PRIVATE SCHOOLS
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Why Consider a PRIVATE SCHOOL School ADMISSION EVENTS Calendar
BASIC TIMELINE for Applying to a Private School
FEATURED
SCHOOLS LISTINGS pg 19
Pediatric
Wesley Barton, DMD
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GREATER BOSTON PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS AVAILABLE!
The 2024/25 edition of The Greater Boston Private School Guide is available and is filled with information on how to help parents navigate the process of finding the best private school for their child. This guide has information on prioritizing what are the most important factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions
4 Tips to Keep Baby’s Safe During Sleep
By Adina Kisilinsky, Boston Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Department
October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, so we wanted to review what SIDS and safe sleep are, how to reduce risk for SIDS, and what parents can do to ensure safe sleep.
What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)
SUID is used to describe a sudden and unexpected death of a child under the age of 1 where the cause of death is not clear until after investigation. SIDS is an unexplained infant death occurring during sleep, often attributed to suffocation or entrapment causing lack of oxygen. SUID is a more general term which encompasses SIDS and any other deaths from unknown causes. While SIDS can occur any time during the first year of life, it is most common in infants up to 6 months. Infants are at risk for two primary reasons. First, their mobility is still very limited, so they are not able to free themselves if their face and airway becomes blocked with blankets or if they end up face down. Second, infants have an immature respiratory system and a slower arousal response to awaken and respond, meaning if they get too warm because they are sleeping too close to a parent or pillow, it can cause rebreathing carbon monoxide and they may not even wake up to cry out before it is too late.
How can we prevent SUID/SIDS?
There are 3,400 babies that die from a SUID related cause each year in the United States. Not all occurrences of SUID are preventable, however there are several steps parents and caregivers can take to significantly reduce a baby’s risk. One of the key elements is ensuring a safe sleep environment for your baby.
tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance and writing a great essay. Use the monthby-month calendar (also on page 34 of the October Magazine) to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www.BostonParentsPaper. com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
Here are 4 things you can do to make sure your baby is sleeping safe:
1Crib:
Make sure your baby’s crib has a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Never use blankets, pillows, or bumper pads and make sure nothing is covering the baby’s head. The crib should also be free of small objects that the baby could get near or in their mouth, such as toys or stuffed animals
2Position: Your baby should always sleep lying flat on their back until at least 1 year of age. Do not prop them on their side or place them face down.
3
Sleepwear: Dress your baby appropriately for the weather, do not overdress them. Additionally, only dress the baby in a wearable blanket, onesie, or other sleep clothing for infants.
4
Room Environment: Babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair; neither alone nor with someone. Babies should always sleep in a crib or bassinet, not in bed with the parents or caregivers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room sharing for the first 6 months, but never bed sharing between a baby and their parents or caregivers. Instead, bring the crib or bassinet into the room.
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ONLINE SCHOOL ADMISSION EVENTS CALENDAR
What better way to keep track of all the preschool and private school’s admission events than this handy tool! With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on www.BostonParentsPaper.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on www.BostonParentsPaper.com
Play It Safe This Winter
• Electric space heaters are a leading cause of fires. They should be placed on flat, noncombustible, non-carpeted surfaces and at least three feet from anything flammable. Never leave them unattended or use them where children play or sleep.
• Avoid hypothermia – an abnormally low body temperature. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, lethargy, pale and cold skin, confusion and slowed breathing. In infants, symptoms include bright red and cold skin and lethargy. Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms and attempt to warm the child up by removing wet clothing and replacing it with warm clothing on the trunk, groin, neck and head. To avoid shock, don’t place the child in warm water or apply direct heat.
• Make sure sledding hills are free of trees and fences, and that they are far from busy roads, not too crowded, well lit, well covered in snow and have a flat runoff.
• Check sleds to make sure there are no sharp edges or cracks. Make sure children can steer them; avoid using snow disks and tubes.
• Wear a multi-sport or winter helmet for all winter sports.
• Children under age 16 should never operate a snowmobile, and kids under age 5 should never ride a snowmobile, even with an adult operating it
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Your Child with Special Needs
Check out the latest edition of Your Child with Special Needs which is filled with information on how to help kids with special needs thrive with valuable local resources and support groups. Available online at www. BostonParentsPaper. com – just click on the cover of Your Child with Special Needs in the “Our Magazines” tab.
