Boston Parent October 2022

Helping Kids MAKE FRIENDS

Math Classes Now Enrolling for the Fall

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

RSM is “among the top 10 schools in the world.” -Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth 15 Locations in MA www.MathSchool.com 855.MATH.855

The Greater Boston / New England Private School Guide is Now Available!

The2022/23 edition of The Annual Private School Guide is fresh off the press and our available on our website. In this guide you will find great advice on how to choose a private school. Find out when to start your search, criteria to consider, what to look for in a school and a handy timeline for your search so you stay on track with those application deadlines. Available online at www.BostonParentsPaper. com– just click on “Our Magazines” tab.

Walk the Walk … Safely

When comparing all forms of transport, pedestrians are the most vulnerable on the road. Unintentional pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. Teen pedestrians are more likely to be treated in hospitals for crash-related injuries than other age groups. Before your family heads out on foot, keep safety in mind.

• Use designated crosswalks or intersections.

• Obey traffic signals.

• Follow signs even when no vehicle is in sight. It only takes seconds for a vehicle or bike to cause damage. If no traffic signal is available, stand clear of obstacles so drivers can see you, look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with motorists even when they’re stopped. Never assume that vehicles see you or will stop.

• It’s safest to walk on a sidewalk, but when unavailable, walk on the shoulder and face traffic.

• Carry a flashlight or wear retro-reflective clothing to increase your visibility. Look for well-lit areas when walking at night.

• Children under 10 years developmentally always need to cross the street with an adult.

• Adults serve as role models for safety behaviors. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking around cars.

Pumpkin Perfection

Picking the perfect pumpkin is a little easier when you understand the difference between popular v arieties. If you’re baking a pie, pick an Amish Pie or Baby Pam Sugar Pie varietal. Carving contest? Go for a Cinderella, which was reportedly cultivated by the Pilgrims and served at the second Thanksgiving.

Thayer

Thayer has helped me to manage my time well and plan ahead. It has also helped me find new interests and be more involved. I have definitely become more outspoken, too, and I can easily talk to new people.

“

Your Child with Special Needs – Now Available

The 2022 edition of Your Child with Special Needs is filled with information on how to help kids with special needs thrive, what to look for in a mental health care provider, and valuable local resources and support groups. Available online at BostonParentsPaper.com just click on Your Child with Special Needs in the “Our Magazines” tab

Supporting Your Child Through Puberty

Getting older is a part of life.

No matter the age, your body goes through changes whether it’s a teething baby, a growth spurt or aches and pains. Puberty is a big change for children and can often be upsetting or scary. Puberty is a time for child to transition to an adult. As a parent or caregiver, there are steps you can take to make this transition easier. Girls usually experience puberty around the age of 10 and boys are usually around 11. It is possible for this to begin earlier as well and your child can go through puberty for a period of one to 5 years. Signs that puberty is starting are oily skin or acne, oily hair, increased perspiration, body odor and growth spurts.

The main thing to remember as a parent or caregiver is to talk to your child and explain that what is happening to their body is normal and that everyone goes through it. Children, especially at this age, are sensitive to being different so reas suring them that it is completely normal will go a long way. Body image issues plague a lot of children so act as role model and explain to them that bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. Mood swings are a common part of puberty and though it may be difficult, as a parent or caregiver you should do your best to remain calm when your child has an outburst. Talk to your child about the changes to their body, again reassuring them that they are completely normal. If acne is bothering them, offer to take them to the dermatologist.

Puberty is often when a child learns more about them selves; they may veer towards different types of clothing or haircuts than you are used to. This is completely normal but you should feel free to ask them questions while also remaining supportive. Lean on your friends who have kids that are the same age or older than yours. You can share tips or concerns you may have with someone else going through the same thing. If you have concerns about anything going on during this period, do not hesitate to consult professional help. Having an open and honest relationship with your child during puberty will help not only them but also you.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Always accompany your children when trick or treating. No matter how friendly the neighborhood, children should never be out without adult supervision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pediatric Dentistry

Wesley Barton,

Ronen Krausz, DDS

Houshmand, DDS

Ava Ghassemi,

and Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Roger Taylor, DMD

Oral Surgery

Brett Parades, DMD

Caring for Children in Brookline, Newton, and Greater Boston for over 40 Years!

Orthodontist

Bookshelf

LatinX Heritage

We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contribu tions of LatinX Americans, to honor their experiences and to uplift our LatinX children and families. Enjoy sharing these stories:

“Alma and How She Got Her Name,” by Juana MartinezNeal (Candlewick; ages 4-8; $15.99; 32 pp.). Alma helps us all feel like we are special for being unique. Alma Sofia Esperanza Josi Pura Candela worries about her long name until her father tells her family stories, one for each person she’s named after. Soft and gently sweet illus trations show the distinctive essence of each ancestor.

“Dreamers,” by Yuyi Mo rales (Holiday House; ages 4-8; $19.99; 40 pp.). Morales’ vibrant picture book draws on her experiences im migrating from Mexico to San Francisco as a young mother. Evocative language and gorgeous artwork is filled with love, passion and imagination as Yuyi and her son discover themselves and language in stories. “We are two languages./ We are lucha./ We are resilience./ We are hope.” A must-read book full of hope.

“The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora,” by Pablo Cartaya (Viking; 256 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). Every Sunday, 13-year-old Arturo joins his extended Cuban-American family at their restaurant La Cocina de la Isla. When a shady land developer threat ens to put up flashy high rise

condos, Arturo joins forces with his cousins and friends to fight back. Cartaya de lightfully navigates Arturo’s awkwardness, humor and conviction as he develops his first crush and fights for his family’s restaurant.

“The First Rule of Punk,” by Celia C. Pérez (Viking / Penguin; 336 pp.; $16.99; ages 9-13). María Luisa wears Chuck Taylors, listens to punk rock, makes zines, and goes by the nickname Malú. She’s devastated when she has to move to Chicago, leaving behind her dad and his record store. At her new strongly Latino school, Malú must navigate finding new friends, balancing her Mexican culture with her interests, and speaking out against unfair rules. A fun, fresh story about claiming your own style.

