3 9 0 0 l g o y u k @ l e a g u e s c h o o l . c o m Excellence in Autism Education D A Y A N D R E S I D E N T I A L P R O G R A M S T H R E E A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M S B A S E D O N E A C H C H I L D ' S A G E A N D A B I L I T Y O N C A M P U S A N D C O M M U N I T Y B A S E D V O C A T I O N A L T R A I N I N G O P P O R T U N I T I E S A N E D U C A T I O N A L F R A M E W O R K B A S E D O N S C E R T S M O D E L
4 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Designed and Published by 841 Worcester Street, Suite 344 Natick, MA www.bostonparentspaper.com01760 Publishers | Parenting Media Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Associate Editor | Jean Abernathy Digital Content Editor | Katie McKean Advertising Sales & General Info sales@bostonparent.com To Add Your School profile-submission.htmlbostonparentspaper.com/schoolThe Greater Boston / New England Guide to Private Schools is published annually by Boston Parents Paper. ©2021 6 Why PrivateConsiderSchool? 10 The WhereSchoolPrivateSearch:toStart? 14 Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School A month-by-month guide to the application process 16 What to Expect When Applying 18 Applying After Deadline 18 Shadow Days 20 Entrance Exam 101 22 Tips for a Great Essay 24 Interview Preparation 26 Make the Most of Your Campus Visit 27 Why Consider a Boarding School? BOSTONPARENT 28 Financial Assistance: Basics You Need to Know 29 Myths FinancialAboutAssistance 30 7 Steps to Choosing a Preschool 31 6 Things to Look for in a Preschool Site Visit 32 andAcceptanceDecision 33 Featured School & Preschool Profiles 47ProfilesFeatured Preschools 52 Featured Private Day Schools 60 Featured Boarding Schools 62 Public & Private School EnglandThecontentsOrganizationsGreaterBoston/NewGuidetoPrivateSchools takes the guesswork out of finding the right school for your child, from start to finish.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 5www.BostonParentsPaper.com Woburn - 781-281-2983 | Westoneducationareteacherswww.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com781-703-5088“WeLOVETenderLovingCare.Thearelikefamily.Theycareforeachchildliketheirownfamily.Theyknowledgeableinearlychildhoodaswellasthegentlecareforinfants,toddlersandpreschoolers!!” TOP 5 2021 TOP 5 2020 2020
Many parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. And 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.
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There are two primary sorts of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.
Parochial schools, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruc tion 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.
Independent schools are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own 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.
Why Consider Private School?
Private schools can also point to low studentteacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.
Private schools can also point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 7www.BostonParentsPaper.com Join us for a VIRTUAL Open House to learn how your child can create their future at BISB: • October 5 & 20 • November 4 & 14 • December 7 • January 11 For registration and details : admissions@bisboston.org Toddlers through High School 416 Pond Street Boston, MA www.bisboston.org617.522.226102130 A NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION SCHOOL BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON Austin PrePArAtory school Middle & Upper School OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 24th n 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. An independent, Augustinian Catholic school serving young men & women in grades 6 through 12. READING, MA | 781.944.4900 | AUSTINPREP.ORG @AUSTINPREP @AUSTINPREP @AUSTINPREPSCHOOL
Excellent teachers
When considering private school education, think about these benefits as outlined by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (www.issfba.org):
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 individually.
High academic standards
Why Consider Private School?
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cont’d. Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s or graduate degree education. 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. Inclusiveness Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2019–20, students of color were 33 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally. A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education Independent schools promote regular communica tion 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 select a school values, teaching approach
and
is right for your child.
whose philosophy,
Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public schools. Small classes and individual attention Independent 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 2019–2020 was 8.5 students to 1 teacher.
You can
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 9www.BostonParentsPaper.com Upcoming Events 34 Winter St. | Arlington, MA 02474 | lesleyellis.org Preschool - Grade 8 Tricia Moran, Director of Admission 781.641.1346 tmoran@lesleyellis.org Little Learners Series For parents and young children, ages 2 - 5 years. Join Lesley Ellis teachers as they read stories, sing songs, and explore a variety of fun, educational activities. First Friday of Every Month Learn more about these events at lesleyellis.org These events are open to the public and may or may not be in person. If you have questions, please contact Tricia Moran. Join us and invite a friend or neighbor, too! Early (Preschool,ChildhoodPrekindergarten, Transitonal Kindergarten) Tuesday, October 28 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Middle School (Grades 5 - 8) Wednesday, October 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Elementary School (Kindergarten - Grade 4) Wednesday, October 27, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. All School Open House (Preschool - Grade 8) Sunday, November 14, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Open Houses Explore Wellan for Toddler–Grade 8 • In-person Tours • Virtual Info Sessions Register Today: wellan.org Ne ed Ba sed Fina nc ial A s sis ta nce Availa ble | Newton Centre, MA
It’s time to start thinking about fall of 2022 if your child is about to begin her last year of preschool or is in fifth or eighth grade. Starting a year before you actually need to can help relieve anxiety as well as give you time to do your research.
ith every private school brochure flashing photos of smiling students thriving in science labs and onstage, it can be hard to tell schools apart. Though on closer look, each school has its own personality, spanning a wider range of educational styles and often offering smaller classes than public schools.
Some schools follow distinct educational philosophies like Waldorf or Montessori. Others focus on music, offer a girlsonly student body, a year-round schedule, or teach their curriculum exclusively in French. There are schools with impressive art, sports, drama, and science programs. Some are K–5 or K–8, others only grades 6–8, and still others are K–12. All of these schools have the luxury of complete freedom in designing curriculum to fit the school’s philisophy because they are not subject to the state testing standards imposed on public schools.
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W
The timeline for what can be a rigorous search for private schools begins with open house events and tours starting in September; applications in December and January; and acceptance or rejection letters in early March. The sooner you can start checking out schools that interest you, the better, whether those schools are independent or parochial.
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An easy, simple way to begin thinking about which private school may be right for your child is to look at how the school is structured. to Start?
The Private School Search: Where
A simple way to begin thinking about which private school may be right for your child is to look at how the school is structured. For example, some schools do not assign homework and others group different grades together in one classroom. By doing this step, it is easy to rule out schools that are not of interest.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 11www.BostonParentsPaper.com InfoMontessoriSession Toddler - Grade 8 S P A R K W O N D E R CAMBRIDGEMONTESSORI.ORG Discover the wonder of a Montessori eduction. Join us for aJoin us for our fall in-person OPENOCTOBERHOUSE23 1:00-3:00 PM (rain date October 24th) or Online Montessori Info Sessions (register for all events via our website) 21 months to Grade 8
• Consider your child’s particular learning style by consulting with current teachers (from preschool or day care, for example).
• Learn basic facts like the number of students enrolled and student-teacher ratio.
• Make a list of what matters most to you and your child. Perhaps it’s that the school is diverse, emphasizes the arts, has a grassy play area or a dance studio. It could also be that your child needs before-school care, elementary grades only, or an alternative learning environment.
• Talk to families whose children already attend those schools. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. Ask other families what unique programs their children have benefitted from.
The Private School Search: Where to Start? cont’d.
As parents move through this lengthy process, they should reflect on the desires, needs, and learning styles of their child. This process is different depending on the child’s age. There are things that are clear about a fifth-grader (like how they handle homework and social conflict, whether they favor sports or the arts) that aren’t evident yet with a preschooler. Parents of eighthgraders have the easiest and the hardest time with this.
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The school search process can be a stressful one. However, with some advance preparation and clear goals, it doesn’t have to be onerous. You might even gain some new insight into yourself and your child along the way.
• If your child is entering kindergarten and has a fall birthday, research schools’ age cutoffs. Private schools usually prefer that children turn five before entering kindergarten. Some use cutoff dates as early as June 1st.
• Once you’ve got a list of schools to check out, create a list of admission event dates, application and financial assistance registration deadlines.
Parents who have been through the process before recommend the following combination of first steps:
• Think about your family’s educational philosophy. Ask how students are tested, and how teachers convey expectations, teach classes and administer grades.
While it’s easier for the parents of a middle-schooler to pinpoint the social tendencies and learning style of their 13-year-old, that teenager often has thoughts of her own about which school to attend.
• Look hard at your finances to see what kind of tuition your household is willing to handle. Find out if there are extra costs for books, computers, or after-school care, and if the school offers financial aid.
• Weed out schools that won’t work because of things like location or early start times.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 13www.BostonParentsPaper.com
Call schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days”. Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests. Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open houses, information sessions, and tours. Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply. Take required standardized admission tests. Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests. Continue to watch for admission events you may want to attend. Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school.
Although
❑ Create
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Basic Timeline the year before you want your child to attend) your ideal school. Find schools that match your child’s needs. and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list. schools’ websites, look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies. admissions and financial aid material by phone or online. a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assitance deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying. elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments. Register for any standardized tests required for admission.
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Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase testpreparation books.
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Start working on applications, financial assitance forms, student questionnaires, and essays.
A month-by-month guide to the application process. not every school follows the exact schedule, many follow similar timetables for admission. following is a timeline to help you in the admissions process. schools are offering both virtual and in-person admissions events.
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OCTOBER ❑
❑ Request
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FEBRUARY schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications. schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already. with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.
❑ If
MARCH for school decisions starting in mid-March. for financial assitance decisions about this same time. your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend. and return enrollment contracts and deposits. SEPTEMBERTO Attend events and activities for new parents and students during spring and summer. Get to know other families in the school. up for fall sports and clubs. to Private Schools
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JANUARY attention to deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due in January or February, along with tests scores, references, transcripts, and financial assitance forms. assitance applications are normally due in January or February.
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DECEMBER to watch for any admission or school events of interest. transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester. any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. application materials are due as early as December.
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Your first step is to research and visit schools, ideally starting the search at least a year before you plan to submit the application for your child. It takes time to determine which school is the best fit for your child. Navigating the application process can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting. Here are tips on how to get your child into the right school.
• After creating your short list of schools, call or email the school’s admissions office to find out about open house events, school tours, private visits, or other events that will allow you to get to know the school as best as possible. The school’s admissions office will also tell you about application requirements, including deadlines andWhilecosts.each school has its own criteria for admitting students, the typical application package involves:
• Student writing samples.
• Results from standardized tests or a schooladministered test. For middle school grades and above, the most common tests are: The Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE; the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT; the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools. Depending on the grade to which you are applying, some schools might also ask for:
• Parent or guardian statements.
• A completed application form, usually available from the school’s website, and application fee.
What to Expect When Applying to Private School
• A transcript of your child’s grades from her current school.
