FESSENDEN
Bringing out the Best in Boys
PRE-K–9
BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN BOYS What does “the best” mean to you? The unabridged edition of Webster’s Dictionary offers no less than twelve meanings for the word “best.” At The Fessenden School, we offer even more. Rather than adhering to the traditional notion of “the best,” we define it as the unique qualities inherent in each boy. Since no two boys are alike, no two definitions suffice. To us, “the best” means discovering the diverse strengths and developing the full potential in each boy.
Our mission is to teach, nurture and celebrate growing boys while striving to develop balance in mind, heart and body. The foundation of our philosophy is providing a character education that embraces the values of honesty, compassion and respect in an inclusive community. In our view, an all-boys school is the ideal setting in which boys can mature academically, socially, artistically and physically.
At Fessenden, we believe there is no “best school for boys.” There is only the school that is the best fit for your son. “THE BEST” IS AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PRESENTS OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES BOYS TO STEP OUTSIDE THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND PROVIDES THEM WITH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SUCCEED ON THEIR OWN.
COLLABORATIVE, DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE “THE BEST” IS A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE OLDER AND YOUNGER STUDENTS CONNECT AND COLLABORATE, WHERE MENTORSHIP INSPIRES LEADERSHIP AND WHERE STUDENT, FACULTY AND PARENT RELATIONSHIPS BUILD COMMUNITY.
A family atmosphere From your first steps on Fessenden’s campus, you immediately feel at home. With 42 residential faculty and staff and 20 friendly dogs living on campus, Fessenden is a spirited community that welcomes day and boarding families alike. At Fessenden, parents do not just enroll their son in school; they become essential members of the Fessenden family. Parents are welcome on campus, to converse with teachers and to bond with one another through social and volunteer events. These are the school ties that are near and dear to us.
A global perspective Our student body of 485 is comprised of boarding students from as far away as China and California and day students from across Massachusetts. We provide a global community that is inclusive and welcoming. Fessenden families encompass a broad range of racial, religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Our diverse community encourages students, parents and faculty to celebrate and share their varied perspectives.
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Community outreach Our sense of community has no borders. We foster good citizenship in our boys by helping others beyond Fessenden’s campus. All grades participate in communitybased events and school-centered service programs. By giving generously of himself, a Fessenden boy is encouraged to apply our time-honored values to contemporary needs.
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lower school
Pre-K–4 SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL LEARNING STYLES “THE BEST” IS THE TEACHER WHO REFUSES TO HEAR THE WORD “CAN’T.” IT IS THE STUDENT WHO IS NOT AFRAID TO ASK “WHY?” IT IS THE CLASSROOM THAT CULTIVATES CURIOSITY AND THE STUDENT WHO IS FOREVER MOTIVATED BY THE DESIRE TO LEARN.
“He runs from the car to the classroom.” We hear comments like this all the time from parents and faculty alike in the lower school. Our teachers are devoted to nurturing a zeal for learning, and hold creativity and playfulness as paramount to the lower school experience. To stimulate curiosity, we use the OrtonGillingham literacy program, a multisensory, multi-modal approach well suited to young boys. Developmentally appropriate foreign language, computer and science begin in Pre-Kindergarten. Focusing on each child’s individual learning style and strengths, our teachers lay the foundation for learning. They incorporate and engage the essential skills of reading, oral and written language, mathematics, social studies, science, geography, physical education and the arts. Fessenden boys are challenged without being overwhelmed.
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5
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“THE BEST” IS A FIVE-YEAROLD BOY WITH A PASSION FOR LEARNING. IT IS THE SMILE ON HIS FACE AS HE LETS GO OF YOUR HAND AND
DASHES
INTO
THE
CLASSROOM.
We know boys We know what makes them tick. We also know what makes each one unique in the way he thinks, learns and grows. Understanding that boys often have boundless energy, we work to channel it productively in a structured environment that allows them to move about the classroom while engaging in hands-on learning. With more than 100 years of experience, we have learned what works best for boys and how to help them succeed.
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EVOLVING FROM “ME” TO “WE” “THE BEST” IS A BOY WHO LEARNS LIFE-LONG LESSONS EVERY DAY IN THE CLASSROOM, ON STAGE AND ON A PLAYING FIELD. IT IS THE BOY WHO CAN GROW IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT— ALL IN ONE PLACE.
A change in thinking In the middle school, we expand a boy’s focus from discovering the potential within him to exploring the world around him. To expose our students to a greater variety of group settings, we transition from a self-contained classroom to multiple classrooms, reflecting a shift in pedagogy to a team teaching approach with a dedicated teacher for each discipline. Fifth and sixth grade teachers meet several times a week to discuss each student, collaborate on curriculum and develop interdisciplinary projects. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, these changes also recognize middle school boys’ readiness for independence, allowing them to move freely from one classroom to another. Expanded extracurricular activities and the introduction of team sports also provide middle school students with the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills.