“Juliet Takes a Breath,” by Gabby Rivera (Dial; ages 1418; $17.99; 320 pp.). In this vibrant queer coming of age story, Latina native Juliet Palante leaves her native Bronx for an internship in Portland, Oregon with her fa vorite feminist author. Juliet explores her understand ing of freedom and identity, pushing readers to embrace

the power of one’s own voice and being true to yourself.

“My Papi Has a Motorcycle,” by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña (Kokila; ages 4-8; $17.99; 40 pp.). When Papi gets home from work, young Daisy rushes to give him a huge hug and then grabs their helmets, eager for a ride on Papi’s motorcycle. Whether they’re roaring past or cruising along and greeting family and friends, young Daisy is noticing all of the sights, sounds and smells, in Quintero’s homage to her papi and her hometown of Corona, California.

“The Only Road,” by Alex andra Diaz (Paula Wise man / Simon & Schuster; ages 12-16; $8.99; 336 pp.).

Twelve-year-old Jaime flees his home in Guatemala after a local drug gang kills his cousin Miguel. Jaime and Angela, Miguel’s sister, trav el north alone, navigating the treacherous journey by bus, train and foot. This grip ping novel not only shows the violence and abuse Jaime and Angela survive, but also how painful family separation is for children.

By Mary Ann Scheuer

“Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Méndez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation,” by Duncan Tonatiuh (Abrams; ages 7-10; $18.95; 40 pp.). Sylvia Mendez and her family fought their Orange County school district for placing Sylvia in the “Mexican school” school because of her skin tone and surname. Tonatiuh adeptly combines clear text and folk-inspired art to bring this important story to children, showing how important it is to stand up for what’s right.

“We Set the Dark on Fire,” by Tehlor Kay Mejia (Kath erine Tegen; ages 13-18; $17.99; 384 pp.). In this in triguing fantasy infused with a LatinX setting and charac ters, Dani is pulled between her own striving for a better life as the new wife of a top political leader and support ing the rebel group who’s fighting for social justice. It’s complicated by Dani’s own past, coming illegally from across the wall. In her debut, Mejia weaves together moral compromise, blossoming love and exciting action, echoing today’s headlines.

Mary Ann Scheuer is a high school librarian. Find more books she recommends sharing with your children at her blog, Great Kid Books, http://great kidbooks.blogspot.com

A Nightmare on My Street

By Cheryl Maguire

Lights illuminated our house; ten bags of candy brimmed a colossal bowl and my husband donned a Doctor Who costume. Since there are twelve doctors to date, I should specify he intended to be the fourth one, Tom Baker. We were ready for Halloween night in our new abode.

The doorbell rang. Our first trick-ortreaters had arrived. Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and Superman stood before me holding pumpkin containers and in unison said, “Trick-or-Treat.”

Superman pointed at my husband and announced, “Look he is dressed as Harry Potter.”

The Doctor whose scarf shared a similar gold and maroon color scheme to the scarf of the famous Hogwarts wizard. It was an understandable error. Doctor Who is an obscure sci-fi television show while

Harry Potter is a multi-million-dollar franchise with an amusement park. For the next hour, an unremitting stream of eager children gathering candy appeared at our door and an interminable amount of people identified my husband as Harry Potter.

And then I had a strange encounter.

The doorbell rang. A young couple stood before me. I searched for their child, but I was unable to locate one.

The young man said, “Trick-or-treat.”

I did a double-take. Neither the man nor woman wore a costume. At first, I believed their age to be in their twenties but then I reconsidered. Could they be in high school? The man had a beard, and the woman’s hair was swept up into a ponytail. They held their pillowcases in front of me, waiting for their treats.

After the shock and disbelief wore off, I felt slightly annoyed. I purchased the ten bags of candy for adorable kids dressed in costumes not for teens in jeans and a t-shirt. I considered offering my opinion by stating, “If you are old enough to grow a beard, drive a car, vote for the presi dent, get a job, then surely you are old enough to drive yourself to the store and buy your own candy or the very least a costume.”

The young man must have sensed my hesitation or possibly read my mind because a smirk appeared across his face. He was offering a subtle reminder that the first word he uttered was “trick.”

I thought to myself, “He is also old enough to procure a dozen eggs, a roll of toilet paper and a bottle of shaving cream.”

I didn’t want to be “that” house that the teens egged, tee peed or decorated with shaving cream so I begrudgingly dropped a Kit Kat, Milky Way and Reese Peanut Butter Cup into each of their pillowcases. I was tempted to add, “Which Tony are you supposed to be Soprano or Montana?”

The young man must have Tweeted or Snapchatted or accessed whatever the current mode of teen communication they use to send messages.

I’m guessing he said something along the lines of, “House #100 is giving out mad candy. And be sure to check out the weird dude dressed as Harry Potter.”

Because after the couple left, we re ceived an influx of similar looking teens.

Our candy supply was running danger ously low. We panicked. What if we ran out? Our new house would be marked like Hester Prynne with a Scarlett A on her dress. It was almost 8 p.m. so we boldly decided to turn off all the lights

and waited. Every sound we heard we wondered if we were under attack. Fi nally, the noises died down, and we felt somewhat relieved.

“Well, that isn’t what I expected,” I said.

“Me neither. I mean Harry Potter doesn’t look anything like Doctor Who.”

No, I meant the non-costumed teens invading and ‘asking’ for candy.”

“Yeah, they were a little old for that. When I was a teen, we just went around egging or spraying shaving cream at houses.”

Okay, I didn’t expect to hear that either.

