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2021 Guide to Independent Schools: S – Z

Saint Joseph Prep Boston

Saintjosephprep.org | 617-254-8383

A premier independent co-educational Catholic high school in greater Boston, Saint Joseph Prep provides an exceptional, accessible, student-driven education marked by academic excellence, authentic community, meaningful engagement, and dynamic innovation. Through the school’s diverse, character-driven, and faith-filled experience, graduates are prepared for success in college and career and empowered to be servant-leaders. Saint Joseph Prep provides students with resources and skills to thrive academically and personally. Students engage in a four-year college and career readiness curriculum, are provided in-school SAT/ACT preparation, participate in a College Road program with Boston College, and are offered dual enrollment programs. With these supports, the class of 2021 achieved 100 percent college acceptance. Students participate in STEAM courses each year and can elect a wide variety of AP and Honors courses. Saint Joseph Prep’s Academic Enrichment Center offers individualized services, including research-based study strategies, math and science support labs, and writing and college essay support. Co-curricular offerings include robotics, theater, athletics, service, student council, campus ministry, and more. Saint Joseph Prep Boston is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, whose core value of love and service to the dear neighbor without distinction is lived out by the SJP community. Experience what it’s like to be part of the Saint Joseph Prep community at our Open House on Sunday, October 24, from 1-4 p.m. Saint Joseph Prep Boston is accessible by MBTA busses, T, and commuter rail, and offers free parking. Scholarships and financial aid are available. Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

Shore Country Day School

shoreschool.org | 978-927-1700

At Shore Country Day School in Beverly, extraordinary teachers and a transformative approach inspire children for the rest of their lives. Deeply grounded in the liberal arts, and enhanced by curriculum-wide emphasis on student-led inquiry and creative expression, Shore’s rich program and caring community help each child find their spark. Shore faculty members are recognized by parents year after year for their ability to engage every learner in joyful, adventurous education; they are proud to see themselves as guides and coaches challenging students to take “good risks” as they become advocates of their own learning. The Shore education emphasizes emotional growth and social responsibility just as much as academic achievement, and the school’s unique Community Code exemplifies a deeply felt dedication to the well-being of the whole child. Inside the flagship Center for Creativity, robust offerings in studio arts, music, drama, design, and engineering prepare students to thrive in a changing world that values flexible, agile thinking which crosses old boundaries with ease. Recess, physical education, and team sports are core to Shore’s program, and its renowned outdoor education and service-learning offerings are the most extensive in the region. Whether inspired by a caring teacher or coach, inspiring an audience through the arts, or finding inspiration in a risk taken, students at Shore discover the excitement of experiencing the world with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

St. Sebastian’s School

stsebs.org/visit | 781-449-5200

Offering the best of the Catholic and independent school traditions, St. Sebastian’s School serves 375 boys in grades 7—12 in an inclusive community of academic rigor and spiritual depth. The order of the day at St. Sebastian’s is to love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. Every boy is known, loved, and called to greatness by great teachers. An extraordinarily small average class size (10) calls students to pursue excellence in every discipline within the school’s structured liberal arts curriculum, while exceptional writing and chapel speaking programs empower students intellectually and spiritually. St. Sebastian’s commitment to diversity of all kinds and its $4.1 million in need-based financial aid attract bright, promising boys from many communities and backgrounds. Graduates leave prepared for and excited about the challenges they will face in college and beyond. Over the past five years, the colleges enrolling the greatest number of St. Sebastian’s graduates include Boston College, Holy Cross, Notre Dame, and Harvard. Open House is October 7 at 5:30 p.m.

Tenacre Country Day School

tenacrecds.org | 781-235-2282

Parents looking for a school where children are nurtured and challenged by dedicated and supportive teachers will find that—and more—at Tenacre Country Day School in Wellesley. With fewer than 200 students in Pre-K-6th grade, two team teachers per grade, and five subject specialists, youngsters get the instruction and attention they need to thrive. From a strong academic program, social development, leadership training, and community-building, Tenacre Country Day School develops well-rounded youngsters who are excited about learning. School administrators believe that a child given multiple opportunities to succeed, will be successful. A curriculum that includes core subjects along with science, Spanish, technology, music, art, library, and physical education, gives children a chance to explore new ideas and concepts with a diverse group of classmates and colleagues. In classrooms and on playing fields, students are encouraged to become engaged in their own education. They develop critical-thinking skills and gain confidence, independence, and resilience while maturing into caring and engaged adults. Parents looking for a positive place in challenging times can find it at Tenacre Country Day School, where a supportive community and parent involvement provide a strong foundation for a child’s future. For more information about our virtual Open House November 7 and curriculum night November 18, visitTenacre’s website at www.tenacrecds.org.