• A formal interview, though for elementary school students, the interview more often consists of a teacher observation or individual or group-administered diagnostic tests. School admissions officers are there to help you complete your applications in a timely manner. They also want to make sure that the process is a positive
• Student portfolios.
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• Don’t miss application deadlines. But if you do, some schools have rolling admissions and admit students throughout the school year.
www.BostonParentsPaper.com
experience for you and your child and that there is a good match between your child and the school.
it’s likely the school was not a good fit.
Try to avoid: • While admissions officers want to be helpful, don’t call too often, overload them with additional information about your child, or try to impress them with your business or social contacts.
• Don’t shy away from disclosing vital information about your child or family—notably about any special academic needs your child has or about your family’s financial need for tuition help. While most private schools cannot afford to meet the academic and financial needs of all students they would like to admit, you won’t increase your child’s chances of acceptance by failing to be upfront about certain information. And, if the school turns your child down for any special issues,
• Don’t jump on the bandwagon of applying to a school just because your child’s peers are applying. Similarly, don’t just apply to a school because it is one of the “top” schools in the area and boasts of its graduates who go to the Ivies. Be realistic about your child’s strengths, interests, and personality. Apply to schools which are a good fit for your child.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 17
• Typically, shadow days can be scheduled anytime from October to May.
• Visiting students are usually allowed to shadow a current student they already know, as long as the request is made in advance.
• If prospective students do not know any current students, the school will assign one based on interests in academics, extracurricular activities, etc.
First, contact the school’s admissions office, state your case, and see how school officials respond. Some schools have flexible or rolling admissions and accept students as long as the school enrollment roster has room, and some schools create waitlists when full. There is a chance that an accepted student may withdraw or cancel, creating an available spot at the last minute. The bottom line? “Ask anyway. You never know, and it never hurts to ask,” Private School Review advises.
• Shadow days are just for students; no parents allowed.
Applying After the Deadline
A fter all the open house events, information nights, school tours, and interviews, the best way for kids to evaluate a school is to spend a day on campus. This year schools aree being ceative to allow for safe shadow experiences. Prospective students are matched up with a current student for an individual tour. If school is in session, they go to classes, share time during breaks and lunch, and get an insider’s tour of the campus, experiencing firsthand what it feels like to be a student at that school. Things to know:
“F inding a school that will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done,” says Private School Review, an online site, www.privateschoolreview. com, that profiles private schools. “ You suddenly decide in late winter or early spring that you want to get your child into a private school for fall. Or a job transfer makes finding a private school in a hurry an absolute necessity. So, are you indeed too late? It depends.”
• Visitors are often required to respect the school dress code.
Shadow Days
Don’t give up on a school if you’ve missed the admissions deadline.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 19www.BostonParentsPaper.com 247 Marlborough St, Boston, MA (617) 267-4530 Celebrating 75 years at the corner of Marlborough Street and the world. At Newman, we live out our motto,“heart speaks to heart.” Our caring community has a world-class faculty, dedicated to developing life-long learners. • Boston is your classroom. • Positive relationships with faculty. • Inquisitive academic exploration. • IB curriculum, highly regarded by universities. • Boarding program in Boston’s Back Bay. newmanboston.org
Exam 101
ELEMENTARY LEVEL SSAT FOR Students in grades three and four. MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL SSAT Standard Test (group administered on eight Saturdays), Flex Test (group or individual administered on a different date), Regional Flex Test or Open Flex Test (regional consortia administered). FOR Students in grades 5–7 (Middle) and grades 8–11 (Upper).
On these exams, students can expect multiplechoice questions that test verbal, math, and reading comprehension skills and a portion that assesses writing ability (though not part of the HSPT). Policies vary according by test on taking practice tests and repeated test attempts. The test results often determine course placement, so more schools have begun to offer preparation test programs to better equip entering students for the real thing. Schools may have additional or different requirements for international students. ISEE Source: www.iseetest.org LOWER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades five and six. MIDDLE AND UPPER LEVEL FOR Candidates for grades seven and eight (Middle); candidates for grades nine through 12 (Upper). HSPT Source: www.ststesting.com FOR Students in grade eight for placement in ninth grade. SSAT Source: www.ssat.org
The ISEE and SSAT tests are to middle and high school what the SAT or ACT is to college. They are administered independently at a set time at a specific location with results sent to designated schools. Often schools schedule these tests on their own campuses, and individual entrance requirements usually specify which test to take. The HSPT, however, does not coordinate national testing days, and test administration is the responsibility of individual schools or dioceses, which determine when to offer the HSPT. Now, all three tests offer at home options. These organizations provide students a secure computerbased testing option to be taken at home when group testing isn’t available.
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Most private schools require students entering middle and high school to take an entrance exam to gain admission to their institutions.
The most commonly accepted standardized tests are the Independent School Entrance Examination, or the ISEE, and the High School Placement Test, or HSPT, for Catholic schools. Another often recognized and accepted test is the Secondary School Aptitude Test, or the SSAT.
The SSAT is a multiple-choice test designed for students in grades three through 11 and is administered on three levels: elementary, middle, and upper.
Entrance
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Don’t write a two-sentence essay if the school asks for one page, but don’t write more than one page. And, don’t turn in a typed essay if the school wants it handwritten.
TELL A STORY
While the essay should have correct spelling and grammar and be legible, it doesn’t have to follow the academic essay formula. A good strategy is to tell a story—even filled with dialogue or vivid description— to get your point across.
pplication essays provide ways for private school admissions officers to get to know students beyond their grades, test scores, and basic biographical information. They provide insight into a student’s personality and interests—to help determine if the school is the right fit for your child and vice versa. Aside from the interview, writing the essay can be one of the most stress-producing steps in the application process. These suggestions from private school organizations can break the task of writing the essay into manageable steps that guide your child to crafting a work that makes him stand out to admissions officers.
TELL THE SCHOOL WHAT IT WANTS TO KNOW Schools often provide an essay prompt, so you need to respond to it. That said, the prompts—such as “recount some activity or event that challenged you in a positive way”—usually allow the applicant lots of leeway to write about a range of topics.
Tips for a Great Essay
A
BE CONCRETE
START EARLY Do not wait until the night before the application is due to begin writing. Brainstorm and work out ideas with teachers, parents, or others early and give yourself time for revisions.
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GET CREATIVE
PARENTS, THIS MUST BE YOUR CHILD’S WORK
While, as parents, you can provide feedback and help with editing, let your child do all the writing. If you can’t help but get overly involved, consider asking a neutral third party—a teacher, another relative, or a professional consultant—to help your child edit her essay.
READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY
If you are an aspiring writer, for example, ask the school if you can write in verse, instead of the usual narrative.
Stay away from generalizations, such as “singing by myself in front of my school was challenging.” Instead, provide details or an example of how and why you were scared before that solo singing performance and felt triumphant afterwards.
BE REAL Don’t write what you think an admissions officer wants to hear—because you really have no idea. Write about what you know and what excites you.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 23www.BostonParentsPaper.com Offering your child, from toddlers through 8th grade, an individualized educational journey. Contact us for open house and virtual information session details. oakmeadow.org Littleton, 978-486-9874MA x 226
• Tell me about yourself: Help your child come up with an answer that doesn’t recite biographical facts but describes his interests and strengths in certain academic areas or extracurricular activities and allows him to talk up his accomplishments.
The structure of the interview also depends on the school and your child’s age. Typically, the applicant and her family come to the school to look around and talk with an admissions officer or other school staff. The staff might focus on talking with the parents, but with older children and high school students, an admissions officer might speak privately with the child in a formal or more casual situation.
Withorganizations.youngerkids, the school staff will mostly talk to the parents, asking them to describe their child and what they hope their child will gain by attending this school. When students are old enough to be the key subject of interviews, they should be prepared to answer typical questions, such as:
Given that the interview is an important part of the application process, and in determining if this school is the best place to educate your child, here are some things you and your child should prepare for so the interview will go well, according to the National Association of Independent Schools and other private school
Interview Preparation
24 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com
• Why do you want to come to this school? The school wants to find out if the child understands what makes the school unique and whether he sees it as a match for his own personality, academic strengths, interests, and aspirations. So, hopefully, during visits, or in talking to students and faculty, your child has encountered programs or a learning environment that excites him.
he idea of your child having to interview to gain admission to a private school sounds downright terrifying. But private school experts say you shouldn’t think of the interview as a high-stakes interrogation. Rather, think of the interview as a two-way conversation that helps everyone involved— school staff, parents, and child—determine if the school is the right fit for your child.
• Talk about subjects or teachers you like: Help your child figure out certain coursework that has recently engaged him, such as a certain book in English class or a social studies field trip to see Egyptian mummies at a museum. Given that the interview is also a chance for you and your child to learn more about the school, help your child prepare to ask questions. Look at the school’s website or think back to visits and help him come up with a list of questions that reflects how the school might nurture his interests. “Will I be able to do dissections in sixth-grade biology?”“Can I audition for school plays in ninth grade?”“What about your study trips overseas?”“What are different ways I can fulfill my community service requirements?” The admissions officers will likely see your child’s curiosity as evidence of his interest in coming to the school.
Parents and students should always be honest, experts say. But that doesn’t mean you should accentuate your child’s weaknesses, provide too much information about family challenges, or bad-mouth your child’s current school, even if this current school environment is mostly negative and the reason he’s trying to change schools.
T
Instead, accentuate the positive: A child’s weakness or a family’s challenges are things he is working to overcome; or his current school simply isn’t the right fit for his unique needs and interests.
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• Do some pre-visit research. Read up on the school’s history, educational philosophy, and ac complishments. Ask for information about studentteacher ratios, teacher experience, arts classes, sports, and other extracurricular activities, special programs for students needing academic support, and expectations for parental involvement. Decide ahead of time if there are specific classrooms, facilities, or departments that you or your child want to visit.
Make the Most of Your Campus Visit school lunch.
• If the school offers shadow-a-student day for interested students, your child has the opportunity to ask questions of potential schoolmates more freely than if you’re around.
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• After you and your child finish the visit, jot down your general impressions before leaving. Try to imagine your child in one of the classrooms, or walking the halls. How does that idea look and feel? Remember gut feelings can be important, too.
• In the classrooms or on the playground, notice if the students look engaged and well-behaved, including when they transition from one activity or classroom to another. How do students interact with their teachers? Do the teachers seem cheerful and knowledgeable? How do the teachers manage the classrooms or handle discipline?
• Talk to as many teachers and students as possible. Find out about homework policies and workloads, the social environment, and opportunities to do arts, sports, and other nonacademic activities.