Next year I’m going to try to pre vent some of these adolescences from freeloading off my candy intended for fledgling children decked out in elabo rate costumes. Near the doorbell there will be a sign declaring:

Please ONLY ring the doorbell if:

1.You are dressed in a REAL costume. A sweatshirt, t-shirt and jeans do NOT count. If you are carrying a pillowcase to hold the candy, you probably shouldn’t bother ringing it either.

2. Due to your age, you are unable to obtain a driver’s license, a job or grow facial hair.

3. Please read #1 and #2 again to make sure you fit ALL the requirements.

Don’t worry, I know what you are thinking. My intricate preparations will also include a fully stocked closet of cleaning supplies. Y

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counsel ing Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Parents Maga zine, AARP, and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05

1-12,

Beacon St. Stuite 304 Brookline, MA 02446

Boosting Oral Care with Probiotics for the Mouth Leaves Kids and Parents All Smiles

Big grins

are a staple of the back-to-school photos parents love to share.

To keep those smiles bright, make sure back-to-school preparations include your child’s oral and dental health.

Establishing good oral hygiene habits now can help kids avoid missing school for dentist appointments, improve their overall health, and even increase their confidence.

“Back-to-school time is a great time to establish healthy habits and routines that can reduce school days missed and last a lifetime,” said Dr. Sarah Poteet. She’s a dentist, owner of Dallas Functional Dentistry in Dallas, Texas, and a mom. Cavities among even young children are on the rise, she pointed out in a recent interview.

“We have an epidemic of kids with cavities in the U.S. causing too many kids pain and missed school days, as well as compromising their oral health,” Dr. Poteet said. “According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 20% of kids between the ages of 2-5 have one or more cavities. More than half (52 percent) of children have experienced a cavity by age 8.”

Back-to-school time is a great time to establish healthy habits and routines that can reduce school days missed and last a lifetime.

look forward to rejoining classmates, but halitosis can get in the way of fun social interactions. Smelly bacteria in the mouth can impact a child’s self-esteem and confidence, leading to a change in speech patterns–and fewer smiles.

Actions Parents Can Take at Home

So what can aware parents do to keep their kids’ teeth and mouths healthy this school year and beyond? Add ProBiora oral-care probiotics to your family’s daily routine.

“At home, brushing and flossing twice a day are important steps in a good daily oral-care routine,” said Dr. Poteet. “Many kids are not very adept at brushing, so monitoring your kids’ brushing as much as possible also is helpful. But brushing and flossing is only half the battle.”

Good Bacteria to the Rescue

Daily use of ProBiora oral-care probiotics is essential for a healthy mouth to support good bacteria that is native to the mouth.

“I recommend adding ProBiora probiotics for the mouth for both kids and adults’ daily oral-care routine,” said Dr. Poteet. “ProBiora is the original oral-care probiotic that is backed by more than 30 years of clinical research.”

ProBioraKids is specially formulated for children. It’s all-natural and gluten-free with no artificial sweeteners or colors. It’s easy to use, too. Simply dissolve or chew one or more ProBiora at bedtime after brushing and flossing. Kids love the orange-creamsicle flavor.

—Dr. Sarah Poteet

The Healthy Schools Campaign reports that children ages 5 to 17 miss nearly two million school days per year because of dental health issues, including 30% of kids age 6 to 12. Parents can’t foresee every unexpected school year disruption, but being proactive about oral health can mean one less thing to worry about–especially when it can take months to get a dentist appointment.

Good oral hygiene habits also contribute to better overall health, research shows. Besides painfully swollen gums and tooth decay, infections from bad bacteria in the mouth can also gradually affect kidneys, lungs, the heart and even brain development. “Poor oral health doesn’t just impact your kid’s mouth, it affects their whole body,” stressed Dr. Poteet.

Finally, making the transition back to school can be stressful enough without a kid worrying about bad breath. Most kids

Brush. Floss. ProBioraKids. With one easy step, parents can optimize their kids’ oral-care routine. Find more information at www.probiorahealth.com/kids

Purchase ProBiora Health’s full line of oral-care probiotics at www.probiorahealth.com or Amazon. Take 10% off your order with the promo code BOSTON22.

Helping Kids Make Friends at Any Age

By Sarah Lyons

From the time we enter the world, we search out other people to connect with. We are social beings and making and maintaining friendships are a big part of our lives from childhood on. While making friends is of great importance, it doesn’t always come naturally to us. It can be difficult to find friends that are loyal and that you can build a connection with. Parents can help their kids build social skills that help them make friends at any age.

Role play

One of the easiest ways to teach kids is through play. As you are playing and interacting with your children, role play scenarios that they may encounter when meet ing new people. You can use puppets, dolls, or even stuffed animals to practice social situations they may encounter. Through play, you can teach your child how to ask someone to play or how to join in on a game that is already started. Work out possible conflicts that may arise as they play with friends. After roleplaying, kids will be more comfortable when they face similar situa tions on the playground.

Set an example

It is just as important for parents to build strong friendships as it is for kids. We have the opportunity to teach our kids through our example. “We move a lot so explaining how I have to make new friends and step out of my comfort zone just like they do helps a lot.” says Stephanie Loux, mom of three. Do you make time for

friends in your life? Do you invite friends over or meet for coffee? How often do you step outside your comfort zone to meet new people? Our kids see how we interact with others. If the parent is involved with friends, shows empathy towards others, and helps friends in need, kids will learn that friendships are a priority and understand the natural give and take of a relationship. They will also watch how parents handle conflict and the normal highs and lows that friends experience.

The art of conversation

For kids with the gift of gab, conversation may come naturally but for others a little practice and a few tips can go a long way. Part of making and maintaining friendships is being able to take turns speaking, listen, and respond with empathy when appropriate. Parents can teach kids how to have conversations during daily life by simply modeling this skill. It can also be taught during roleplaying or simply giving them some tools to start a conversation. For example, kids should be remind

If the parent is involved with friends, shows empathy towards others, and helps friends in need, kids will learn that friendships are a prior ity and understand the natural give and take of a relationship.

ed to look at the person in the eye, greet a friend as they arrive, respond when asked a question, and ask follow up questions so their friend knows they are listening. It takes some practice but it will be worth it.