Thayer Academy

thayer.org | 781-843-3580

Founded in 1877, Thayer Academy is an independent co-ed day school in historic Braintree for grades 512. Students thrive in an environment distinguished by rigorous academics, a supportive culture, and a vibrant community. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 14, students work in an atmosphere of academic collaboration. The academy’s unique schedule means students don’t have to choose one experience over the other. They can be performers, artists, and athletes while still being active and engaged students. Thayer recently unveiled a new sports center as well as a new computer science and robotics wing. This spring the academy broke ground on a construction project to transform its Middle School campus by the fall of 2022. Easily accessible from public transportation, Thayer also runs bus routes from Boston, MetroWest, and the South Shore. Chris Fortunato JD, MSW serves as Thayer Academy’s new head of school. Open houses for the Middle School and Upper School will be held October 23 and October 30, respectively; both events run from 9 a.m. until noon at Thayer’s 745 Washington St. campus. To register, contact Admissions at [email protected]

Tower School

towerschool.org | 781-631-5800

We teach our students to think critically and creatively, to develop joyful curiosity, to embrace challenge and apply their knowledge with confidence, and to thrive within a community rich with diverse perspectives and talents. Tower graduates are articulate, kind, confident, self-motivated learners who possess the skills for academic and personal achievement in secondary school and in life. Visit us online, attend an admission event or simply reach out to begin a conversation about your goals for your child’s education, our engaging curriculum, and our community of families. Inquire about our extended day program, scholarship availability, tuition assistance and bus transportation to our campus in Marblehead. Fall 2021 Admission Events are as follows:

  • October 21, 9 a.m. via Zoom—Coffee & Conversation with Tower’s Head of School
  • November 3, 7 p.m. via Zoom—Academic Curriculum Showcase, Grades 5–8
  • November 4, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom—Curriculum Showcase, Grades Pre-K–1
  • November 16, 7 p.m. via Zoom—Arts & Athletics Showcase, Grades 5–8
  • November 18, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom—Curriculum Showcase, Grades 2–4

 Find our full calendar of events at towerschool.org/admission.

Ursuline Academy

ursulineacademy.net | 781-326-6161

Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA, has been educating young women in grades 7–12 for 75 years.  Ursuline schools worldwide are rooted in a belief in the power of women, the importance of education, and a commitment to using our God-given talents to better the world. An independent Catholic school, Ursuline offers a diverse college-preparatory curriculum complemented by robust programs in athletics, the arts, and technology. Our students become women who make a difference, balancing who they want to be as individuals with who they are meant to be as global citizens. As a recent graduate said, “One of the things that makes Ursuline so special is its ability to encourage independence while supporting you in whatever you choose to do.” And with 14 sports to choose from, two robotics teams, three drama performances each year, and a multitude of clubs and service opportunities, there is a lot to do. Register to attend our Open House on November 7 at www.ursulineacademy.net.

Waldorf School of Lexington

thewaldorfschool.org | 781-863-1062

Waldorf School of Lexington (WSL) serves a diverse student body from Pre-k-grade 8 on a historic campus, adjacent to the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land. WSL also offers parent-child classes, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for both children (ages 8 weeks to 5 years) and caregivers. The Waldorf curriculum is carefully mapped to children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical developmental stages. Preschool and kindergarten include creative free play and an unhurried and media-free school experience with ample time in nature. In first grade, students begin an arts-integrated academic curriculum, including language arts, history and world cultures, mathematics and sciences, world languages, choral and instrumental music, visual and performing arts, and athletics. WSL also offers a gardening program, farm and field trips, nature walks, and seasonal festivals. The school’s educational philosophy and culture instill in students respect for themselves, for each other, and the confidence to engage in a changing world. WSL prepares students for a lifetime of joyful, self-directed learning and community engagement. Above all, WSL is a school where each child is seen, known, and loved. And that can change the world. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit thewaldorfschool.org.