Kitchen Safety
The kitchen can be one of the most joyful rooms in the home. It is the place for family dinners, birthday celebrations and after school snacks. Unfortunately, the kitchen is also one of the most dangerous rooms of the home due to the occurrence of unintentional injuries. Burns from the stove, scalds, cuts from sharp knives and the accidental ingestion of cleaning supplies are all injuries to be aware of while in the kitchen. With the presence of kids in the home, it is important to be educated on kitchen safety. Thankfully, 90% of injuries can be prevented. Here are some ways to keep kids safe in the kitchen:
Supervision: The best way to prevent kids from being injured in the kitchen is to supervise them, or not let them into the kitchen at all. Make sure you set clear rules like, 1) Do not enter the kitchen without an adult, 2) No touching the stove or oven 3) No touching the knives and 4) Always wash your hands. If your kids would like to help out in the kitchen, some safe tasks they can assist the cook with include: setting the table, rinsing produce, stirring ingredients and shucking corn.
Burn Prevention: When cooking, it’s important to use the burners towards the back of the stove first. Back burners are the safest because they are out of reach of young children. When using pots and pans, be sure to turn the handles inwards to make sure little ones cannot reach and pull the pots or pans off the stove and burn themselves. Never let you kids play with pots and pans for fun, because they may confuse them as toys when they’re hot on the stove. Stove top guards can be used to help prevent kids from touching hot objects.
Poison Prevention: Accidental ingestion is another cause for injury within the kitchen. Most families keep cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink. Cleaning supplies, such as Tide Pods or Clorox, smell good and can come in attractive colors, appearing to be juice or candy that kids want to eat. Be sure to use a child-resistant lock to prevent your child from accessing. If your child has ingested a potentially toxic chemical, always call your local Poison Control Center.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your budding chef safe from injury.
Festival of Lights
This year the first night of Hanukkah starts on December 25, ending at sundown on January 2, 2025. The holiday always begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but never falls on the same day each year on the Gregorian calendar. Hanukkah, the Hebrew word for “dedication,” is also known as the Festival of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees.
By Alyson Gregory
Pamela S. Milman, Esq.
Daniel Mikolajewski, Esq.
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999 Broadway, Suite 301
Saugus, MA 01906
Phone: 781.231.IDEA (4332)
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Is there anything more magical than a bakery during the holiday season?
Bakers and pastry chefs shine bright this most wonderful time of year, cueing their most delectable holiday treats and traditions so you can provision all your parties, big and small (including the pajama kind!). Check out these local sweet spots for treats of all shapes and sizes decked out for every feast on your calendar!
Bova’s
Legendary North End Bova’s bakery keeps their doors open 24 hours a day so you can satisfy your sweetest cravings morning, noon, and night! From just bread and coffee in 1926 to flourishing, full-scale bakery, three generations have perfected authentic Italian baking so you can bring everyone’s favorite treats home for the holidays. Want to start a new tradition? Serve the more cream than cake individual Tiramisu cups for an unexpected holiday dessert—just-voted #1 in the country by Phantom Gourmet! Bova’s understands that holidays should truly be filled with cookies— and turns out thousands of assorted holiday offerings including Italian specialty Anise snowballs, Pistachio Macaroons, and Amaretto orange cream filled delights, perfect anytime, anywhere. Get festive with an edible display of Red Velvet whoopie pies or Strawberry Brick cake along with pastries galore. Finally, swap the Peppermint Stick ice cream feast for a
peppermint-filled cannoli platter and challenge the family to a guessing game of how many different ways you can fill a cannoli at Bova’s! Tired of cooking? Order hot and cold prepared food made on location and lay out the freshest-ingredient party subs (up to 6-feet of sandwich) for a wellrounded Italian holiday. And don’t forget the famed Arancini or Rice Balls! Boston, www. bovabakeryboston.net
Ginger Betty’s Bakery
You may have guessed from the name what makes this bakery so sweet—and if it was gingerbread, you’d be right! Sugar and spice and everything nice celebrates its 25th holiday season at Ginger Betty’s bakery in Quincy where the magic of gingerbread comes to life. Celebrate the season with old-fashioned, melt-in-yourmouth ginger snaps and a festive collection of decadent holiday cookies showcasing mittens, ornaments, stockings, snowmen and more! Have a family gingerbread decorating tradition? Skip the store-bought package this year and pick up Betty’s favorite cookie kits and assembled DIY gingerbread houses complete with frosting bags and extra candy for eating for a sweet stay-athome activity. Spread the ginger joy and order holiday gift baskets for friends brimming with goodies in the spirit of Ginger Betty’s motto: Sharing Cookies, Making Friends! Curbside pickup, shipping, and local delivery. Quincy, www.gingerbettys.com