Teach proper etiquette

Being polite can go a long way in building friendships. Kids who are polite, say please and thank you, pick up after themselves, and treat others respectfully are more likely to be invited to their friend’s homes. Kids who take turns, share, and let guests go first are also easier to be around. You can model good etiquette for your child and give them gentle reminders during playdates and social interactions.

Encourage healthy conflict resolution

All friends experience conflict. What is important is how you handle it. Door slamming, stomping feet, the silent treatment, yelling, and hitting may release anger at the moment but can be damaging to a friendship. As kids mature, it is important to encourage them to talk about their feelings, come up with a solution, or ask an adult to help. As much as possible, have the kids work out their conflict. However, being available to help them come to a resolution both friends can live with is important.

Enrolling

Toddler preschool Elementary

Be social

One easy way to encourage your kids to make friends is to provide them the opportunities to socialize. Allow your kids to invite friends over to play or to meet at a park. Hosting a playdate that encourages mutual interests helps build friendships as well. If your child is interested in animals, invite a friend with mutual interests to meet you at the zoo. Sports and extracurricular activities are another great place to find friends with mutual interests. “Helping them say hello to other kids at parks and school events helps.” says Loux. “I also make an effort to go to all class birthday parties so they have more time with friends.” Simply being around other people helps your child build social skills and make friends.

It is important to remember that everyone has a differ ent personality which will affect how they react in social situations. Some children love to be the center of atten tion and thrive off of being around others. Other children may be more reserved and shy. They may enjoy being around other people but prefer to sit back and observe the situation. Remember that it’s important to cultivate your child’s social skills based on what they feel the most comfortable with, even if that is different from your own. It is also important to remember that your child does not need to be the most popular person in the class, they really only need one or two close friends to feel accepted and connected to their peers. Y

Sarah Lyons is a mom of six children, including seven-year-old triplets.

Rethinking Your Rest

By Yael Schonbrun

As a parent, you’re probably familiar with the benefits that rest offers kids of all sizes. From emotional health to improved learning, rest helps kids enjoy their busiest days and grow in healthy ways. Chances are that a busy Fall schedule only increases your motivation to solidify structure around your infant’s sleep schedule, seek out the perfect rest time tunes for your toddler, or encourage your teen to get off TikTok at night. However, when it comes to your own rest, most strategies seem too absurd to bother with. After all, even if you could ensure some time away from your children (and good luck with that), odds are that you have a job, a partner, or aging parents that need your attention. What parent has time to rest?

As a clinical psychologist, writer, and parent, I am adamant about rest for my kids. And I also counsel my adult patients about the benefits of taking breaks. Yet I found myself on a rambling rant to a friend about my fatigue and how hopeless I felt with the lack of an end in sight about a year ago. My friend, one of those serene self-help gurus, lovingly suggested I book a yoga retreat with her to Costa Rica. As she said, “It’s what we all need!”

As I pondered the forms of rest that seemed to be out of reach for many tired parents, it dawned on me how much we take it as a given that infants don’t rest like teenagers and that toddlers require a constant rejiggering of rest time strategies. If rest needs to be customized for kids, isn’t the same true for parents?

Recharge Through Role Transitions

As I write about in my forthcoming book, Work, Parent, Thrive, the science of rest confirms that while a beachside vacation may be unrealistic, rest for worn-out parents isn’t. There are more ways to rest than getting more sleep, meditating an hour a day, or having weeks-long breaks from parenting. In fact, one useful definition researchers have coined for “a break” involves moving from one task over to another. By stepping into a different role and using a different part of your mind or body, you attain a break from the role you’ve at least momentarily stepped out of. So, whether you’re putting away the billing to pick up your kids after work, leaving your toddler at daycare to start your nursing shift, or even placing your kids in front of a screen while you make dinner, you’re restoring energy for one role by stepping into another.

Turning Off

According to researchers, however, to allow this kind of role transition to provide a respite, you must practice something called psychological detachment. It sounds fancy, but psychological detachment simply means fully switching off from whatever role you’re stepping away from. For instance, while making dinner, see if you can focus on the food preparation rather than giving yourself a guilt trip for using the electronic babysitter. It can help to remember that doing so helps you return to parenting with greater gusto.

Seek the Small and Savor

As writer Anne Lamott noted, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Research supports the value of short breaks. For adults, short naps between ten- and twentyminutes help to restore self-control, emotion regulation, task performance, and memory. These benefits are particularly strong for habitual nappers; a quick nap when you’re feeling depleted can help rejuvenate you. But a break on the go can also be refreshing if you practice savoring the solitude of a bathroom break, immersing yourself in the latest show you’re streaming, or taking three slow breaths a few times every day. The very smallest moments of rest can make a difference when you approach them with an intention to absorb yourself fully and relish the experience.

Let’s be honest, rest recommendations that come from most well-meaning gurus aren’t designed for busy, worn-out parents. Parents rarely have the luxury of an extended break from demanding responsibilities, even though they absolutely deserve them. Recognizing alternative strategies that you can put into practice can help you tap into more regular much-needed breaks. So instead of fantasizing about a vacation you can’t access, rethink your approach to rest so that you actually get the breaks that you, like all busy humans, need. Y

Yael Schonbrun is a psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, and author of Work, Parent, Thrive.