Waring School

waringschool.org | 978-927-8793

Waring School, a co-educational liberal arts school for grades 6–12, aims to create and sustain a community of lifelong learners who are working together for the individual and the common good. Located in Beverly, with a student-to-teacher ratio of about 7:1, Waring provides students with a nurturing environment in which they feel free to take risks, speak up, and grow as learners and citizens. Classes are discussion format; students do not raise hands; and teachers are called by their first names. Community, respect, and integrity are valued. Students learn to advocate for themselves and others, to speak up, and to speak comfortably with and to adults. Graduates are articulate writers and speakers, and are comfortable in the technological and life sciences, as well as mathematics, humanities, and the visual and performing arts. All students learn French as a second language and most reach near-fluency by graduation. Waring will host an in-person Open House on Saturday, October 16, from 9-11:30 a.m. as well as weekly information sessions (Admissions Coffees) starting September 29 (Wednesdays 9-10:30 a.m.). Visit waringschool.org for more information about fall admissions events, in-person and online, and to fill out an inquiry form.

Wellan Montessori School

wellan.org | 617-969-4488

Wellan Montessori School is an independent, all-gender school with an age range of 15 months to grade 8. Located in Newton Centre, the school draws families from diverse backgrounds in surrounding communities. Wellan students benefit from the unique balance of freedom and responsibility offered by the school’s Montessori-Progressive curriculum, which promotes both individually paced academic progress and collaborative project-based learning. Empathy, community service, innovation, and social justice are emphasized throughout the curriculum. During the school day, students enjoy specials that span visual and performing arts, woodworking, technology, and more; students also have the option to enroll in after-school enrichment and athletic programs. Graduates demonstrate strong executive-function skills that enable them to succeed at Greater Boston’s top public and independent schools. At wellan.org, see why the school placed first as a Boston Parents Family Favorite. Explore a range of resources, from parenting blog posts and sample Montessori lessons to a virtual tour. Inspire. Challenge. Empower. Inquire today at wellan.org. Wellan’s admission team is available to answer questions and welcomes you to contact [email protected] or 617-969-4488. Need-based financial assistance is available.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

wma.us/admission | 413-596-6811

Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA), voted seven-time TheRepublican/MassLive Reader Raves winner for “Best Private School” in Western Massachusetts, is for students who are looking for a transformational educational community. WMA is a global experience that features 23 Advanced Placement courses and various honors tracks. The academy creates global thinkers by offering a curriculum that integrates the mastery of traditional core disciplines while also incorporating courses specific to our Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance, and our financial Trading Center. Our brand new 4,800-square-foot state-of-the-art STEM Lab, new $6.2 million Athenaeum Library and athletic facilities complement our 400-acre campus, allowing students to engage in more than 30 competitive recreational or civic activities. We aim to create future leaders, who investigate opportunities for intellectual growth, integrate by seeking intercultural connections, and innovate by practicing critical reasoning and entrepreneurial thinking. WMA also offers college counseling as part of its program, as well as an advisor program, student promotion, many leadership and club opportunities, online courses, and a unique travel program. Learn more at our Open House on Sunday, October 10, at 10 a.m. Visit www.wma.us/ to RSVP.

Worcester Academy

WorcesterAcademy.org | 508-754-5302

“Achieve the Honorable” is more than just a motto at Worcester Academy. It’s a daily reminder to students that in order to achieve their goals and dreams, they must act in an honorable fashion as they make their way in the world. That’s why Worcester Academy aims to give each student a well-rounded, hands-on education that develops an innovative spirit, a strong work ethic, and a sense of purpose. Set on 71 acres that give off that college campus feel, the co-ed day and boarding school does that through an array of more than 20 Advanced Placement, Honors, and Post Advanced Placement courses, including, astronomy, robotics, and digital citizenship. Extracurricular activities also are plentiful thanks to 45 student clubs, including theater and music, along with 50 different athletic teams ranging from baseball and lacrosse to track and field. Whether your student is in Middle School, High School, or has graduated and is preparing for college, Worcester Academy has the resources and knowledge to develop a well-rounded education at every grade level. See for yourself at Worcester Academy’s Open Houses on October 17 and November 7. For more information, contact the school’s admission office at www.worcesteracademy.org/admission/inquire.

Xaverian Brothers High School

xbhs.com | 781-326-6392

Xaverian Brothers High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7—12, located in Westwood. Established in 1963, the school is sponsored by the Xaverian Brothers. For over half a century, Xaverian has helped to shape strong young men in the best sense of the word; and that means much more than muscles and will. Strong is respecting others and oneself. It means taking responsibility and giving credit where it’s due. Strong is speaking out, and it is also holding back. Strong is doing the right thing even when it’s not popular. Strong is having faith in the face of doubt. At Xaverian, young men discover the true meaning of strength in an inclusive community where the dignity of each person is respected so that all can thrive. Students are empowered to achieve beyond their expectations and share their gifts with a world in need. Visit xbhs.com/admissions to learn more.

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