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middle school
5-6
“THE BEST” IS A BOY WHO LOVES MATH CLASS AS MUCH AS RECESS. IT IS ABOUT
BEING WELL
ROUNDED AND FINDING THE PERFECT BALANCE IN EACH BOY.
Engaging boys to learn Boys learn best when they are active participants. The middle school focuses on organization, study skills, critical thinking and writing, and benefits from a 1:1 laptop program. In fifth grade, for example, students contribute to Cornell University’s “Project Feeder Watch” by observing and recording data about local bird species. In sixth grade, boys examine the physics of bridge structure in science, learn about scale in math and study famous structural spans in geography. Based on their findings, they write research papers and create multimedia presentations in language arts.
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u pp e r s c h o o l
7-9 PREPARING FOR NEW CHALLENGES “THE BEST” IS THE BOY WHO IS INSPIRED TO SHOW WISDOM BEYOND HIS YEARS. IT IS THE NINTH GRADE STUDENT WHO ELECTS TO HONE HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS, STAND UP FOR OTHERS AND PREPARE HIMSELF FOR THE CHALLENGES OF HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND.
Encouraging greater independence Upperclassmen
are
given
increased
responsibility, privileges and leadership opportunities. While these are signs of maturity, they are also catalysts for it. Our upper school program provides an
The ninth grade experience
age-appropriate curriculum integrated
Fessenden’s culminating grade can be
with a 1:1 laptop program that is
transformative. It provides numerous
designed to strengthen independent
leadership opportunities, fosters self-
study habits and life skills imperative for
confidence and develops greater awareness
high school and beyond. With an average
of burgeoning strengths. It also enables
class size of 12, each boy is placed in
further refinement of academic, artistic
grade-level or honors classes. At an age
and athletic skills. For many boys, this
when learning styles and interests become
year can make a difference that will
more defined, students are presented
last a lifetime.
with an extensive and varied selection of electives from computer programming and multimedia, woodworking and video production to performing and fine arts. Similarly, boys may choose to participate in either interscholastic, intramural or recreational sports.
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After Fessenden There are many secondary schools
and priorities of each student. Our
to consider after graduating from
goal is to match students and families
ABOUT
Fessenden. To make sure a school is the
with school choices that best meet
KNOWING YOURSELF AND
right fit for your son, we have two
their needs in the years following
full-time placement officers to guide
Fessenden. We are proud of the fact
students and their families through the
that, in the last five years, nearly 80%
EXUDING SELF-CONFIDENCE
selection process. Secondary schools
of 9th graders were admitted to their
AS WELL AS THE HUMILITY
vary widely in academic rigor, size and
first choice school and 100% were
geographic location, as do the interests
admitted to schools on their list.
“THE
BEST”
IS
TRUSTING OTHERS. IT IS
TO ASK FOR GUIDANCE.
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CELEBRATING THE ART OF SELF-EXPRESSION “THE BEST” IS THE SPARKLE IN THE EYES OF THE SCULPTOR WHO ENVISIONS A WORK OF ART IN A BLOCK OF WOOD. IT IS THE VOICE OF THE SINGER WHO CAPTURES THE EARS OF THE AUDIENCE. IT IS THE ACTOR WITH THE COURAGE TO TAKE THE STAGE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME.
A cast of characters Our teachers, many of whom are working artists and musicians, play a strong supporting role in piquing a boy’s interest in the visual and performing arts. They have a keen eye for spotting rising stars and beginners exhibiting promise. In a single-sex environment, boys may be less inhibited to express their interests and more likely to display their talents. Performance opportunities abound for all Fessy boys. Upperclassmen, appearing regularly in school plays, serve as role models for younger boys. Kindergarten through fourth grade classes each present a musical, and middle school boys perform an annual Shakespeare production as part of their language arts curriculum. In all grades, we provide a medium for boys to reveal their creative side.
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The instrument of discovery To awaken a love of the arts in every boy, Fessenden offers an unparalleled creative program. Starting in Pre-Kindergarten, boys learn to read music using Orff instruments, Kodรกly hand signals and eurhythmics. In middle school, students
may select chorus, band and/or an instrument in addition to studio arts. Upperclassmen choose from a more in depth palette of visual and performing arts options
including
painting,
drawing,
sculpture, ceramics, theater arts (performing and technical), video production, digital photography, individual music lessons and woodworking. To showcase their talents, students perform in musicals and concerts and display their creative works around campus and at local exhibits.