ARLINGTON Lesley Ellis School

Welcome Wednesday Open House

October 19, 2022 @ 9:00 am

All School Open House

November 6, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

Middle School Open House

November 16, 2022 @ 7:30 pm

34 Winter St www.lesleyellis.org

BELMONT

Belmont Day School

Open House

October 16, 2022 @ 9:00 am

55 Day School Ln www.belmontday.org

BOSTON

British International School

Open House

October 18, 2022 @ 9:30 am

416 Pond St www.bisboston.org

Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center at Temple Israel Boston

Open House

October 20, 2022 @ 9:30 am

477 Longwood Ave www.fjecc.org

Kingsley Montessori School

Open House

October 15, 2022 @ 9:00 am

26 Exeter St www.kingsley.org

The Newman School

Open House

October 15, 2022 @ 11:00 am

247 Marlborough Street www.newmanboston.org

Saint Joseph Prep

Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

617 Cambridge St www.saintjosephprep.org

Spruce Street Nursery School

Open House

October 29, 2022 @ 9:30 am

5 Avery Place www.sprucestreet.org

Torit Montessori School

Virtual Open House Events

October 12, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

October 29, 2022 @ 10:00 am

November 12, 2022 @ 11:00 am

300 Cambridge St www.toritschool.org

BRAINTREE

Thayer Academy

Middle School Open House

October 22, 2022 @ 9:00 am

Upper School Open House

October 29, 2022 @ 9:00 am 745 Washington St www.thayer.org

Open House Events

More Events Online at www.BostonParentsPaper.com

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge Friends School

Open House

October 15, 2022 @ 10:00 am

5 Cadbury Road www.cambridgefriendsschool.org

Cambridge Matignon School

Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

1 Matignon Rd www.matignon.org

Cambridge Montessori School

Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 1:00 pm 161 Garden St www.cambridgemontessori.org

Fayerweather Street School

All School Fall Open House

October 29, 2022 @ 10:00 am 765 Concord Ave www.fayerweather.org

CHESTNUT HILL

Brimmer and May School

Lower School Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 10:00 am

Middle & Upper School Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

Lower School Admissions Virtual Discussion Panel

October 25, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

Upper School Admissions Virtual Discussion Panel

October 26, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

Middle School Admissions Virtual Discussion Panel

October 27, 2022 @ 7:00 pm 69 Middlesex Rd www.brimmer.org

CONCORD Middlesex School

Open House

October 8, 2022 @ 9:00 am 1400 Lowell Rd www.mxschool.edu

Tremont School

Open House

October 20, 2022 @ 7:00 pm 575 Concord Road www.tremontschool.org

DEDHAM

Dedham Country Day School

Classroom Observation

October 13, 2022 @ 8:30 am 90 Sandy Valley Rd www.dedhamcountryday.org

Noble and Greenough School

Open House

October 22, 2022 @ 8:30 am 10 Campus Dr www.nobles.edu

GREAT BARRINGTON

Bard Academy

Discovery Day

October 15, 2022 @ 10:00 am

Open House

November 5, 2022 @ 10:00 am

Blodgett House 84 Alford Rd www.simons-rock.edu

LEXINGTON

Cotting School

Information Session

October 28, 2022 @ 9:30 am 48 Bartlett Ave www.lca.edu

Lexington Christian Academy

Open House

October 29, 2022 @ 10:00 am 453 Concord Ave www.cotting.org

Waldorf School of Lexington Third Thursdays at Waldorf

October 20, 2022 @ 8:45 am 739 Massachusetts Ave www.thewaldorfschool.org

MILTON

Delphi Academy Open House

October 22, 2022 @ 10:00 am 564 Blue Hill Ave www.delphiboston.org

NEWTON

Jackson Walnut Park School

Take a Tour Tuesdays

October 11, 2022 @ 9:00 am

October 25, 2022 @ 9:00 am

Open House

October 15, 2022 @ 11:30 am 200 Jackson Rd www.jwpschools.org

NEWTON CENTRE

Wellan Montessori School

Middle School Virtual Info Session

November 1, 2022 @ 9:00 am

Open House (by appointment)

November 6, 2022 @ 2:00 pm

Beginner (15 mos - 3 yrs) Virtual Info Session

November 8, 2022 @ 10:00 am

Lower Elementary Virtual Info Session

November 16, 2022 @ 9:00 am

Primary Virtual Info Session

November 9, 2022 @ 10:00 am 80 Crescent Ave www.wellan.org

SOUTHBOROUGH

Fay School

Virtual Open House

November 7, 2022 @ 1:00 pm 23 Middle Rd www.fayschool.org

READING

Austin Preparatory School

Middle and Upper School Fall Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 11:00 am 101 Willow Street www.austinprep.org

ROWLEY

Clark School

Tour-us Tuesday

October 18, 2022 @ 10:30 am

High School Open House

October 19, 2022 @ 5:30 pm

All School Open House

November 5, 2022 @ 9:00 am 14 Forest Ridge Dr www.clarkschool.com

WEST NEWTON

The Fessenden School

PK - Grade 9 Open House

October 1, 2022 @ 1:00 pm 250 Waltham St www.fessenden.org

WEST ROXBURY

Holy Name Parish School

Open House

October 15, 2022 @ 10:00 am 525 W Roxbury Pkwy www.holynameparishschool.org

WINCHESTER

Acera School

K-12 Open House

November 5, 2022 @ 10:00 am 5 Lowell Ave www.aceraschool.org

WORCESTER

Bancroft School Fall Open House

October 13, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

Fall Open House

October 23, 2022 @ 1:00 pm 110 Shore Dr www.bancroftschool.org

Check out https:// bostonparentspaper. com/school-openhouse-calendar/ for more School Open House events

Looking to add your school?

You can do so at bostonparentspaper.com/ open-house-submission

Private Schools

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child

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.

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 2022/23 Annual Private School Guide, covering “Why Consider a Private School”, “Defining the Ideal School”, “Where and How to Start Your Search” and “Private School Search Timeline” from the award-winning guide. The complete 2022/23 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 insand-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.