Georgetown Cupcake
Enchant all creatures great and small with a dazzling array of holiday cupcakes almost too pretty to eat from specialty bakeshop Georgetown Cupcake. From Hanukkah to New Year’s, these designer beauties will be the crown jewels of all your seasonal celebrations and the most delightful gift for all of your helpers near and far! Ever wonder what Santa’s or Mrs. Claus’ favorite dozen are? Order the December 2020 specialty assortments and find out! Can you guess whose features the ‘Reindeer Munch Crunch’ cupcakes with peppermint chocolate ganache centers and white chocolate buttercream frosting topped with crushed peppermint? And what does chocolate eggnog taste like? Joy to the world for Boston’s own Newbury’s Christmas Collection Dozen and the Winter Wonderland Dozen shimmering and glimmering with sanding sugar and icy blue and white snowflake fondant decorations—possibly even better than visions of sugarplums...Order online or
Flour Bakery + Cafe
Is this the year of the Chocolate Buche de Noel? Whether it’s the debut or a longstanding family tradition, make it your standout holiday centerpiece with Flour’s famed flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse covered in ganache and decorated with meringue mushrooms and figs covered in chocolate, cocoa nibs, and fresh cranberries. Want to delight your kids? Order the playful melting snowman cookies decorated with a marshmallow head to look like they’re melting and check out this years’ baking kits as part of Joanne’s Flour Love IG Live series for a holly jolly family activity (melted snowman cookies included). Give yourself a housewarming with morning treats and trimmings and sides on your big day—after all you are truly the host with the most this year! Gift packages, pickup, and delivery options online. Boston, www.flourbakery.com
via the Georgetown Cupcake App; Contactless pick-up, delivery, and overnight nationwide shipping. Boston, georgetowncupcake.com a Alyson Young Gregory is a native New Yorker, and Bostonbased freelance writer, mother, and Holistic Health Educator specializing in Ayurveda. She loves finding local treasures to share with our community.
Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., Esq fmisilo@fletchertilton com
Anne E. Grenier, Esq. agrenier@fletchertilton.co Dani N. Ruran , Esq. druran@fletchertilton
8 Ways to Have a Debt-Free Holiday
Ithappens earlier and earlier every year.
The holiday music starts playing at the start of November, and the stores have holiday items out before Halloween is even over. AND THE COMMERCIALS FOR TOYS! That’s when I really start to feel anxious. And what will we get for our relatives this year? How will we show our appreciation for people like teachers and daycare providers without burning up our credit card? Don’t worry … here’s some help!
By Kerrie McLoughlin
1Have a plan.
Yes, this means using that dirty word: budget. I set up a budget in Excel every year and love it because I can easily set formulas to add and subtract for me. This way I can play with numbers to see how much I actually have available to spend on each person on my shopping list. If doing a budget in Excel isn’t your thing, head to www.homeeverafter.com/christmasshopping-list-planner-budget-spreadsheet-free-printable for a free downloadable and printable holiday budget planner.
2
Rack up the credit card reward points, but only if you can handle it.
If your credit card has a rewards program where you can get gift cards based on how much money you put on your credit card, use it. Caution: you must be able to pay off every cent you put on by the due date. If you don’t have it budgeted, don’t spend it. I’m able to earn a few hundred dollars’ worth of gift cards for holiday spending every year using this system, which I can then use to shop or just give the gift card as a gift itself. If you go to http://www.creditcards.com/reward.php, they compare the top credit card reward programs for you.
3Rack up the MyPoints.
I’ve been a member of www.MyPoints.com for many years and have earned gift cards not only by reading emails (5 points each), but by sometimes spending money with certain merchants they support. I’m quickly working toward saving up 10,000 MyPoints, which will equal $50 cash in my PayPal account. The bonus is that I use my credit card to purchase gifts I would have bought anyway, so I double my holiday earning power.
4 Make it yourself!
Gifts in a jar (www.TipJunkie.com/jar-homemade-gifts), like cookie, cake, pie and drink mixes and other homemade treats always go over well, and they are cheap to make! Put them in reusable containers, and you’ve gone green, as well!