• General impressions count, but so do the details. Take note of what the grounds and classrooms are like, but also pay attention to specifics: are the bathrooms clean; do staff seemed organized and ready for your visit; what library, science, and technology resources does the school offer?
You’ve looked at the websites, glanced through the glossy brochures, and even heard friends talk glowingly—or not—about the private schools on your short list. Now it’s time to actually set foot on campus. More than anything else, visiting the school—seeing the classrooms, walking around the grounds, and talking to faculty and students—will give you and your child the best sense of whether this is the best environment for your child to learn and thrive.Because the visit is so crucial to deciding on your child’s school, you should make the most of the oppor tunity. Private school experts offer these suggestions for what to ask about, look for, and consider before, during, and after the visit.
• If possible, visit on a regular school day, arrange to observe a classroom, and stay to sample a
• Boarding schools are also known to be quite innovative and to provide students with the latest technologies in order to improve the learning experience. This may translate into boarders’ higher acceptance by leading universities and better job opportunities later on.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 27www.BostonParentsPaper.com
STRONG CONNECTIONS
WEEKENDS AT HOME
HIGH-QUALITY AND UNIQUE EDUCATION POSSIBILITIES
BUILD INDEPENDENCE, DISCIPLINE AND MATURITY
• With class sizes at most boarding schools averaging around 10-12 students, there is an opportunity to explore more subjects and attend classes not normally offered in conventional schools. Boarding schools may offer exciting travel opportunities to study ecology, history, political science, or art to give students the advantage of seeing and living their studies. Boarding school have high standards when it comes to selecting teachers. Teachers are expected to create a classroom environment to stimulate discussion and promote student interest.
INNOVATIVE TEACHING TECHNIQUES
B oarding schools are a perfect option for many families, providing a home away from home that allows children to focus on their education as well as extracurricular activities such as sports or arts. Education may not be the main reason parents choose to send their kids to boarding school. Some want their children to have a religious base to their education. Others find sports academies which allow their child the ability to train and develop athletic skills while providing a strong college prep education. Some parents favor a specific educational philosophy that can only be found in a boarding school setting. Plus, as was experienced with how education has been affected by situations such as Covid-19, boarding schools can create a stability for students and parents.
• Boarding schools teach children to take care of themselves which turns them into an independent individual for life. Students at boarding schools learn to be self-reliant and responsible at an earlier age than conventional students. These students learn to follow and maintain a schedule, how to follow school rules and take responsibility for their actions, as well as, learn to make decisions and be better prepared for making difficult choices as they grow into adults.
• Boarding Schools create a strong community of students, staff and teachers. With children socializing with a limited number of children their own age, around the clock, a strong sense of community is developed as well as lifelong friends. Peers encourage each other to try new sports, art, music and awaken interests not available at home. Students build strong connections to their roommates and teachers which builds learning behavior and students’ motivation. These connections often lead to a strong network of motivated people for the rest of their lives.
• If not seeing your child for weeks at a time sounds a bit daunting look for boarding schools which offer a five day a week program to allow for students to spend weekends with their families. Consider a Boarding School?
Why
TYPES OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
• Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.
Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions. In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You will receive a financial aid decision shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.
• Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Rotary Club. Ask the school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org.
Financial Assistance: Basics You Need to Know
Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.
Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.
• Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.•
Reprinted with permission from the National Association of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.
HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID
Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you. Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.
• Grants are the most common type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must re-apply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.
• Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.
To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.
WHEN TO APPLY
E very private school has its own policies about who receives financial assistance, what types of assistance are awarded, and how much assistance a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.
MYTH: An independent school education is out of reach for all but wealthy families.
MYTH: The deadlines for admission and financial aid are the same.
MYTH: The financial aid application process is complicated.
MYTH: All schools our child applies to will offer our family the same financial aid package.
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 29www.BostonParentsPaper.com
REALITY: Tuition can be expensive. But hundreds of private schools offer financial assistance to make sure that the students they’ve admitted have a realistic chance to enroll, no matter what their families’ financial status.
Reprinted with permission from the National As sociation of Independent Schools, www.nais.org.
MYTH: It’s too intimidating to talk to the school about our private financial matters.
Myths About Financial Assistance
REALITY: The school is your very best source of realistic information about the procedures and timelines for getting aid and of advice about the types of financial as sistance available. The members of the financial aid staff want you to turn to them for help. Really.
REALITY: Often the deadlines are not the same. Check with each school (the deadlines are usually on the school’s website), and be sure to keep track of what you must do when. Do not wait to begin the financial aid process until after you receive an admission decision. It pays to complete both admission and financial aid appli cations at the same time, even if they’re due on different dates; plus many schools require that they be done at the same time.
REALITY: There’s some truth to this one, but schools’ financial aid offices are working hard to make the process as clear and convenient as possible. More than 2,100 schools use SSS, School and Student Services by NAIS, to help them make financial aid decisions. This means you may only have to fill out one form to apply for financial aid at several schools. The form and instructions are avail able online. In addition, many schools offer financial aid workshops, and staffers welcome your calls any time you have questions.
REALITY: How much assistance you receive may vary a lot from school to school. The amount a school can offer depends on factors such as the size of its endowment, its tuition costs, and its philosophy about providing aid. If your decision to send your child to an independent school depends on getting some financial help, it pays to apply for aid at more than one school.
MYTH: If we tell the school our family needs financial aid, this might hurt our child’s chances of being REALITY:admitted. The typical school will not reject a qualified student’s admission application because the child is applying for financial aid. That said: Admission is not a guarantee that the student’s family will receive financial aid. The amount of aid depends on the family’s eligibility and the funds the school has available.
2. Determine what criteria is most important for your child and family. Is it location, faith, type of program offered, language immersion, specialneeds options, year-round program, extended hours, cost? What are the most important factors and options? Rate these so you have a clear picture of where and what programs to focus on and what is the best fit for your child.
Before you apply, find out the preschool’s admissions schedule and how many openings they will have and how many spots will be reserved for siblings of families already enrolled. If you are concerned that your top choice or choices have way more applicants than spots it would be a wise idea to apply to more than one preschool even though there may be an application fee.
7. Apply to your top choice. You have done your research, established your criteria and taken the tour, now is time to apply to your top choice. Some preschools have ongoing enrollment but most follow the school year format. Acceptance letters go out in the spring for the following fall. Find out from the preschool when you can expect to hear from them, one way or another. It is okay to be persistent and let them know you and your family are interested, but don’t be a pest. If your child is waitlisted get specifics from the preschool. What number on the wait list is your child and does the preschool have a commitment from all returning families? If the school is accepting a total of 15 new children and you are way down on the wait list, it is time to consider another option.
6. Contact the preschool.
1. Start Early. It takes time to research different styles of preschools and become familiar with common terms used in preschools. Many parents start this process a year ahead of time, some parents even start while pregnant! Children usually attend preschool for two to three years between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years.
Your 7 Step Approach 30 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com
How to Find the
3. Utilize local parenting resources. Local parenting magazines and websites, like Parents’ Press, offer lots of preschool information and open house announcements. These will help you to become familiar with what preschools are available in your area and the program options being offered to help with your selection process. Visit preschool websites that look interesting to find out admissions information. More information can also be found at www.ParentsPress.com
4. Ask around. Talk to other parents in your area to see what programs they were part of, and if they would recommend them. Find out what they liked most and least about the school. How long did their child attend? Did they experience any teacher turnover? What was the culture like? How did they handle sick days, potty training and behavioral issues? How involved were the parents in the school? Are the parents and children still in contact with others from the preschool?
5. Tour top choices. Arrange to take a tour or go to an open house to learn about the school philosophy and the admissions process. Most schools prefer for you to pre-register for these. Have your list of questions ready (see page 20 for Questions to Ask) and observe. Look for signs that the preschool is well run. Also, this is a time that the preschool uses to determine which families will be a good fit for their program.
5. Family Involvement. How involved are the families in the day-to-day operations of the preschool? What opportunities or organized events are available to meet other families during the school year? Are there required volunteer hours or monetary commitments beyond the tuition? Are there fundraising events and what is the money raised used for? Are there opportunities for classroom observation? How do family members participate in celebrations?
Perfect Preschool
1. First Impressions. Is the preschool clean, organized and does it have a good feeling about it? Is the staff friendly, and are the teachers in control of the classroom? Inside, are there play areas? Are toys and books in good shape and organized? Outside is there enough room? Are there play areas and toys for all of the kids? Does the preschool feel safe inside and out? Are safety protocols being followed? Does the preschool feel like a place your child can thrive in?
6. Visit Final Impression.
3. Teachers and Staff. Is there enough supervision? Does the teacher-child ratio match or exceed standards? Teacher turnover? What experience do the teachers have and how long have they been teaching at this school? How were they trained? Do the teachers seem happy? How is their interaction with the children? How do they balance the different needs of the children? Do they have a specific approach for teaching social-emotional skills? How do they communicate with the family on concerns? How often are parent-teacher conferences held?
2. The Basics. What are the start and end times for the core program? If extended care is available, who manages this, and where is it held? What is the daily schedule and is there a different holiday schedule? Are lunch and snacks provided? If not, is refrigeration available? Is the bathroom safe and centrally located with toddler sized facilities? What are the sick policies? Is the facility up to code? What are the emergency protocols? Have the teachers been trained in CPR, first aid and infection control?
Every family has specific needs and many preschools can accommodate them. It is important to ask questions now. Don’t be afraid to discuss personal matters, one on one. Chances are the preschool has encountered a similar situation before and is up to the task or may be able to give you direction to an alternative resource. Site Visit Be prepared with this short question checklist before you step foot into the school
The
Are the children doing the same project or do the children work independently? Are there a variety of learning materials in which children can explore their interests and learn new skills? Is there a focus on reading? How do children decide what to do, when to do it and with whom? What support do teachers provide when a child gets stuck on a project? How are children motivated to participate? How are holidays integrated into the learning experience?
www.BostonParentsPaper.com Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 31
4. Learning Environment.
Do you feel this preschool is a great fit for your child? Did you feel comfortable with what you saw and the people you interacted with? Did your concerns get addressed? Are there any red flags you need to check up on? Were you encouraged to contact the school with any questions? Is there a clear next step in the process?
Acceptance and Decision
• Discuss the options as a family.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE ACCEPTED
• If you’re certain about the school, say yes—but feel free to take the full seven days to sit with the decision to make sure it feels right.
When you learn about your child’s acceptance, you will also learn about financial assistance awards. If the grant you receive does not meet your needs, or if you are not awarded any financial assitance, contact the school’s financial assitance officer to learn about other options.