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

There are two primary categories of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own 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.

on

>>>

Featured Preschools

Arlington

Lesley Ellis School 34 Winter St. Arlington • (781) 641-1346 www.lesleyellis.org

Boston

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

Park Street School One Park Street Boston • (617) 523-7577 www.parkstreetschool.org

St. John School North End 9 Moon Street Boston • (617) 277-2456 www.sjsne.com

Torit Montessori School 300 Cambridge Street Boston • (857) 350-4840 www.toritschool.org

Transportation Children’s Center 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3330 Boston • (617) 973-8200 www.transchildrencenter.org/

Brookline

The Park School

171 Goddard Avenue Brookline • (617) 277-2456 www.parkschool.org

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

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

PS - 8 All Gender 8:1 242

Toddler-12 All Gender 502

PS-12 All Gender 5:1 305

Toddler-Grade 6 All Gender 7:1 313

Infant-PreK

All Gender Varies 125

Toddler-G6 All Gender EL:10:1/PS:5/1 230

PK-8 All Gender 11:1 195

Infant-G6 All Gender Varies 125

Infant-PreK All Gender Varies 17

PK-8 All Gender 7:1 560

PreK(2.9)-8

All Gender Varies 230

15m - 5 yrs

All Gender Varies 175

Affiliation / Notes

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Non Denominational $10,000 - $36,000 FA Available

NAIS, AISNE

Non Denominational French, Spanish $31,210 - $42,200 FA Available

German Schools Abroad $23,460 - $26,710 FA Available

IBO, AISNE

AISNE, DAS, MINT

Non Denominational $28,490–$38,535 FA Available AMS AISNE

Catholic

$315-$425/week NEASC, NCEA

Christian Spanish $11,500-$34,500 FA Available

AISNE, NAIS

Catholic Summer Camp $6,600-$11,900 NEASC

Non Denominational Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin $30,000

Non Denominational Varies

NAEYC Accredited

Non Denominational PK - Grades 4 $41,380 Grades 5 - 8 $50,160 FA Available

Catholic Spanish, French PK(2.9) - K1(3.9): $10,920 K-8: $7,800 FA Available

Christian NonDenominational

Varies

AISNE

NEASC

ACSI, EEC

Walpole

Watertown

Avenue

Weston

(617)

Loving Care Childcare Center

River Road

(781) 703-5088

Woburn

Loving Care Childcare Center

Warren Avenue, Suite 180

(781) 281-2983

Grades

Featured

Arlington

Arlington Catholic High School

16 Medford St Arlington • (781) 646-7770 www.achssas.org

Lesley Ellis School 34 Winter St. Arlington • (781) 641-1346 www.lesleyellis.org

Belmont

Belmont Day School

55 Day School Lane Belmont • (617) 484-3078 www.belmonthill.org

Beverly

The Saints Academy

111 New Balch Street Beverly • (978) 922-0048 www.saintsacademy.org

Boston

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

9-12

All Gender 18:1 435

PS - 8 All Gender 8:1 242

PK - 8 All Gender 6:1 328

Catholic Spanish, French, Italian, Latin

$13,750 FA Available NEASC

Non Denominational Spanish $10,000 - $36,000

FA Available NAIS AISNE

Non Denominational Latin, French, Spanish $34,490-$45,660 FA Available AISNE

PK - 8 All Gender 9:1 180

PK-12 All Gender 502

PS-12 All Gender 5:1 280

Toddler-Grade 6 All Gender 7:1 313

Infants - G6 All Gender

Catholic Spanish $7,990 FA Available NEASC

Gender

Non Denominational French, Spanish $31,210 - $42,200 FA Available

German Schools Abroad German, English, French, Spanish

IBO, AISNE

$22,385 - $25,485 FA Available

AISNE, DAS, MINT

Non Denominational $28,490–$38,535 FA Available AMS AISNE

Catholic $6,500 - $8,000 NEASC, NCEA

Non Denominational French, Spanish, Latin $29,500 Day FA Available

AISNE, NEASC, NAIS, CSEE

Pond Street Boston, MA 02130 617.522.2261 www.bisboston.org

from

from

from

(In-person)

–

(Virtual)

from

–

(In-person) For questions & details email admissions@bisboston.org

Toddlers through High School

Associations

Featured Schools

Park Street School

67 Brimmer Street Boston • (617) 523-7577 www.parkstreetschool.org

St. John School North End

9 Moon Street Boston • (617) 277-2456 www.sjsne.com

Torit Montessori School

300 Cambridge Street Boston • (857) 350-4840 www.toritschool.org

Braintree

Thayer Academy

745 Washington Street Braintree • (781) 843-3580 www.thayer.org

Brookline

The Park School

171 Goddard Avenue Brookline • (617) 277-2456 www.parkschool.org

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

Cambridge

Cambridge Friends School

5 Cadbury Road Cambridge • (617) 354-3880 www.cambridgefriendsschool.org

Cambridge Matignon School

1 Matignon Road Cambridge • (617) 876-1212 www.matignon.org

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Toddler-G6

All Gender EL:10:1/PS:5/1 230

PK-8

All Gender 11:1 195

Infant-G6

All Gender Varies 125

5-12 All Gender 6:1 718

PK-8 All Gender 7:1 560

PreK(2.9)-8 All Gender Varies 230

15m - G5 All Gender Varies 330

PreK-8 All Gender

Christian Spanish $11,500-$34,500 AISNE, NAIS

Catholic Italian Summer Camp

$6,600-$11,900 NEASC

Non Denominational Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin $30,000

Latin, Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese

$53,280 - $56,295 FA Available

NAIS, NEASC, AISNE, ISL

Gender

Non Denominational Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin

PK - Grades 4 $41,380 Grades 5 - 8 $50,160 FA Available

Catholic Spanish, French PK(2.9)- K1(3.9): $10,920 K-8: $7,800 FA Available

AISNE

NEASC

Christian NonDenominational Varies FA Available ACSI, EEC

Spanish $33,000 FA Available Niche 2021 Best Schools, NAIS, AISNE

Catholic Spanish, French $16,000-24,000 FA Available NEASC,

Affiliation / Notes

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Associations

Tour the

Arlington surrounding nities.

Lesley Ellis

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.