5Give up on trying to impress.
Sure, the mailman would dig a $100 gift card to a local restaurant, and your sitter would love a $100 iTunes card, but you probably can’t afford that or you wouldn’t be reading this article. Do what you can and let people appreciate you for who you are!
6 Sell stuff.
Getting rid of your clutter not only makes you money, but it also makes room for incoming holiday gifts. You can sell books, toys, clothes, movies, music and more at consignment shops, www.Craigslist.com or even throw a garage sale if you’re really feeling industrious!
7Buy used.
Now that your “trash” is going out of your house, you can find “treasure” at thrift shops, consignment shops, garage sales, www.Craigslist.com, www.Amazon.com and www.eBay.com. What a great way to save at least 50% on items you’re looking for.
8Buy nothing!
To stay out of debt, consider not buying a gift for your spouse and letting him or her know you want nothing but to live a debt-free life full of security and hope for the future. If you just can’t stomach that, it can be a fun time trying to find something for each other on a $10 budget each!
A love poem is free and goes a long way in my house. a Kerrie McLoughlin blogs at TheKerrieShow.com about her roller coaster ride life homeschooling 5 kids.
Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child Private Schools
THE PUBLISHERS OF BOSTON PARENTS MAGAZINE TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, FROM START TO FINISH. The following articles are excerpts from the 2024/25 Annual Private School Guide, covering “Why Consider a Private School” and “Private School Search Timeline” from the award-winning guide. The complete 2024/25 Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process of selecting a school with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing, testing, and essay writing as well as the ins-and-outs of financial assistance. Also included are school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools, listed by city. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler! Access your copy today of this free resource at BostonParentsPaper.com and tap on “Our Magazines” button.
Why Consider a Private School?
Many parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. While public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS can point to low student-teacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, travel opportunities and art that can be underfunded in public schools. Private schools are often wellequipped with current educational technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.
BOSTON
School Admission Events
The Advent School
Curriculum Highlight
December 10, 2024
Families of Color Playdate
December 14, 2024 15 Brimmer Street www.adventschool.org
British International School Open House
December 4, 2024 @ 9:30 am 416 Pond St www.bisboston.org
British Trinity School Coffee Mornings
December 4, 2024 @ 9:00 am
January 8, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 22, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 29, 2025 @ 9:00 am 17 Hale St www.bostontrinity.org
German International School
Virtual Info Night Grades 5-8
December 3, 2024 @ 8:30 am
January 9, 2025 @ 8:30 am 57 Holton St gisbos.org
Kingsley Montessori School Open House
December 5, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 30 Fairfield St & 26 Exeter St www.kingsley.org
Learning Project Elementary Open House
December 12, 2024 @ 8:30 am
January 9, 2025 @ 8:30 am 107 Marlborough St www.learningproject.org
The Newman School Virtual Open House