• Let all schools where you were admitted know of your final decision so they can contact other families on their wait list.
• Call the school right away and let admissions officials know that you are very interested. Stay in touch with them throughout the summer. Some times children can be accepted off the waitlist just days before school begins.
• Consider other schools.
• Make a pro and con list for each possible school.
• Revisit your notes from tours and open houses. Follow your heart. Revisit your wish list to make sure you’ve fulfilled your priorities. Be sure that your child will thrive in the school community you choose.
ONCE YOU DECIDE
• Be sure to contact the school you choose by the reply deadline.
• Consider a second visit to the school; have your child do a shadow day if she hasn’t already.
• Talk to graduates or current families of the school—especially any who have come from your child’s current school.
he application is completed, interviews and shadow days all done—all that’s left is waiting for the acceptance letter (or email) and then the big decision. Usually, acceptance (or rejection or waitlist) notifications go out on a Friday in mid-March, and families then have seven days to decide where their child will attend. So how to make the decision?
32 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com
The following are tips on choosing a school from the National Association of Independent Schools.
IF YOU ARE NOT SURE
T
• Encourage your child to talk to other students.
IF YOU’RE WAITLISTED
• Ask to talk to some teachers.
• Return your signed enrollment contract and tuition deposit.
IF YOU’RE REJECTED
• Ask the school for feedback about what factors made the difference. Try to approach the issue in a nonjudgmental way; tell the admissions staff you want to get information that can help your child do better in the future.
DECIDING ON A SCHOOL
The
Featured Profiles
Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 33www.BostonParentsPaper.com
TLC Childcare Center succeeds by delivering outstanding performance and customer service.
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Just love them! – Grace, MA Highly Recommended Tender Loving Care Childcare Center is a wonderful facility that provides excellent child care. Attentive, caring, patient, affordable and professional - all the qualities parents look for when in need for the perfect childcare. I highly recommend Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers located in Weston and Woburn –Massachusetts!!!Delina,Waltham, MA
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Each staff member strives to offer an environment that is high in quality and stimulates the child’s senses and where warmth and friendship are abundant, to meet the needs of the total development of the child.
Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers
TLC Childcare Center strives to provide a quality Early Childhood Education Program filled with carefully chosen staff members, filled with love and compassion for children. We believe that children are our most important resource and that their early childhood experiences are crucial in the development of their future.
Just like Family!!
34 Guide
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED to Schools
The program we pursue is geared toward helping the child develop habits of observation, questioning and listening while building a positive self-esteem. Our staff members are partners with our parents working together to meet both the needs of the children and their families.
Tender Loving Care Childcare Centers are more than a Day Care. The loving Staff is like Family. I feel secure in knowing when I drop my daughter off that she will be cared for as if she were at home with a family member!!
BostonParentsPaper.com 35 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
Thayer Academy is an independent, coed day school for grades 5 through 12 located in the historic district of Braintree, Massachusetts. Thayer students thrive in an environment distinguished by rigorous academics, a supportive culture, and a vibrant community. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 14, students and teachers work in an atmosphere of true academic collaboration. The Thayer curriculum strives to instill fundamental knowledge and study skills while stimulating intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Unique to the Academy is its Independent Science Research (ISR) Program, a Grade 11 elective, which introduces students to actual research in scientific laboratories in the Boston area with the goal of working in a lab for six to eight weeks during the summer. Another curriculum highlight is the Academy’s Global Scholars Program, which promotes greater awareness of and engagement in global issues by combining interdisciplinary academic learning with application to real-world experiences. Students who successfully complete all of the program requirements are recognized as Thayer Academy Global Scholars at graduation. The Academy’s schedule is structured so that 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. 745 Washington Street | Braintree, Massachusetts 02184 | 781-843-3580 www.thayer.org In 2019 Thayer unveiled a new sports center as well as a new computer science and robotics wing. This spring the Academy broke ground on a construction project to transform the school’s Middle School campus in time for the fall of 2022. Easily accessible from public transportation, Thayer also offers customized bus routes from Boston, MetroWest, and the South FoundedShore.in1877 by the bequest of General Sylvanus Thayer, Thayer Academy's mission is to inspire a diverse community of students to moral, intellectual, aesthetic, and physical excellence so that each may rise to honorable achievement and contribute to the common good. For more information, please visit www. thayer.org or call 781.843.3580.
Thayer Academy
Be creative and inquisitive! At Acera, a K-10 STEAM school, we love questions. Our students learn by tapping into their intrinsic motivation to inquire about the world around them. Our innovative program includes individual learning plans, ability-based math, hands-on units in our life sciences lab, and creative electives in computing, philosophy, social sciences, and the arts, providing a runway that truly fits each child's interests and potential.
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED Guide to Private Schools
Acera School: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity, and Leadership 5 Lowell Avenue Winchester, Massachusetts 01890 www.aceraschool.org781-729-3489
Boston-area families choose Wellan for both educational excellence and our warm, inclusive community. Wellan’s preschool, elementary, and middle school programs each placed first as a Boston Parents “Family Favorite” in 2021.
Join us at one of Acera's upcoming virtual and in-person Parent Information Sessions. Dates and details are online at aceraschool.org/admissions
www.wellan.org617-969-4488
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Wellan Montessori School 80 Crescent Avenue Newton Centre, Massachusetts 02459
Empower. Register for an info session at wellan.org Need-based financial assistance is available.
Wellan students benefit from the unique balance of freedom and responsibility offered by the school’s Montessori-Progressive curriculum, which promotes both individually-paced academic progress and collaborative project-based learning. Graduates demonstrate strong executive function skills that enable them to succeed at Greater Boston’s top public and independent schools. Empathy, community service, innovation, and social justice are emphasized throughout the Inspire.curriculum.Challenge.
League School of Greater Boston Boston Providence Highway Walpole, Massachusetts 02032 www.leagueschool.org508-850-3900
For more than fifty years, League School of Greater Boston has remained committed to helping children and young adults, ages 3-22, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by teaching them the skills they need to be as independent as they possibly can in all aspects of their lives: social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and Wevocational.upholdthis mission through three distinct programs designed to teach social, academic, behavior and community-life skills based on a student's age and ability. Each program includes: content area academics (reading, math, science and social studies); full array of services (social pragmatics, communications, sensory integration, occupational therapy and behavior therapy); adapted physical education, art, music, culinary arts, daily living skills, community field trips and vocational training.
www.austinprep.org781-944-4900
“At Austin Prep, we are on a journey that is lifechanging and important,” says head of school James Hickey, Ph.D. “Our patron, St. Augustine, embarked on a journey for the truth. At our core is an institution on the same journey, committed to exemplary teaching and learning.”
An Austin Prep education is preparation for the journey of life. The school’s mission is “to inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.” It’s not the formal curriculum, however, that prepares students to go the distance. It’s the unwritten curriculum of veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, love) that Austin Prep imprints on the hearts of graduates that guides them on their inner journey.
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The school’s academic program for young men and women covers seven years, from grade 6 through grade 12, and because of this extended time shared with students, the school has the ability to offer wide-ranging opportunities for academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth at critical stages of a student’s adolescent development.
Austin Preparatory School 101 Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Willow
BostonParentsPaper.com 37 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
At SELA, we provide each child with a unique and personal learning experience. Every student will receive a full immersion education of the highest academic quality, through an engaging immersion curriculum which inspires and motivates them to strive for knowledge and understanding and prepares them for challenging, higher level work. SELA students will grow to be bilingual, globally competent SELAcitizens.isproud to offer the School of Early Global Education for children ages 3 months to 5 years. The Elementary School is for children in Kindergarten through grade 6. Both schools are located in our bright, friendly and safe 20,000 square foot facility, situated in the beautiful Shipyard area of Hingham.
Lesley Ellis School serves preschoolers through eighth graders in a community that celebrates diversity and is defined by respect for all. From the moment students enter the iconic orange Lesley Ellis doors they know what it means to belong; to be accepted; and to be challenged. Every student’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth is nurtured and expertly guided at Lesley Ellis.
Lesley Ellis School
Arlington, MA
www.lesleyellis.org781-641-134602474
At SELA, we are Creative; Confident; Bilingual. SELA: The International Private School
• an arts program that exposes children to the vast canvas of creative expression available to them;
• a schoolwide Spanish program, beginning in the earliest years;
34 Winter Street
The faculty at Lesley Ellis are committed and enthusiastic and infuse each student’s experience with meaning and joy.
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75 Sgt William B Terry Drive Hingham, Massachusetts 02043
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED Guide to Private Schools
www.suescuela.com781-741-5454
The robust and flexible academic program allows faculty to meet individual needs of students, while simultaneously developing foundational social and emotional skills. The Lesley Ellis School program includes:
• an award-winning anti-bias curriculum that informs all aspects of the Lesley Ellis experience and reminds students that they are part of a larger global community which requires an ever-growing need for understanding and mindfulness.
BostonParentsPaper.com 39 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
British International School of Boston 416 Pond Street Boston, MA www.bisboston.org617.522.226102130
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON
Welcome & Willkommen!
German International School Boston (GISB) is a bilingual independent school serving students from preschool to grade 12. They strive to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. GISB is part of a worldwide network of 140 officially recognized International German Schools, allowing the school to award the German International Abitur. This prestigious honors-level diploma is recognized at European and American colleges and universities as an academic distinction. Whether you are looking for a bilingual preschool or want to benefit from the rich and rigorous German curriculum in elementary to high school, GISB strives to ignite each student’s intellectual and creative potential, preparing students for shaping our common future. GISB has no prior language requirements for preschool and kindergarten and offers a dedicated program for students entering grades 1 to 5 with little or no German knowledge. Contact admissions@gisbos.org to schedule a
57 Holton Street Boston, Massachusetts 02134 www.gisbos.org617-783-2600
SchoolGermantour!InternationalBoston
Your child can create their future. Let that journey begin at BISB, where your child will achieve more than you ever thought possible. At BISB, students from 18 months through 18 years of age are provided opportunities and experiences they simply cannot get anywhere else. As a member of Nord Anglia Education (NAE), a global family of premium schools, BISB provides our students with enriched curricula through collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. Through NAE’s Global Campus activities, your child can participate in international performing arts festivals and sports competitions, as well as service-learning projects and expeditions in Tanzania and Switzerland. Through personalized learning, support and challenge, our extraordinary teachers nurture the individual strengths of each student. Our international curricula, culminating with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), will enable your child to stand out to the world’s top universities and create their future.
A NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION SCHOOL
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The Chestnut Hill School educates students in a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community where learning is infused with meaning, purpose, and joy. Believing students do their best when they feel a sense of belonging, we build caring relationships and a strong home-school partnership. At The Chestnut Hill School, our mission to educate children is deeply rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and community. As leaders in early childhood and elementary education, we believe these three pillars are interconnected and create a diverse community of intellectually curious, culturally competent and self-empowered individuals who embrace challenge, lead by example, change the conversation.
Waldorf School of Lexington 739 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington, Massachusetts 02420 www.thewaldorfschool.org781-863-1062
WSL prepares students for a lifetime of joyful, self-directed learning. Above all, WSL is a school where each child is seen, known, and loved. And that can change the world. For more information or to schedule a virtual tour, visit thewaldorfschool.org.
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED Guide to Private Schools
WALDORF SCHOOL of Lexington ANNIVERSARY 5th
The Waldorf School of Lexington (WSL) serves students from preschool and kindergarten through grade 8 on a historic campus, adjacent to the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land. The Waldorf curriculum is carefully mapped to children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical developmental stages—including creative free play in preschool and kindergarten, providing an unhurried school experience. The school’s educational philosophy and culture instill in students respect for themselves, for each other, and the confidence to engage in a changing world.
The Chestnut Hill School 428 Hammond Street Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467 617-566-4394www.tchs.org
St. Mary of the Assumption School is a richly diverse Catholic community serving students in grades Pre-K through Eight. We are dedicated to providing each child with a strong foundation academically, socially and spiritually.
We strive to create an environment that is characterized by living faith, achieving excellence and acting responsibly.
St. Mary of the Assumption School
In addition to religious instruction, the school challenges students to gain mastery in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies by fostering inquiry, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Teachers develop and support awareness of the connections between subjects by providing opportunities for student projects and presentation with a core belief that the curriculum should be integrated and reflect life experiences. All St. Mary’s students are encouraged to work cooperatively with respect for one another as they experience the excitement that accompanies new learning.
67 Harvard Street Brookline, Massachusetts 02445
www.stmarys-brookline.org617-566-7184
161 Garden
At Cambridge Montessori School, we partner with our diverse community, using authentic Montessori principles, to reveal each child’s innate love of learning and prepare our children to thrive in a complex Cambridgeworld.Montessori School was founded in 1963 to foster a love of learning and to educate children to be caring, socially responsible citizens of their community and world. The educational and supplemental care programs at CMS involve children from twenty-one months through grade 8 in four different programs: Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Middle School. CMS seeks to educate the whole child, applying the Montessori philosophy, in a familyoriented environment. The philosophy is based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) whose holistic vision of education focuses on the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of the child. For Dr. Montessori, and for CMS, education is preparation for life. Cambridge Montessori School - Work the Mind. Reveal the Child. Unleash the Potential.
BostonParentsPaper.com 41 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
Cambridge Montessori School Street Cambridge, MA
www.cambridgemontessori.org617-492-341002138
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED to Private Schools
42 Guide
The Newman School curriculum and community is intentionally designed to meet every student's academic, social and emotional needs. Our students are critical thinkers, who are able to apply their learning across subjects and into their everyday worlds.
Tremont School is a metro-Boston private day school for grades 5-12 and Post Graduates located in Concord, MA. Founded in 2011, Tremont is a small educational community where students are the leaders in their academic journey. At Tremont School, our curriculum is individualized so that students have agency in their academic journey. Our teachers appreciate Tremont students as both learners and individuals. Our students have diverse learning styles and may not have found success in a traditional school setting. We offer students the opportunity to be authentically themselves while exploring their interests. The decision to attend Tremont has radically changed the school experience for many of our families!
Newman School faculty bring expertise from all parts of the world; they hold advanced degrees from acclaimed universities and an experiential knowledge base that is unparalleled by any secondary school in our area. We understand every student is on a personal and developmental journey.
Newman students frequently engage in "our city classroom", in the Back Bay of Boston, the "education" city. The Boston Public Library is our resource center, the museums and universities are steps away and the T takes our classes to new opportunities that arise around one of the great cities of the world. They graduate prepared for success in college and in their lives beyond.
The Newman School’s motto, “Heart Speaks to Heart” is woven through all areas of school life. Relationships are at the core of who we are. Students develop through inquisitive academic exploration and social-emotional growth to become global contributors.
The Newman School 247 Marlborough Street Boston, MA www.newmanboston.org617.267.453002115
Tremont School 575 Virginia Road Concord, MA www.tremontschool.org781-235-480501776
TREMONT SCHOOL
www.fayerweather.org617-876-4746
Since 1990, The Sage School has served academically advanced education to gifted and talented students in grades Pre-K to 8. A private school located in Foxboro, MA, Sage provides the flexibility and challenges that gifted and talented students need—beyond what traditional schools
171 Mechanic St Foxboro, MA
Ourprovide.students explore foreign languages, humanities, the arts, science, computer science, and math in ways that allow them to make powerful connections. In a nurturing environment, students are challenged to strive, allowed to stumble, and guided to realize their full potential. The Sage School offers an academic program rooted in rich content, depth of study, intellectual rigor, and skills acquisition.
Fayerweather Street School
www.sageschool.org508-543-961902035
BostonParentsPaper.com 43 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
Founded in 1967, Fayerweather Street School in Cambridge is a PreK to grade 8 school with an emphasis on progressive education. We strive to help students connect with their own curiosity and find joy in learning. Our vibrant classrooms are filled with passionate teachers and engaged learners. We offer a thematic, project-based curriculum, challenging to social justice, and an antibias curriculum. We have a diverse student population, plus a co-teacher model with multiage classrooms. Our offerings include Spanish, music, art, woodshop, library, and physical education. We also have generous financial aid. Our students are confident, resourceful, and enthusiastic learners.
765 Concord Avenue Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
Ultimately, with a balanced approach to life and learning, Sage students confidently apply their gifts, creativity, and curiosity to the world beyond Sage. This year, students are learning in person on our campus in Foxboro or remotely online!
The Sage School
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED Guide to Private Schools
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Mission Grammar School is an urban, college prep Catholic School dedicated to reaching individual excellence in a faith-based community rooted in Gospel values. Founded in 1889, our school has been innovating and evolving in the tradition of individual excellence for over 130 years.
www.missiongrammar.org617.442.266002120
Mount Hope Christian School is a non-profit private school that has provided a quality Christian education to children from the many communities in and around the Burlington area since 1982. For 40 years, Mount Hope Christian School has been honored to partner with families in educating their children. Our staff brings a wealth of experience and love of teaching to the classroom. They are committed to helping your child achieve their individual potential and develop their spiritual character in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We feel that children should be developing in the following five areas: academically, socially, physically, emotionally, and, most importantly, spiritually. Mount Hope’s mission is to graduate Godly young men and women who are equipped with real-life skills to become future leaders.
Enrolling scholars beginning at 3 months through 6th grade, Mission Grammar educates the whole child: mind, body and spirit. We believe each scholar is Living the Gospel and on the Road to College! In 2020, six new classrooms were constructed in our St. Alphonsus Campus, including a STEM lab and our very own Mission Grammar Playground! Mission Grammar School 94 St Alphonsus Street Boston, MA
Mount Hope Christian School
44
3 McGinnis Drive Burlington, MA 01803 781.
www.mounthopeschool.org272.1014
BostonParentsPaper.com 45 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
Oak Meadow’s program is infused with the spirit of the classic Montessori experience while preparing students for the unique challenges of our time. Programs in nature-based learning, fine and performing arts, Spanish, and experiential learning build the foundation for a lifelong journey of intellectual and personal growth.
BRIMM R 1 880 INSPIRED TO LEARN ENCOURAGED TO EXPLORE EMPOWERED TO LEAD
69 Middlesex
They are guided, but not directed. There is freedom, yet intention. There is courtesy and kindness and also a strong sense of self. Real, relevant work demonstrates a steady continuum of progress.
Oak Meadow School 2 Old Pickard Lane Littleton, MA www.oakmeadow.org978.486.987401460
Brimmer and May School Road Chestnut Hill, MA www.brimmer.org617-566-746202467
Walk into any Oak Meadow classroom and you will immediately recognize that something special is going on. From toddlers through 8th graders, you will see quiet, independent investigators and enthusiastic collaborators—all with an intensity of focus and sense of purpose— all completely engaged.
Serving the Nashoba Valley region for nearly 45 years - come see why!
Brimmer and May is a PK–12, independent day school that fosters active learners, compassionate leaders, and ethical global citizens. The ideal size of our School allows for personalized instruction in a student-centered, project-based, learning environment. We’re big in terms of our ambitions for each student’s growth, academic achievements, and leadership skills. We’re broad in terms of our diversity, strengthened by a commitment to equity and anti-bias education. We’re huge in terms of the breadth, depth, and variety of curricular options and extracurricular opportunities. Yet we’re small enough to have a true feeling of connection with one another and to give everyone a chance not only to participate but to shine. Stop by our campus in Chestnut Hill and see why Brimmer just might be the perfect fit for your student. Visit an Open House event Oct. 18 – 23 to learn how our students are inspired to learn, encouraged to explore, and empowered to lead. Our week-long hybrid program includes Division-specific virtual sessions and on-campus tours.
School Campus Locations: 30 Fairfield Street 26 Exeter Street
Lexington Christian
Kingsley engages the mind, hands, and heart of each child to nurture resilient explorers, confident learners, and empathetic citizens. Serving children ages 2–12, Kingsley is located in two historic buildings in Back Bay. At Kingsley, we believe in each child’s deep capacity to learn and connect ideas and concepts through an integrated and expansive curriculum. We nurture an innate desire to be independent and engaged in meaningful and purposeful work—activity we see each day.
PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED
Since 1946, Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) has provided exceptional academic preparation, operating under the belief that faith and learning are inseparable and indispensable in a Christian education. We use our faith to build a stronger foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, curiosity, and a sincere quest for truth.
46 Guide to Private Schools
In addition to LCA's commitment to an excellent academic experience, is an equal commitment to an authentic and meaningful integration of faith into every aspect of learning. With weekly Chapel gatherings and connections to faith drawn in every classroom, LCA faculty take the work of spiritual formation seriously, seeking to develop faithful stewards and leaders of the emerging generation. Academy 48 Bartlett Avenue Lexington, MA 781-862-785002420www.lca.edu
Kingsley Montessori Boston, Massachusetts 02116
www.kingsley.org617-226-4900
Mixed-aged learning environments powerfully ignite and engage imagination and curiosity. Kingsley believes in connecting ideas, skills, and knowledge in new ways; thinking critically, collaboratively, and intelligently about your work. It’s about asking, not just answering, insightful questions. At Kingsley, we encourage students at every age to take responsibility for their own learning and learn by doing. Kingsley students graduate as independent, engaged learners who take a proactive approach to their own education.