Thayer

Thayer has helped me to manage my time well and plan ahead. It has also helped me find new interests and be more involved. I have definitely become more outspoken, too, and I can easily talk to new people.

“

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

Excellence in Autism Education

Day and Residential Programs

Academic programs based on age and ability for students 3 22

On campus and community based career training starting at age 14

Multidisciplinary educational framework based on the SCERTS Model

To learn more contact League's Admissions Coordinator, Lynne Goyuk

(508)850 3900 (E): lgoyuk@leagueschool

Groton

Lawrence

Powderhouse Road

(978) 448-1530

Hingham

William B Terry Drive

(781) 741-5454

Lexington

Bartlett Avenue

(781) 862-7850

Lexington Montessori

Pleasant Street

(781) 862-8571

Waldorf School

Lexington

Massachusetts Avenue

(781) 863-1062

Private Schools

Define Your Ideal School

Every school provides a unique educational experi ence, so how do you decide which schools will be a good fit for your child? Think about:

School Type

Do you want a day school or boarding school? Coeduca tional or single-sex? Parochial or independent?

Grade Range

Do you want a school that focuses on your child’s age range, or one that can serve your child through elemen tary, middle, and high school?

Location

Convenience matters, especially if you want your child to take part in school activities. Time the commute be fore and after school just to be sure.

Student Body

Consider both average class size and total enrollment. A smaller population may mean fewer social opportuni ties, but more chances for your student to shine. Also consider the diversity of the student body.

Educational Philosophy

Most schools fall along a continuum between traditional and progressive, but what does that mean? How are classes taught? How are expectations conveyed? How are students tested? Ask to sit in on a few classes to see how the philosophy plays out.

Curriculum

What courses are offered? Which are required and which are elective? In what order are math, science, and humanities courses taught? Is there an interdisciplin ary emphasis, so that what students study in English meshes with what they’re learning in history? Does the curriculum fit your student’s learning needs?

Faculty

Examine the faculty list (online or in recruitment materi als). Where did teachers go to college? How long have they been teaching? Do their degrees match with what they teach? Is there much turnover? In primary grades, how many teachers are in the classroom? Watch a class to see how teachers interact with students and engage them in the learning process.

Facilities

In addition to the overall condition of the school, look at the facilities your child may use. Is the art department well-stocked? Are sports facilities well-equipped? Are computers up to date? How extensive is the library/lan guage lab?

Special Programs and Extracurriculars

Does the school provide programs that fit your student’s needs and interests? Consider academic support, lan guage programs, arts, athletics, leadership opportunities service programs and travel experiences. Is the school a place where your child can blossom? Y

Private Schools

Applying to Private Schools

How to Start the Search and What to Expect

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. Navigat ing the application process can be overwhelming, but it can also be exciting. Here are tips on how to get you and your child into the right school.

After creating your short list of schools, contact 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 ap plication requirements, including deadlines and costs. While each school has its own criteria for admitting students, the typical application package involves:

• A completed application form, usually available from the school’s website, and application fee.

• Parent or guardian statements.

• A transcript of your child’s grades from her current school.

• Results from standardized tests or a school-administered test. For middle school grades and above, the most com mon tests are: The Independent School Entrance Exami nation, 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:

• Student writing samples.

• Student portfolios.

• 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 experience for you and your child and that there is a good match between your child and the school.

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 busi ness or social contacts.

• 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.

• 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 aca demic and financial needs of all students they would like to admit, you won’t increase your child’s chances of accep tance by failing to be upfront about certain information. And if the school turns your child down for any special issues, it’s likely the school was not a good fit.

• Don’t miss application deadlines. But if you do, some schools have rolling admissions and admit students throughout the school year. Y

Littleton

Meadow School

Pickard Lane

(978) 486-9874

Milford

Fortune Boulevard

(508) 478-2631

Millis

Montessori

Village Street

(508) 376-5320

Milton

Blue Hill Avenue

(617) 333-9610

Newton Centre

Montessori

Crescent Avenue

Centre

Reading

Willow Street

(617)

(781) 944-4900

Rowley

Forest Ridge Drive

(978) 777-4699

Walpole

Boston Providence Highway

(508) 850-3900

Waltham

West Newton

Wolfeboro (New Hampshire)

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

Classes

Why An Independent School?

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

SCHOOL NAME CITY/TOWN, AGES AND GRADES OPEN HOUSE DATE(S), TIME(S)

WEB ADDRESS

•Meadowbrook School Weston, 4-14 years (Jr.K-8) Visit the school’s website for information. meadowbrook-ma.org

•The Fessenden School West Newton, 4-15 years (boys PK-9) October 1, 1-3 p.m. fessenden.org

•The Roxbury Latin School West Roxbury, 12-18 years (boys 7-12) October 1, 10 a.m-1:30 p.m. and November 13, 12:30-4 p.m. roxburylatin.org

•Boston University Academy Boston, 13-18 years (9-12) October 2, 12:30-2:30 p.m. and November 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m. buacademy.org

•Commonwealth School Boston, 14-18 years (9-12) October 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and November 13, 2:30-4:30 p.m. (VIRTUAL) commschool.org

•St. Sebastian’s School Needham, 12-18 years (boys 7-12) October 6, 5:30 p.m. and November 3, 6 p.m. stsebs.org

•The Winsor School Boston, 10-18 years (girls 5-12) October 12, 7 - 8:45 p.m. (VIRTUAL) winsor.edu

•Atrium School Watertown, 4-14 years (PK-8) October 13, 9-10 a.m. and October 23, 10 -1 p.m atrium.org

•Beaver Country Day School Chestnut Hill, 11-18 years (6-12) October 13, and December 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. bcdschool.org

•Dedham Country Day School Dedham, 4-14 years (PK-8) October 13 and November 2, 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. dedhamcountryday.org