December 4, 2024 @ 6:00 pm 247 Marlborough St www.newmanboston.org
Torit Montessori School Open House
December 11, 2024 @ 8:30 am
January 14, 2025 @ 8:30 am
January 23, 2025 @ 4:30 pm 300 Cambridge St www.toritschool.org
CAMBRIDGE
Fayerweather Street School
Prospective Parent Mornings
December 9, 2024 @ 8:30 am 765 Concord Ave www.fayerweather.org
CHESTNUT HILL
Brimmer and May School
Walk-in-Wednesdays
December 4, 2024 @ 8:30 am
Student Life Virtual Panel
December 4, 2024 @ 7:00 pm 69 Middlesex Rd www.brimmer.org
DEDHAM
Dedham Country Day School
Open House
January 23, 2025 @ 8:30 am 90 Sandy Valley Rd www.dedhamcountryday.org
The Rashi School Info Session
January 15, 2025 @ 6:30 pm 8000 Great Meadow Rd www.rashi.org
EAST SANDWICH
Riverview School
In-Person Information Sessions
December 6, 2024 @ 10:00 am
December 13, 2024 @ 10:00 am
January 10, 2025 @ 10:00 am
January 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am Virtual Information Sessions
December 18, 2024
January 15, 2025
January 29, 2025 551 Route 6A www.riverviewschool.org
FALMOUTH
Falmouth Academy
Martha Vineyard Info Session
December 10, 2024 @ 4:00 pm Info Session
February 5, 2024 @ 9:30 am 7 Highfield Dr www.falmouthacademy.org
FOXBOROUGH
The Foxborough Regional Charter School Elementary School
Open House
January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 35 Commercial St ww.enrollfoxboroughrcs.org
The Foxborough Regional Charter School Middle/High School Open House
January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 131 Central St ww.enrollfoxboroughrcs.org
LEXINGTON
Cotting School
Information Sessions
January 17, 2025 @ 9:00 am
February 7, 2025 @ 9:00 am
March 14, 2025 @ 9:00 am 453 Concord Avenue ww.cotting.org
Lexington Christian Academy
Open House
December 18, 2024 @ 8:00 am 48 Bartlett Ave www.lexingtonchristian.org
Waldorf School of Lexington
Friday Morning Tours
December 6, 2024 @ 8:30 am 5 Lowell Ave thewaldorfchool.org
MILLIS
Woodside Montessori Academy Open House
January 26, 2025 @ 12:00 pm
Prospective Parent Teatime
December 18, 2024 @ 9:30 am
January 22, 2025 @ 9:30 am 350 Village St https://woodsideacademy.com
NATICK
Riverbend School
Walk & Talk Wednesdays
December 5, 2024 @ 9:00 am
January 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 26, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 29, 2025 @ 9:00 am 33 Eliot St riverbendschool.org
NEWTON
The Fessenden School
A View Inside
December 10, 2024 @ 7:30 pm
First Looks PreK - Grade 4
December 2, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
December 9, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
First Looks Grades 5-6
December 3, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
December 10, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
First Looks Grades 7-9
December 4, 2024 @ 10:30 am
December 11, 2024 @ 10:30 am
Third Thursdays
December 19, 2024 @ 8:30 am 250 Waltham St www.fessenden.org
Wellan Montessori School
Open House Age 15 months - Grade 3
April 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am 80 Crescent Ave www.wellan.org
READING
Austin Prep
Middle School Open House
March 6, 2025 @ 9:00 am 101 Willow St www.austinprep.org
SOUTHBOROUGH
Fay School
Classroom Visit Days
December 5, 2024 @ 10:00 am
Virtual Info Sessions
Kindergarten
December 10, 2024 @ 1:00 pm
April 10, 2025 @ 1:00 pm
Boarding Students
January 7, 2025 @ 2:00 pm
48 Main St www.fayschool.org
WELLESLEY
Dana Hall School
Co-Curricular Open House
December 10, 2024 @ 5:30 pm
Virtual Middle School Preview
January 8, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 45 Dana Rd www.danahall.org