BostonParentsPaper.com 47 PROFILESPRESCHOOL&SCHOOLFEATURED Preschools EnrollmentStud-FacGenderGradesRatio Affiliation / Notes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations LesleyArlingtonEllisSchool 34 Winter St. Arlington • (781) Seewww.lesleyellis.org641-1346pages9,38 PS2118:1Co-Ed8 Non Denominational $10,000FA$36,000Available NAIS, AISNE BritishBostonInternational School of Boston 416 Pond Street Boston • (617) Seewww.bisboston.org522-2261pages7,39 475Co-EdPK-12 Non Denominational $19,800FA$39,900Available NAEYC, CIS German International School Boston 57 Holton Street Boston • (617) Seewww.gisbos.org783-2600page39 2805:1Co-EdPS-12 German Schools Abroad $22,385FA$25,485Available AISNE, DAS, MINT Kingsley Montessori School 30 Fairfield Street • 26 Exeter Street Boston • (617) Seewww.kingsley.org226-4927pages25,46 3007:1Co-EdGradeToddler-6 Non Denominational FA$36,700$26,730–Available AMS, AISNE CES is a non-profit NAEYC accredited school where children learn through hands-on, openended experiences. We celebrate diversity, individuality, self-expression, and creativity and always have children and their families at the heart of what we do. We provide a warm, nurturing, and stimulating learning environment through the emergent curriculum approach which focuses on children's interests and curiosities. In addition, our unique after school Language Program offers immersion language classes in Mandarin, French, and Spanish for preschoolers from 3-6pm. We are firmly committed to anti-racist education, examining our assumptions and biases, and actively cultivating a sense of belonging for everyone.
School 80 Trowbridge Street Cambridge, MA www.cambridge-ellis.org617-354-001402138
Cambridge-Ellis
PRESCHOOLSFEATURED 48 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Preschools EnrollmentStud-FacGenderGradesRatio Affiliation / Notes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations Mission Grammar School 94 St Alphonsus Street Boston • (617) Seewww.missiongrammar.org442-2660pages21,44 InfantsGrade 6 30015:1Co-Ed Catholic $6,000$7,000 NEASC, NCEA Transportation Children’s Center 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3330 Boston • (617) http://www.transchildrencenter.org/973-8200 17VariesCo-EdPreKInfant- Non Denominational Varies NAEYC Accredited PineBrightonVillagePreschool 402 Western Avenue Brighton • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited St.BrooklineMaryofthe Assumption School 67 Harvard Street Brookline • (617) Seewww.stmarys-brookline.org566-7184pages19,41 550VariesCo-EdPreK-12 Catholic FA$10,530$7,500-Available NEASC MountBurlingtonHopeChristian School 3 McGinnis Drive Burlington • (781) Seewww.mounthopeschool.org272-1014pages23,44 15 months - Grade 5 305VariesCo-Ed Non Denominational FAVariesAvailable ACSI, EEC Cambridge-EllisCambridge School 80 Trowbridge Street Cambridge • (617) Seewww.cambridge-ellis.org354-0014page47 867:1Co-EdPreschool $14,500FA$46,000Available EEC, NAEYC Cambridge Friends School 5 Cadbury CambridgeRoad•(617) www.cambridgefriendsschool.org354-3880 1506.5:1Co-EdPreK-8 $28,212FA$37,271Available AISNE Cambridge Montessori School 161 Garden Street Cambridge • (617) Seewww.cambridgemontessori.org492-3410pages11,41 185Primary10:1Toddler4:1Co-EdPreK-8 Non Denominational $24,000FA$35,700Available AMS, AISNE, MSM, NAIS Fayerweather Street School 765 Concord Avenue Cambridge •(617) Seewww.fayerweather.org876-4746pages17,43 2065:1Co-EdPreK-8 Non Denominational $22,500FA$36,820Available AISNE , NAIS
PRESCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 49www.BostonParentsPaper.com Preschools EnrollmentStud-FacGenderGradesRatio Affiliation / Notes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations International School of Boston 45 Matignon Road Cambridge • (617) 499-1451 Seewww.isbos.orgpages25,42 5506:1Co-EdPS-12 Non FrenchDenominational FA$39,165$22,260-Available Ministère andAFSA,NEASC,nationale,l’éducationdeCIS,IBO,AEFE,MLF,AISNENAIS Chestnut Hill Brimmer and May School 69 Middlesex Road Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-7462 Seewww.brimmer.orgpage45 4006:1Co-EdPK-12 Non Denominational $36,750FA$56,000Available AISNE, EMA, AISAP, CASE, NEPSACNEASC, The Chestnut Hill School 428 Hammond Street Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-4394 Seewww.tchs.orgpage40 Age 3Grade 6 2555:1Co-Ed Non Denominational FAVariesAvailable AISNE, NAIS TheFoxboroSageSchool 171 Mechanic Street Foxboro • (508) Seewww.sageschool.org543-9619pages13,43 1636:1Co-EdPS-8th FA$30,000Available AISNE, NAIS SELA:HinghamTheInternational Private School 75 Sgt William B Terry Drive Hingham • (781) Seewww.suescuela.com741-5454pages19,38 Infant -6th 250VariesCo-EdGrade Non SpanishDenominational FAVariesAvailable Jamaica Plain Pine Village Preschool 8 Revere Street Jamaica Plain • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited Pine Village Preschool 57 South Street Jamaica Plain • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited LexingtonLexingtonMontessori School 130 Pleasant Street Lexington • (781) www.lexmontessori.org862-7323 Toddler8th 194VariesCo-Edgrade Non Denominational $21,225FA$33,615Available AMSAISNE
PRESCHOOLSFEATURED 50 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Preschools EnrollmentStud-FacGenderGradesRatio Affiliation / Notes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations Waldorf School of Lexington 739 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington • (781) Seewww.thewaldorfschool.org863-1062pages13,40 PS150VariesCo-Ed8th Non Denominational FA$28,000$7,000–Available NEASC, AWSNA, AISNE, NAIS OakLittletonMeadow School 2 Old Pickard Lane Littleton • (978) Seewww.oakmeadow.org486-9874pages23,45 ToddlersGrade 8 1724:1Co-Ed Montessori $15,000FA$24,000Available AMS, AISNE, NAIS WoodsideMillis Montessori Academy 350 Village Street Millis • (508) www.woodsideacademy.com376-5320 8010:1Co-EdPK-8 Non Denominational $6,500 for half day FA Available AMS, MSM PineNeedhamVillagePreschool 65 Fourth Street Needham • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited PineNewtonVillage Preschool 1326 Washington Street Newton • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited Newton Centre Wellan Montessori School 80 Crescent Avenue Newton Centre • (617) 969-4488 Seewww.wellan.orgpages9,36 315VariesCo-Ed8thToddler- Non Denominational $27,900 –FA$32,600Available AISNE, AMS Newton Highlands Pine Village Preschool 54 Lincoln Street Newton Highlands • (617) www.pinevillagepreschool.com416-7763 ToddlerVariesCo-EdPreK Non SpanishDenominational Varies Accredited SaintNorwoodCatherine of Siena School 249 Nahatan Street Norwood • (781) www.scsnorwood.org769-5354 27515:1Co-EdPS-8 Catholic FA$10,500$7,750-Available NEASC
PRESCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 51www.BostonParentsPaper.com Preschools EnrollmentStud-FacGenderGradesRatio Affiliation / Notes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations AdamsQuincyMontessori School 310 Adams Street Quincy • (617) www.adamsmontessori.org773-8200 120VariesCo-Ed6thToddler- $9,000 $17,000- AMI, AISNE, MSM VillageRoslindalePreSchool 25 Cummins Highway Roslindale • (617) www.vpsroslindale.com323-5141 8010:1Co-EdPS Non Denominational $14,300FA$22,100Available TheRoyalstonVillageSchool 253 S. Royalston Road Royalston • (978) www.villageschoolma.org249-3505 708:1Co-EdPS-6th Non Denominational $11,000$10,500-FAAvailable FourWatertownSeasonsPreschool and Kindergarten 15 Hall WatertownAvenue•(617) www.fourseasonspreschool.com923-4848 50VariesCo-EdInfant-K Non Denominational $24,000$12,000West Roxbury Holy Name Parish School 535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) www.holynameparishschool.org325-9338 28515:1Co-EdPS-6th Catholic $10,600 for Nursery NEASC, ABCSA TenderWestonLoving Care Childcare Center 101 River Road Weston • (781) Seewww.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com703-5088pages5,34 Infant - 7 Co-Edyrs Non Denominational FAVariesAvailable WhitinsvilleWhitinsvilleChristian School 279 Linwood Ave. Whitinsville • (508) www.whitinsvillechristian.org234-8211 5809:1Co-EdPreK-9th Christian FA$14,000$8,000-Available NEASC, CSI TenderWoburnLoving Care Childcare Center 23 Warren Avenue, Suite 180 Woburn • (781) Seewww.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com281-2983pages5,34 Infant - 7 Co-Edyrs Non Denominational FAVariesAvailable
52 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations Featured Private Day Schools ArlingtonArlingtonCatholic High School 16 Medford St Arlington • (781) www.achssas.org646-7770 43518:1Co-Ed9-12 Spanish,Catholic French, Italian, Latin FA$13750.00Available NEASC Lesley Ellis School 34 Winter St. Arlington • (781) Seewww.lesleyellis.org641-1346pages9,38 PS2118:1Co-Ed8 Non SpanishDenominational $10,000FA$36,000Available AISNENAIS BelmontBelmontHill School 350 Prospect Street Belmont • (617) www.belmonthill.org993-5220 Boys7-12 Only 4607:1 Non SpanishFrench,BoysDenominationalOnlyLatin, FA$52,000Available TheBeverlySaintsAcademy 111 New Balch Street Beverly • (978) www.saintsacademy.org922-0048 PK1809:1Co-Ed8 SpanishCatholic FA$7,990Available NEASC
SCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 53www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations BritishBostonInternational School of Boston 416 Pond Street Boston • (617) Seewww.bisboston.org522-2261pages7,39 475Co-EdPK-12 Non French,DenominationalSpanish $19,800FA$39,900Available CISNAEYC German International School Boston 57 Holton Street Boston • (617) Seewww.gisbos.org783-2600page39 2805:1Co-EdPS-12 German Schools German,Abroad English, French, Spanish $22,385FA$25,485Available AISNE, DAS, MINT Kingsley Montessori School 30 Fairfield Street 26 Exeter Street Boston • (617) Seewww.kingsley.org226-4927pages25,46 3007:1Co-EdGradeToddler-6 Non SpanishDenominational FA$36,700$26,730–Available AISNEAMS Mission Grammar School 94 St Alphonsus Street Boston • (617) Seewww.missiongrammar.org442-2660pages21,44 InfantsGrade 6 30015:1Co-Ed Catholic $6,000$7,000 NEASC, NCEA The Newman School 247 Marlborough Street Boston • (617) Seewww.newmanboston.org267-4530pages19,42 2158:1All7-12Gender Non LatinFrench,DenominationalSpanish, $28,000 Day FA Available AISNE, NEASC, NAIS, CSEE Park Street School 67 Brimmer Street Boston • (617) www.parkstreetschool.org523-7577 ToddlerGrade 6 250PS:5/1EL:10:1/Co-Ed SpanishChristian $10,300$30,700 AISNE, NAIS ThayerBraintreeAcademy 745 Washington Street Braintree • (781) 843-3580 Seewww.thayer.orgpages2,35 7066:1Co-Ed5-12 Latin, MandarinFrench,Spanish,andChinese $51,800FA$53,780Available NAIS, AISNE,NEASC,ISL MaimonidesBrooklineSchool 34 Philbrick Road Brookline • (617) www.maimonides.org232-4452 PS, 550VariesCo-EdK-12 Modern Orthodox Jewish SpanishHebrewSchoool-;PS-12-8-12 $22,280FA33,383Available St. Mary of the Assumption School 67 Harvard Street Brookline • (617) Seewww.stmarys-brookline.org566-7184pages19,41 550VariesCo-EdPreK-12 Spanish,Catholic (AfterschoolMandarinClub) FA$10,530$7,500-Available NEASC
SCHOOLSFEATURED 54 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations MountBurlingtonHopeChristian School 3 McGinnis Drive Burlington • (781) Seewww.mounthopeschool.org272-1014pages23,44 15 monthsGrade 5 305VariesCo-Ed Non Denominational FAVariesAvailable ACSI, EEC CambridgeCambridgeFriends School 5 Cadbury CambridgeRoad•(617) www.cambridgefriendsschool.org354-3880 1506.5:1Co-EdPreK-8 Spanish $28,212FA$37,271Available AISNE Cambridge Montessori School 161 Garden Street Cambridge • (617) Seewww.cambridgemontessori.org492-3410pages11,41 18510:14:1Co-EdPreK-8ToddlerPrimary Non SpanishDenominational $24,000FA$35,700Available AMS, AISNE, MSM, NAIS Fayerweather Street School 765 Concord Avenue Cambridge •(617) Seewww.fayerweather.org876-4746pages17,43 2065:1Co-EdPreK-8 Non English,DenominationalSpanish $22,500FA$36,820Available AISNE , NAIS International School of Boston 45 Matignon Road Cambridge • (617) 499-1451 Seewww.isbos.orgpages25,42 5506:1Co-EdPS-12 Non GermanSpanishFrench,DenominationalEnglish,and FA$39,165$22,260-Available Ministère NAISMLF,AEFE,NEASC,nationale,l’éducationdeCIS,IBO,AFSA,AISNEand Chestnut Hill Brimmer and May School 69 Middlesex Road Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-7462 Seewww.brimmer.orgpages45 4006:1Co-EdPK-12 Non andFrench,DenominationalSpanish,Mandarin $36,750FA$56,000Available AISNE, EMA, AISAP, NEASC,CASE,NEPSAC The Chestnut Hill School 428 Hammond Street Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-4394 Seewww.tchs.orgpage40 Age 3Grade 6 2555:1Co-Ed Non SpanishDenominational FAVariesAvailable AISNE, NAIS TremontConcordSchool 575 Virginia Road Concord • (781) Seewww.tremontschool.org235-4805pages42 506:1Co-Ed5-12 Non LinguisticsComparativeSpanish,Denominational $37,750FA$41,750Available AISNE, NEASC
SCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 55www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations NobleDedhamandGreenough School 10 Campus Drive Dedham • (781) www.nobles.edu326-3700 6306:1Co-Ed7-12 Non SpanishDenominational FA$58,100$52,300-Available AISNE, ISL TheDeerfieldBementSchool 94 Old Main Street Deerfield • (443) 850-4035 www.bement.org 22012:1Co-EdK-9 Non Chinese,French,DenominationalSpanish,Latin FA$64,900$18,600-Available AISNE, TABS, TEMA, JBSA, NAIS EpiphanyDorchesterSchool 154 Centre Street Dorchester • (857) www.epiphanyschool.com225-2367 203:1Co-Ed5-8 French, Chinese,Spanish,Latin CAll for Info. AISNE Saint Brendan School 29 Rita DorchesterRd • (617) www.stbrendanschool.org282-3388 PK-6th grade 21014:1Co-Ed Catholic $5,600FA$8,000Available NCEA, NEASC East Providence, RI The Wolf School 215 Ferris Avenue East Providence, RI • (401) 432-9940 Seewww.thewolfschool.orgpages25,46 654:1Co-EdK-8 Non SpecialDenominationalNeeds $60,100 MAAPS FalmouthFalmouthAcademy 7 Highfield Drive Falmouth • (508) www.falmouthacademy.org/457-9696 22012:1Co-Ed7-12 German, French, Spanish, and a Latin club FA$32,355Available NAIS, AATGCE,NEASC,MIAA TheFoxboroSageSchool 171 Mechanic Street Foxboro • (508) Seewww.sageschool.org543-9619pages13,43 1636:1Co-EdPS-8th Spanish, Latin FA$30,000Available AISNE, NAIS SELA:HinghamTheInternational Private School 75 Sgt William B Terry Drive Hingham • (781) Seewww.suescuela.com741-5454pages19,38 Infant -6th 250VariesCo-EdGrade Non Chinese,Spanish,DenominationalMandarinEnglish FAVariesAvailable
SCHOOLSFEATURED 56 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations Jamaica Plain Meridian Academy 54 Brookside Avenue Jamaica Plain • (617) www.meridianacademy.org277-1118 755:1Co-Ed6-12 Non Spanish,DenominationalFrench $50 FA$32,000-Available LexingtonLexingtonChristian Academy 48 Bartlett Avenue Lexington • (781) 862-7850 Seewww.lca.edupages21, 46 30010:1Co-Ed6-12 Non French,DenominationalSpanish FABoarding)(plus-$28,750$32,950Available NEASC, NAIS, AISNE, ACSI Lexington Montessori School 130 Pleasant Street Lexington • (781) www.lexmontessori.org862-7323 Toddler - 8th 194VariesCo-Edgrade Non SpanishDenominational $21,225FA$33,615Available AMSAISNE Waldorf School of Lexington 739 Massachusetts Avenue Lexington • (781) Seewww.thewaldorfschool.org863-1062pages13,40 PS150VariesCo-Ed8th Non ChineseSpanish,DenominationalMandarin FA$28,000$7,000–Available NEASC, AWSNA, AISNE, NAIS OakLittletonMeadow School 2 Old Pickard Lane Littleton • (978) Seewww.oakmeadow.org486-9874pages23,45 ToddlersGrade 8 1724:1Co-Ed SpanishMontessori $15,000FA$24,000Available AMS, AISNE, NAIS MontroseMedfieldSchool 29 North Street Medfield • (508) www.montroseschool.org/359-2423 Girls6-12 Only 2058:1 FrenchLatin,CatholicSpanish, FA$31,386Available National School of AISNENEASC,CharacterNAIS SamuelMiddleboroughFullerSchool 6 Plympton MiddleboroughStreet•(508) www.samuelfullerschool.org947-3217 7511:1Co-EdK-12 Classical Christian Latin FA$7,070$6,620-Available ACCS WoodsideMillis Montessori Academy 350 Village Street Millis • (508) www.woodsideacademy.com376-5320 9810:1Co-EdPK-8 Non SpanishDenominational $7,000 FA$14,000-Available AMS DelphiMiltonAcademy of Boston 564 Blue Hill Avenue Milton • (617) www.delphiboston.org333-9610 1255:1Co-EdK-8 Non SpanishDenominational FA$13,900Available AISNE
SCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 57www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations Milton Academy 170 Centre Street Milton • (617) www.milton.edu/k8898-2509 104714:1Co-EdK-12 Non SpanishDenominational $32,000 KBoardingUpper$61,920 Mount Hermon Northfield Mount Hermon 1 Lamplighter Way Mount Hermon • (413) 498-3000 www.nmhschool.org 6556:1Co-Ed9-12 Chinese, French, Latin, Spanish $44,880FA$66,810Available RCSNatickLearning Center 6 Strathmore Road Natick • (508) www.rcslearning.org650-5940 Ages 421:1Co-Ed3-22 Special Needs No cost acceptedif St.NeedhamSebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham • (781) 449-5200 www.stsebs.org Boys7-12 Only 3757:1 Independent School English,League Spanish, Latin FA$50,570Available AISNE, ISL, IBSC, RCAB,NAIS,SSATB, JacksonNewtonSchool 200 Jackson Road Newton • (617) www.jwpschools.org969-1537 3406:1Co-EdK-6 English,Catholic MandarinSpanish, FA$17,275Available AISNE, NAIS, NCEA Newton Country Day School 785 Centre Street Newton • (617) www.newtoncountryday.org244-4246 Girls5-12 Only 3958:1 English,Catholic French, Latin, MandarinSpanish, FA$56,150Available AISNE, NAIS, NCGS, NSHS Solomon Schechter Day School 60 Stein Circle Newton • (617) www.ssdsboston.org964-7765 40015:1Co-EdToddler-8th English,Jewish Hebrew, Spanish FA$30,000$20,000-Available AISNE Newton Centre Wellan Montessori School 80 Crescent Avenue Newton Centre • (617) 969-4488 Seewww.wellan.orgpages9,36 315VariesCo-EdToddler-8th Non SpanishDenominational $27,900 –FA$32,600Available AISNE, AMS TheNorthboroughFitzgeraldInstitute 261 Main NorthboroughStreet• (508) www.thefitzgeraldinstitute.org466-8486 407:1Co-EdPS-4th Non SpanishDenominational FA$14,000$9,000-Available DESE
SCHOOLSFEATURED 58 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations NorwoodNorwoodMontessori School 462 Walpole St Norwood • (818) www.NorwoodMontessoriSchool.com497-1698 858:1Co-EdPK-12th Non French,DenominationalSpanish $5,650 $16,700- MSM, AMS Saint Catherine of Siena School 249 Nahatan Street Norwood • (781) www.scsnorwood.org769-5354 27515:1Co-EdPS-8 SpanishCatholic FA$10,500$7,750-Available NEASC AdamsQuincyMontessori School 310 Adams Street Quincy • (617) www.adamsmontessori.org773-8200 120VariesCo-EdToddler-6th Spanish $9,000 $17,000- AMI, MSMAISNE, AustinReadingPreparatory School 101 Willow Street Reading • (781) Seewww.austinprep.org944-4900pages7,37 77510:1Co-Ed6-12 SpanishMandarinLatin,CatholicFrench,and FA$25,000Available NEASC SacredRoslindaleHeartSTEM School 1035 Canterbury Street Roslindale • (617) www.sacredheart-boston.org323-2500 19714:1Co-EdK-8 Spanish,Catholic Mandarin, Latin K-8: FAweekly$700Preschool:$7,400,Bi-Available TheRoyalstonVillageSchool 253 S. Royalston Road Royalston • (978) www.villageschoolma.org249-3505 708:1Co-EdPS-6th Non SpanishDenominational $11,000$10,500-FAAvailable FaySouthboroughSchool 48 Main SouthboroughStreet• (508) 490-8201 www.fayschool.org 4756:1Co-EdK-9 Non Denominational $26,200FA$44,630Available AISNE LeagueWalpoleSchool of Boston 300 Boston Providence Highway Walpole • (508) Seewww.leagueschool.org850-3900pages3,37 3-22 1054:1Co-EdYears Non Denominational Call for Info. DESE, NAPSECMAAPS,DEEC,
SCHOOLSFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 59www.BostonParentsPaper.com Private Schools Stud-FacGenderGradesRatioEnrollment Affiliation / LanguagesNotes TuitionAssistanceTuitionRange Accreditation/Associations JewishWatertownCommunity Day School 57 Stanley Ave Watertown • (617) www.jcdsboston.org972-1733 1606:1Co-EdK-8 EnglishJewish and Hebrew FA$35,000$30,000-Available AISNE, NAIS DanaWellesleyHallSchool 45 Dana WellesleyRoad•(781) www.danahall.org235-3010 Girls5-12 Only 4616:1 Non Mandarin,Spanish,DenominationalFrench,Latin FA$51,500Available NEASC, NCGS, NAIS, AISNE, TABS West Roxbury Holy Name Parish School 535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) www.holynameparishschool.org325-9338 28515:1Co-EdPS-6th SpanishCatholic $10,600 for NurseryGrade level tuition $7,895 NEASC, ABCSA TheWestonCambridge School of Weston 45 Georgian Road Weston • (781) 642-8650 www.csw.org/ 3106:1Co-Ed9-12 Non Denominational FA$54,000Available NEASC, NAIS, AISNE FirstWeymouthBaptistChristian School 40 West WeymouthStreet•(781) www.fbcsweymouth.org335-6232 12012:1Co-EdPK4-8 Christian $4,750FA$6,180Available ACSI WhitinsvilleWhitinsvilleChristian School 279 Linwood Ave. Whitinsville • (508) www.whitinsvillechristian.org234-8211 5809:1Co-EdPreK-9th SpanishChristian FA$14,000$8,000-Available NEASC, CSI Acera:WinchesterTheMassachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership 5 Lowell WinchesterAvenue•(781) Seewww.aceraschool.org729-3489pages11,36 1406:1Co-EdK-10 Non Denominational $28,900FA$30,900Available NotreWorcesterDameAcademy 425 Salisbury Street Worcester • (508) www.nda-worc.org757-6200 Girls7-12 Only 30012:1 French,Catholic Spanish, Latin FA$15,150$11,360-Available NEASC, NCEA
60 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com Boarding Schools BoardingStud-FacGenderGradesRatio/Day SpecialtyAffiliationProgramsNotes TuitionBoardingRangeTuitionAssistance Accreditation/Associations Applewild School 120 Prospect Street Fitchburg, MA • 978-342-6053 www.applewild.org 206/1Co-Ed5-9/275 Non Denominational FA$57,160Available AISNE, NAIS, TABS Bard Academy at Simon’s Rock 84 Alford Road Great Barrington, MA • 413-528-7228 www.bardacademy.simons-rock.edu 305/1Co-Ed9-10/15 Non Denominational FA$57,120Available AISNE, SBSA, TABS Berkshire School 245 North Undermountain Road Sheffield, MA • 413-229-1003 www.berkshire.org 3824/1Co-Ed9-12/37 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$66,200Available NEASC Cardigan Mountain School 62 Alumni Drive Canaan, NH • 603-523-3548 www.cardigan.org Boys6-9 Only 2074/1 / 26 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$67,700Available AISNE, ISANNE, JBSA, NEASCNAIS, Choate Rosemary Hall 333 Christian Street Wallingford, CT • 203-697-2239 www.choate.edu 6326/1Co-Ed9-12/235 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$61,760Available Cushing Academy 39 School Ashburnham,StreetMA • 987-827-7300 www.cushing.org 3586/1Co-Ed9-12/32 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$68,300Available NAIS, NEASC Featured Boarding Schools
580Co-Ed9-12/32 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$63,180Available CAIS, CSDE, NAIS, NEASC, TABS
Boys5-9 Only 10012/1/ 411 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$69,900Available AISNE, JBSA, NAIS, TABS
Weston
Non Denominational FA$66,700Available AISNE, TABS, TEMA, JBSA, NAIS
The Bement School 94 Old Main Street Deerfield, MA •443-774-4209 www.bement.org 4512/1Co-Ed3-9/151
Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$55,402Available NAIS, TABS St. Paul’s School 325 Pleasant Street Concord, NH • 603-229-4700 www.sps.edu 5355/1Co-Ed9-12/0 Episcopal FA$62,000Available
School
The Fessenden 250 Waltham Street West Newton, MA • 617-964-5350 www.fessenden.org
School
The Hotchkiss 11 Interlaken Road Lakeville, CT • 860-435-3102 www.hotchkiss.org
The Cambridge School of 45 Georgian Road Weston, MA • 781-642-8650 www.csw.org
SCHOOLSBOARDINGFEATURED Guide to Private Schools | Boston Parents Paper 61www.BostonParentsPaper.com Boarding Schools BoardingStud-FacGenderGradesRatio/Day SpecialtyAffiliationProgramsNotes TuitionBoardingRangeTuitionAssistance Accreditation/Associations Dana Hall School 45 Dana Wellesley,RoadMA • 781-489-1331 www.danahall.org Girls9-12 Only 1656/1 / 319 Non Denominational FA$65,850Available AISNE, NAIS, NCGS, NEASC, TABS Deerfield Academy 7 Boyden Lane Deerfield, MA • 413-774-1400 www.deerfield.edu 5706/1Co-Ed9-12/78 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$58,050Available Fay School 48 Main Southborough,Street MA • 508-490-8201 www.fayschool.org 6/1Co-Ed7-9 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$67,690Available AISNE Lexington Christian Academy 48 Bartlett Avenue Lexington, MA • 781-862-7850 www.lca.edu See pages 21, 46 6/1Co-Ed8-12 SummerChristian Programs $56,500FA$63,300Available ACSI, CSI, NAIS, NEASC Milton Academy 170 Centre Street Milton, MA • 617-898-2509 www.milton.edu 3555/1Co-Ed9-12/355 Non Denominational FA$64,800Available NEASC Northfield Mount Hermon School One Lamplighter Way Mount Hermon, MA • 413-498-3227 www.nmhschool.org 5376/1Co-Ed9-12/118 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$66,810Available TABS, NEASC, NIPSA Phillips Academy Andover 180 Main Street Andover, MA • 978-749-4050 www.andover.edu 8606/1Co-Ed9-12/285 Non SummerDenominationalProgram FA$61,950Available NEASC Phillips Exeter Academy 20 Main Street Exeter, NH • 603-777-3437 www.exeter.edu 8605/1Co-Ed9-12/221
836/1Co-Ed9-12/227 Non Denominational FA$66,800Available NEASC
These local and national organizations offer information on a variety of educational options. Association of Independent Schools in New England 781-843-8440; aisne.org Provides services to members, including Massachusetts private schools, promotes educational leadership and offers an online directory of member schools. Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater Boston 617-965-7350; bje.org Central educational service agency for more than 100 schools or school units, youth groups, summer camps and adult education programs. Massachusetts Department of Education Information Services Providesdoe.mass.edu/infoservicesprofilesofMassachusetts public school districts, and data on enrollment, dropout rates and plans of high school graduates.
62 Boston Parents Paper | Guide to Private Schools www.BostonParentsPaper.com
Public and Private School Organizations
Montessori Schools of Massachusetts 508-789-6546; msmresources.org Explains the Montessori educa tion method and offers a list of Massachusetts Montessori schools. National Association of Independent Schools 202-973-9700; nais.org Provides a database of member schools
Massachusetts Home Learning Association Themhla.orgoldest statewide home school organization in Massachusetts is a sup port, information and advocacy group. Website offers resources on home schooling, support groups and more.
Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing interpreting,Servicesmass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/mcdhh617-740-1600;fordeafandhardofhearing,includingcasemanagementandtechnology.
Information on a private, Catholic education from educators and institu tions serving students in elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities.
MAAPS: Massachusetts Association of Approved Special Education Schools 781-245-1220; maaps.org MAAPS’ mission is to represent private special education schools in their goal of providing the highest quality education to students with special needs.
The State’s education website with information on special education, standardized testing, public schools and related topics.
Offers support and referrals to Massachusetts special needs advocates and provides special education workshops and training. plus tips for choosing and applying to a school, obtaining financial aid and more. National Catholic Educational Association 800-711-6232; ncea.org
Massachusetts Branch of the International Dyslexia Association 617-650-0011; massbranchida.org
Special Needs Advocacy Network 508-655-7999; spanmass.org
Provides recommended reading materials for parents of kids with dyslexia, conducts profes sional development workshops and more.
Federation for Children with Special Needs 617-236-7210; 800-331-0688 (in Mass.); fcsn.org Advocacy, resources and information for parents and professionals.
Special Needs Education Support Autism Society, Massachusetts 781-237-0272, ext. more.localoffersTheautism-society-massachusetts.org17;localchapterofthisnationalorganizationinformationonautismnewsandresearch,treatmentservices,acalendarofeventsand
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 781-338-3000; doe.mass.edu
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