•The Advent School Boston, 4-12 years (PK-6) Oct. 15, 9-10:30 a.m. (All school) and Oct. 26, (K Preview) 8:45-9:30 a.m. adventschool.org

•Boston Trinity Academy Boston, 11-18 years (6-12) October 15, 12- 2 p.m. and November,15, 6-8 p.m. bostontrinity.org

•Charles River School Dover, 4-14 years (PK-8) October 15, 1-3:30 p.m. and November 11, 9-12 p.m. charlesriverschool.org

•Cambridge Friends School Cambridge, 4-14 years (PK-8) October 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (IN PERSON) & Oct. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. (VIRTUAL) cambridgefriendsschool.org

•Jackson Walnut Park Schools Newton, 18 mo -12 years (T-6) October 15, 11:30-1:30 p.m. & November 10, 9:30-11 a.m. jwpschools.org

•The Newman School Boston, 12-19 years (7-12) October 15, (IN PERSON) OCTOBER 18, 6-7p.m. newmanboston.org

•Pingree School S. Hamilton, 14-18 years (9-12) October 15, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and December 8, 6 p.m. pingree.org

•Belmont Day School Belmont, 4-14 years (PK-8) October 16, 9 -12 p.m. (IN PERSON), and Nov. 19, 9-10:30 a.m. (VIRTUAL) belmontday.org

•The Sage School Foxboro, 3 -14 years (PK-8) October 16, 11 a.m. Contact school for more information about visits. sageschool.org

•Park Street School Boston, 2-12 (Toddler-6) October 19, 9-10:30 a.m. & November 7, 6-8 p.m. parkstreetschool.org

•Cambridge School of Weston Weston, 14-18 years (9-PG) October 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m (IN PERSON) and Nov. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. (VIRTUAL) csw.org

•Falmouth Academy Falmouth, 12-18 years (7-12) October 22 and January 21, 2023, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. falmouthacademy.org

•The Learning Project Boston, 5-12 years (K-6) October 22, 9 a.m. and November 9, 4 p.m. learningproject.org

•Noble and Greenough School Dedham, 11-18 years (7-12) October 22, & December 3, 6 - 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m nobles.edu

•Thayer Academy Braintree,10-18 years (5-12) October 22 and October 29, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. thayer.org

•Waring School Beverly, 11-18 (6-12) ctober 22, 2-4:30 p.m. waringschool.org

•Brimmer and May School Chestnut Hill, 4-18 years (PK-12) October 23, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (Lower School ) & 1-3 p.m. (Upper School) brimmer.org

•Cambridge Montessori School Cambridge, 18 mos. to 14 years (T-8) October 23, 1-3 p.m. and November 10, 9:30-11:00 a.m. cambridgemontessori.org

•Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Waltham, 13-18 years (9-PG) October 23 and November 6, 1 p.m. chch.org

•Shady Hill School Cambridge, 4-14 years (PK- 8) October 23 1-3 p.m. (PreK-4) and 3-5 p.m. (Grade 5-8) shs.org

•Meridian Academy Boston, 11-18 years (6-12) October 24, 7 p.m. (VIRTUAL) and November 15, 9 a.m.`(IN PERSON) meridianacademy.org

•Dexter Southfield Brookline, 4-18 years (PK-12) October 25, 7 p.m. (grades 6-12-VIRTUAL) & Oct. 29, 9 a.m. (PreK-Gr.-5 IN PERSON) dextersouthfield.org

•International School of Boston Cambridge, 2-18 years (PS-12) October 25 - November 3rd (Check website for details) isbos.org

•Concord Academy Concord, 14-18 years (9-12) October 29, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. concordacademy.org

•Fayerweather Street School Cambridge, 3-14 years (PK-8) October 29, 10 a.m. fayerweather.org

•Milton Academy School Milton, 5 -14 years (K-8) October 29, (MS) 2-4 p.m. and November 5 (LS) 2-4 p.m. milton.edu

•Thacher Montessori School Milton, 18 mos. to 14 years (T-8) October 29, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. thacherschool.org

•Montrose School Medfield,11-18 years (girls 6-12) October 30, 1-3:30 p.m. and December 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. montroseschool.org

•Dana Hall School Wellesley 10-18 years (girls 5-12) November 5, 9-11 a.m. (US) and 1-3 p.m. (MS) danahall.org

•The Rivers School Weston 11-18 years (6-12) November 5, 9-11:30 a.m. (MS) and November 5, 1-3:30 p.m.(US) rivers.org

•Riverbend School S. Natick 15 mo-14 years (T-8) November 5, 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. riverbendschool.org

•Lesley Ellis School Arlington, 2.9-14 years (PS-8) November 6, 1-3 p.m. (PS-8) and November 16, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (MS) lesleyellis.org

•The Chestnut Hill School Chestnut Hill,3-12 years (Beginners-6) November 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. tchs.org

•Fay School Southborough 5-15 years (K-9) November 6, 1-3 p.m. fayschool.org

•Newton Country Day School Newton 10-18 years (girls 5-12) November 6, 1-3:30 p.m. newtoncountryday.org

•The Park School Brookline, 4-14 years (PK-8) November 6, Times: TBD parkschool.org

•Tenacre Country Day School Wellesley, 4-12 years (PK-6) November 6, 11 -1 p.m. and Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. tenacrecds.org

•Wellan Montessori School Newton, 15mo-14 years (T-8) November 6, 2-4 p.m. & January 12, 9-11a.m. (by appointment) wellan.org

•Ursuline Academy Dedham, 12-18 (girls 7-12) November 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ursulineacademy.net

•The Fenn School Concord, 9-15 years (boys 4-9) November 20: 12-2 p.m. whereboysthrive.org

•The Rashi School Dedham, 4-14 years (PK-8) December 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. & January 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. rashi.org

CALL LISTED NUMBERS OR VISIT WEB SITES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND DIRECTIONS. The schools listed above do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, disabilities, sexual orientation or family composition in their admissions, financial aid, or in the administration of their educational policies.