Tenacre Country Day School
Fireside Chat with Head of School
January 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
January 23, 2025 @ 7:00 pm 78 Benvenue St www.tenacrecds.org
WEST ROXBURY
The Roxbury Latin Information Sessions
December 5, 2024 @ 6:45 pm 101 Saint Theresa Avenue www.roxburylatin.org
WORCESTER
Bancroft School
Virtual Webinar: Admission and Financial Aid at Independent Schools
December 4, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
PreK - 5 Learn & Play
January 16, 2025 @ 4:00 pm 110 Shore Dr www.bancroftschool.org
FOR MORE EVENTS, CHECK OUT HTTPS:// BOSTONPARENTSPAPER. COM/SCHOOL-OPEN-HOUSECALENDAR/
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Arlington
Lesley Ellis School
34 Winter St.
Arlington • (781) 641-1346 www.lesleyellis.org
Boston
The Advent School 15 Brimmer Street
Boston • (617) 742-0520 www.adventschool.org
British International School of Boston 416 Pond Street Boston • (617) 522-2261 www.bisboston.org
German International School Boston 57 Holton Street Boston • (617) 783-2600 www.gisbos.org
Kingsley Montessori School
30 Fairfield Street 26 Exeter Street Boston • (617) 226-4927 www.kingsley.org
Mission Grammar School
94 St Alphonsus Street
Boston • (617) 442-2660 www.missiongrammar.org
St. John School North End 9 Moon Street
Boston • (617) 277-2456 www.sjsne.com
Braintree
The Gardner School
66 Wood Rd
Briantree • (781) 829-3750 https://www.thegardnerschool.com/schools/braintree/
Brookline
St. Mary of the Assumption School
67 Harvard Street
Brookline • (617) 566-7184 www.stmarys-brookline.org
Burlington
Mount Hope Christian School 3 McGinnis Drive
Burlington • (781) 272-1014 www.mounthopeschool.org
A LEGACY OF LEARNING THE GARDNER SCHOOL
FEATURED PRESCHOOLS
Cambridge
The Gardner School
109 First Street, Suite 102
Cambridge • (617) 766-5702
www.thegardnerschool.com/schools/cambridge
Chestnut Hill
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-7462 www.brimmer.org
The Chestnut Hill School
428 Hammond Street
Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-4394 www.tchs.org
Dedham
Dedham Country Day School
90 Sandy Valley Road
Dedham • (781) 329-0850 www.dedhamcountryday.org
Devens
Applewild School
27 Jackson Road
Devens • (978) 342-6053 www.applewild.org PS-PK All
Dorchester
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy
790 Columbia Road
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019 ww.sjp2ca.org
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy 2222 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019 ww.sjp2ca.org
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy 239 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019 ww.sjp2ca.org
Fitchburg
Applewild School
120 Prospect Street
Fitchburg • (978) 342-6053 www.applewild.org
Foxboro
The Sage School 171 Mechanic Street
Foxboro • (508) 543-9619 www.sageschool.org
Hingham
SELA: The International Private School
75 Sgt William B Terry Drive
Hingham • (781) 741-5454 www.suescuela.com
Lexington
Waldorf School of Lexington
739 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington • (781) 863-1062 www.thewaldorfschool.org
PS - G8
FEATURED PRESCHOOLS
Littleton
Oak Meadow Montessori School
2 Old Pickard Lane
Littleton • (978) 486-9874 www.oakmeadow.org
Maynard
The Imago School
1 Percival Street
Maynard • (978) 897-0549 https://imagoschool.org
Millis
Woodside Montessori Academy
350 Village Street
Millis • (508) 376-5320 www.woodsideacademy.com
Milton
Thacher Montessori School 1425 Blue Hill Avenue
Milton • (617) 361-2522 thacherschool.org
Newton
Jackson Walnut Park School
200 Jackson Road
Newton • (617) 202-9772 www.jwpschools.org
Newton Centre
Wellan Montessori School 80 Crescent Avenue Newton Centre • (617) 969-4488 www.wellan.org
Norwell
SELA: The International Private School 137 Washington St Norwell • (781) 741-5454 www.suescuela.com
Stoughton
Melmark New England 703 Technology Center Drive Stoughton • (781) 847-1446 www.melmark.org/newengland
FEATURED PRESCHOOLS
Walpole
League School of Boston
300 Boston Providence Highway
Walpole • (508) 850-3900 www.leagueschool.org
Wellesley
Tenacre Country Day School
78 Benvenue Street
Wellesley • (781) 235-2282 www.tenacrecds.org
Veritas at Elmwood 42 Elmwood Road
Wellesley • (781) 237-5806 www.veritasma.org
West Newton
The Fessenden School 250 Waltham Street West Newton • (617) 630-2300 www.fessenden.org
West Roxbury
Holy Name Parish School
535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) 325-9338 www.holynameparishschool.org
Weston
Tender Loving Care Childcare Center 101 River Road Weston • (781) 703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com
Woburn
Tender Loving Care Childcare Center 23 Warren Avenue, Suite 180 Woburn • (781) 281-2983 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com
Worchester
Bancroft School 110 Shore Drive Worcester • (508) 853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org
FEATURED SCHOOLS
Acton
The Victor School
380 Massachusetts Avenue
Acton • (978) 266-1991 www.jri.org/victor
Andover
Melmark New England
461 River Road
Andover • (978) 654-4300 www.melmark.org/newengland
Arlington
Lesley Ellis School
34 Winter St.
Arlington • (781) 641-1346 www.lesleyellis.org
Bedford
Inventor Academy
54 Middlesex Turnpike
Bedford • (781) 757-0600 www.inventoracademy.us/
Berkley
Anchor Academy
132 South Main Street
Berkley • (508) 223-4130 www.jri.org/anchor
Boston
The Advent School 15 Brimmer Street
Boston • (617) 742-0520 www.adventschool.org
Boston Trinity Academy 17 Hale Street
Boston • (617) 364-3700 www.bostontrinity.org
British International School of Boston
416 Pond Street
Boston • (617) 522-2261 www.bisboston.org
German International School Boston 57 Holton Street
Boston • (617) 783-2600 www.gisbos.org
Kingsley Montessori School 30 Fairfield Street 26 Exeter Street
Boston • (617) 226-4927 www.kingsley.org
Mission Grammar School 94 St Alphonsus Street
Boston • (617) 442-2660 www.missiongrammar.org
The Newman School 247 Marlborough Street
Boston • (617) 267-4530 www.newmanboston.org
There are two primary categories of private schools— independent schools and parochial 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.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer traditional instruction and have solid reputations. Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise, the application procedures are similar to independent schools.