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THE MAKING OF UNLIKELY HEROES “THE BEST” ARE SELFLESS. THEY WANT THE ASSIST, NOT ONLY THE GOAL. IT IS THE LINEMAN WHO MAKES A CRITICAL BLOCK SO HIS RUNNING BACK CAN FIND A HOLE. IT IS THE UNDERSIZED
LEFT-WINGER
WHO
LAUGHS
AT
THE
WORD
“INTIMIDATED.” IT IS THE TEAM THAT WORKS TOGETHER TOWARD A COMMON GOAL.
Defining moments in a boy’s life Sports
build
character
and
healthy
bodies and provide lasting memories. To that end, Fessenden strives to generate meaningful experiences for students of all ages and abilities. Boys in middle and upper school may choose from 21 team and individual sports at the interscholastic, intramural and recreational levels. Boys in lower school participate in physical education classes designed to prepare them with the skills needed for future athletic pursuits. At all levels of competition, sportsmanship is paramount. The principles of fairness, respect and responsibility are held above the glory of athletic achievement.
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Athletic facilities rivaling a secondary school Fessenden’s commitment to athletics is evidenced by our sports facilities. They include 8 playing fields, 3 gymnasiums, a wrestling center, a weight room, an indoor hockey rink, 10 tennis courts (6 lighted), 2 outdoor swimming pools and access to nearby facilities for downhill and cross-country skiing, squash, sailing and crew. Fessenden also has a full-time athletic trainer to ensure the safety of our boys and visiting teams – along with all the equipment needed to keep active boys in perpetual motion.
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FESSENDEN IS HOME “THE BEST” IS THE BOND OF FRIENDSHIP THAT BEGINS AT A YOUNG AGE AND LASTS A LIFETIME. IT IS THE SCHOOL THAT DOES NOT FEEL LIKE HOME, BUT RATHER IS HOME.
Boarding available for grades 5-9 Fessenden is home to the headmaster, more than 40 residential faculty members and their families and 105 boarding students from the United States and around the globe. With students from
Welcome family program and shared experiences
different parts of the world, boarding at
Every new student is assigned a welcome
Fessenden gives our students greater
family prior to the start of school. Well
exposure to the global community.
versed in the Fessenden experience,
Living on campus, residential students
welcome
have a unique opportunity to cross geo-
helping new families feel comfortable
graphic and cultural borders and experience
throughout the school year. In addition,
for themselves how diverse viewpoints
our welcome family program provides
enrich education and enhance life.
unforgettable
families are instrumental in
moments
and
lasting
memories by bringing day, domestic and
The power of three Affectionately known as “The Triple
international boarding students together for birthdays, holidays and weekend stays.
Threat,” many of our teachers are also dorm parents and coaches. These mentors are an integral part of the Fessenden family. They are a trusted and ready source for advice and guidance on any subject day or night.
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Action-packed weekends The commitment to Fessenden’s residential
mountains and lakes of New Hampshire,
program is unparalleled, offering 25
Vermont and Maine, as well as the
trips and activities every weekend –
beaches of Cape Cod, are all within a
more than 800 throughout the year.
two-hour drive from the Fessenden
Just 15 minutes from one of the most
campus – providing unlimited oppor-
culturally rich and vibrant cities in the
tunities for skiing, snowboarding,
country, students take advantage of
camping, hiking, fishing, boating and
everything Boston has to offer – from
weekend excursions. Our activities and
professional and collegiate sporting
location are two of the best things about
events, world-renowned museums and
being a boarding student at Fessenden.
first-class theaters to historical sites. The
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A BLEND OF OLD AND NEW “THE BEST” IS A CAMPUS WITH A BALANCE BETWEEN CLASSIC ARCHITECTURE AND STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES. IT IS A SAFE, PROTECTED ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES RISK-TAKING. IT IS A SCHOOL WHERE TRADITIONAL VALUES AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES PEACEFULLY COEXIST. IT IS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
Founded in 1903 The Fessenden School is the oldest all-boys junior boarding school in the country. We continue to grow and evolve right along with our students in competency, relevancy and specialized expertise in educating and bringing out the best in boys. More than half our teachers have
Close to Boston, far from ordinary
advanced degrees. With hundreds of
Endowed with stately academic buildings
computers, a laptop for every student in
and
grades 5-9 and interactive whiteboards in
Fessenden is a residential campus set on
nearly every classroom, Fessenden boys
41 acres in West Newton, Massachusetts.
have endless resources at their fingertips.
Located just ten miles outside of Boston,
exceptional
athletic
facilities,
our school provides an educational experience that aims to bring out the
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Design: Kaminsky Strategik Design, Photography: Len Rubenstein
best in each boy.
The Fessenden School 250 Waltham Street West Newton, MA 02465 www.fessenden.org 617.630.2300