When considering private school education, think about these benefits:
High academic standards. Private schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at private schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public.
Small classes and individual attention. Private schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2021/22 was 8.4 students to 1 teacher.
Excellent teachers. Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more
autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.
Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.
Education for the whole child. Private schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal, social growth and civic purpose. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.
Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2021/22, students of color were 32 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally.
A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Private schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.
The opportunity to choose a school with a mission. You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child. Y
Campus Locations: 26 Exeter Street, 30 Fairfield Street Back Bay, Boston
Resilient Explorers Confident Learners Empathetic Citizens
St. John School North End 9 Moon Street
Boston • (617) 277-2456 www.sjsne.com
Braintree
Granite Academy
6 Columbian Street
Braintree • (781) 277-0676 www.jri.org/granite-academy
Thayer Academy
745 Washington Street
Braintree • (781) 843-3580 www.thayer.org
Brockton
Cardinal Spellman High School 738 Court Street
Brockton • (508) 583-6161 www.spellman.com
Brookline
Bay Cove Academy
156 Lawton Street
Brookline • (508) 320-9225 www.jri.org/baycoveacademy
“The
— Acera School Parent
St. Mary of the Assumption School
67 Harvard Street
Brookline • (617) 566-7184 www.stmarys-brookline.org
Burlington
Mount Hope Christian School
3 McGinnis Drive
Burlington • (781) 272-1014 www.mounthopeschool.org
Chestnut Hill
Brimmer and May School
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-7462 www.brimmer.org
The Chestnut Hill School
428 Hammond Street
Chestnut Hill • (617) 566-4394 www.tchs.org
Dedham
Dedham Country Day School
90 Sandy Valley Road
Dedham • (781) 329-0850 www.dedhamcountryday.org
Ursuline Academy 85 Lowder Street
Dedham • (781) 493-7726 www.ursulineacademy.net
Deerfield
The Bement School
94 Old Main Street
Deerfield • (413) 774-7061 https://bement.org
Dorchester
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy 2222 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019
ww.sjp2ca.org
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy 239 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019 ww.sjp2ca.org
Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy 790 Columbia Road
Dorchester • (617) 265-0019 ww.sjp2ca.org
East Sandwich
Riverview School 551 Route 6A
East Sandwich • (508) 888-0489 www.riverviewschool.org
Fitchburg
Applewild School
120 Prospect Street
Fitchburg • (978) 342-6053 https://applewild.org
Foxboro
The Sage School 171 Mechanic Street
Foxboro • (508) 543-9619 www.sageschool.org
Great Barrington
Bard College at Simon’s Rock 84 Alford Road
Great Barrington • (413) 644-4400 www.simons-rock.edu
Groton
Lawrence Academy 26 Powderhouse Road
Groton • (978) 448-1530 www.lacademy.edu
Hardwick
Eagle Hill School
242 Old Petersham Road Hardwick, MA • 413-477-6000 www.eaglehill.school
SCHOOLS
Hingham
SELA: The International Private School
75 Sgt William B Terry Drive
Hingham • (781) 741-5454 www.suescuela.com
Jamaica Plain
Meridian Academy 54 Brookside Avenue
Jamaica Plain • (617) 277-1118 www.meridianacademy.org
Lexington
Lexington Christian Academy 48 Bartlett Avenue
Lexington • (781) 862-7850 www.lca.edu
Waldorf School of Lexington
739 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington • (781) 863-1062 www.thewaldorfschool.org
Littleton
Oak Meadow Montessori School
2 Old Pickard Lane
Littleton • (978) 486-9874 www.oakmeadow.org
Marlborough
Hillside School
404 Robin Hill Street
Marlborough • (508) 485-2824 www.hillsideschool.net
Maynard
The Imago School
1 Percival Street
Maynard • (978) 897-0549 https://imagoschool.org
Middleboro
Anchor Academy
49 Plymouth Street Middleboro • (508) 947-0131 www.jri.org/anchor
FEATURED SCHOOLS
Millis
Woodside Montessori Academy
350 Village Street
Millis • (508) 376-5320 www.woodsideacademy.com
Milton
Thacher Montessori School
1425 Blue Hill Avenue
Milton • (617) 361-2522 thacherschool.org
Newton
Jackson Walnut Park School
200 Jackson Road
Newton • (617) 202-9772 www.jwpschools.org
Newton Centre
Wellan Montessori School
80 Crescent Avenue
Newton Centre • (617) 969-4488 www.wellan.org
The Imago School
The Imago School is a classical school for grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th, deeply rooted in the Christian Tradition of classical education.
1 Percival Street • Maynard 978-897-0549 imagoschool.org
FEATURED SCHOOLS
Reading
Austin Preparatory School
101 Willow Street
Reading • (781) 944-4900 www.austinprep.org
Stoughton
Melmark New England
703 Technology Center Drive
Stoughton • (781) 847-1446 www.melmark.org/newengland
Sudbury
Corwin-Russell School at Broccoli Hall
142 North Road Sudbury • (978) 369-1444 www.broccolihall.org
Walpole
League School for Autism
300 Boston Providence Turnpike Walpole • (508) 850-3900 www.leagueschool.org
Wayland
Veritas Christian Academy
6 Loker Steet Wayland • (508) 653-1188 www.veritasma.org
Wellesley
Tenacre Country Day School 78 Benvenue Street Wellesley • (781) 235-2282 www.tenacrecds.org
West Newton
The Fessenden School 250 Waltham Street West Newton • (617) 630-2300 www.fessenden.org
West Roxbury
Holy Name Parish School
535 West Roxbury Parkway West Roxbury • (617) 325-9338 www.holynameparishschool.org
Wilbraham
Wilbraham & Monson Academy 423 Main Street
Wilbraham • (413) 596-9107 www.wma.us
Winchester
Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership
5 Lowell Avenue Winchester • (781) 729-3489 www.aceraschool.org
Worcester
Bancroft School
110 Shore Drive
Worcester • (508) 853-2640 www.bancroftschool.org
Private Schools
Basic Timeline
for Applying to a Private School
While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are now offering both in-person and virtual admission events.
AUGUST
(Of the year before you want your child to attend)
• Define your ideal school
• Find schools that match your child’s and family’s needs
• Research and ask questions of schools on your preliminary list
SEPTEMBER
• Browse schools’ websites and look books to learn more about their programs and philosophies
• Request admissions and financial assistance material by phone or online
• Review admissions materials to determine which schools to visit
• Create a calendar of pertinent admission and financial assistance deadlines for the schools to which you are considering applying
• Ask elementary schools about their test schedules and make appointments
• Register for any standardized tests required for admission
• Review the test websites to learn about procedures and test dates, see sample questions, and purchase test-preparation books
• Contact schools to schedule individual tours, class visits, interviews, and “shadow days” if available
OCTOBER
• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and standardized or school-based tests
• Visit schools, virtually if necessary, during open house events, attend information sessions, and take tours
• Finalize the list of schools to which you will apply
• Take required standardized admission tests
NOVEMBER
• Continue scheduling tours, interviews, class visits, and preparing and taking standardized or school-based tests
• Watch for open house events you may want to attend
• Request teacher recommendations from your child’s current school
• Start working on applications, tuition assistance forms, student questionnaires, and essays
DECEMBER
• Watch for any open house or school events of interest
• Request transcripts at the end of your child’s first semester
• Complete any remaining applications, questionnaires, etc. Some application materials are due as early as December.
JANUARY
• Pay attention to deadlines: Most applications are due in January or February, along with test scores, references, transcripts, and financial assistance forms
FEBRUARY
• For schools with February admissions deadline turn in applications.
• Visit schools applied to again or have your child participate in a student shadow day if you haven’t already
MARCH
• Watch for school decisions starting in mid-March
• Watch for financial assistance decisions
• If your student is accepted by multiple schools, decide which school your child will attend and let the school know
APRIL
• Sign and return enrollment contracts and send deposits
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
• Attend events and activities for new parents and students
• Get to know other families in the school
• Sign up for fall sports and clubs Y
