Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity, and Leadership 
aceraschool.org/admissions | 781-729-3489

Myth: Gifted students don’t need help; they’ll do fine on their own. Fact: Gifted students need guidance from well-trained teachers and parents who challenge and support them to fully develop their abilities. 

At Acera, a nonprofit kindergarten through grade 9 STEAM school in Winchester, Mass., students are encouraged to be creative and inquire without fear. Gifted students at Acera learn by tapping into their intrinsic motivation with myriad questions and projects about the world.

Acera’s innovative program includes individual learning plans for every child, small math classes that are organized by ability rather than age, thematic and project-based learning, hands-on units in a life sciences lab, mentor-supported passion projects, time outdoors in their 

Adventure Playground, and creative electives in computing, engineering, robotics, woodworking, sciences, humanities, and the arts. The school’s approach to education results in highly engaged and happy kids who are motivated to learn and excited to come to school. Alumni move on to schools like Boston University Academy, Commonwealth School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and more.

After school and during summer break, kids can attend Acera’s award-winning Enrichment Programs. Parents can learn more at Acera’s Parent Information Sessions on Oct. 8. They’re also welcome to join Acera for the Fall Innovator Symposium on Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., or the Open House and Math Festival on Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to noon. 

Belmont Day School
belmontday.org | 617-484-3078

Belmont Day School fosters intellectual curiosity, honors differences, and empowers meaningful contribution through its core values of excellence, respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, and joy. From pre-K through grade 8, students’ love of learning is nurtured through hands-on, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and process-oriented work. 

Belmont Day’s faculty is made up of experts who offer each student the right balance of challenge and support. Whether in a classroom or art studio, on a sports field or stage, they encourage students to bring their skills, experiences, and optimism to this important time of personal growth and learning. Their curricula, covering topics including health and wellness, social-emotional learning, equity, inclusion, and belonging, help students build a strong sense of themselves and their responsibilities in the world. Graduates excel at their chosen high schools as caring leaders and confident self-advocates. 

Belmont Day is committed to providing the opportunity for families to join the school community, which puts its values into action, fosters a sense of belonging for all, and engages in the joyful pursuit of academic excellence. Financial assistance is available across a wide range of family income profiles. 

Learn more about the school’s community of learners and leaders at an in-person Open House on Oct. 20, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or attend a virtual Open House on Nov. 16, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Boston College High School
bchigh.edu | 617-474-5010

Climate change. AI. Racial and economic inequality. Today’s most pressing issues will shape the lives of countless future generations, but young people will also have the chance to shape solutions to these problems and steer the course of history. 

At Boston College High School, young men are taught to make a difference from their very first day. BC High is a place where leadership, innovation, faith, intercultural life, and justice are not just extraneous parts of the experience — they are thoughtfully woven into the curriculum and everyday life through the Centers for Human Excellence. 

BC High alumni have changed the world as military and spiritual leaders, politicians, scientists, educators, and captains of industry. While the school empowers today’s students to strive for that same success, they are committed to providing boys with the care and support that will help them grow into loving men determined to make the world a better place. The school’s innovative House System sets an unparalleled standard of care that enables students to experience all the resources of a large private school while being nurtured and mentored in a deeply personal way. 

Register for the Open House on Oct. 26 at bchigh.edu to learn about BC High’s more than 160-year history of educating young men grades 7 through 12 in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition — and why BC High might be the perfect fit for your family.

Boston Trinity Academy
bostontrinity.org | 617-364-3700

Boston Trinity Academy calls itself “a community of differents,” and when you look around, it’s easy to see why. Students at the school’s Hyde Park campus mingle easily with peers from different neighborhoods and diverse backgrounds, with several international students living close by in the international students’ residence. But the difference doesn’t end there. These students in grades 6 through 12 are part of a community of learners who think about the world from different perspectives. Thanks to an outstanding and supportive faculty, many from around the globe, students are engaged and invested in their education. It’s a place where students discuss difficult topics, develop new interests, and get excited about their future. 

That does not mean classes are easy at Boston Trinity, however. This co-ed Christian college preparatory school follows a challenging middle and high school curriculum that makes in-depth learning an essential part of education. After a day of classes, students have opportunities to engage socially through a variety of clubs and activities, including theater arts, chess, robotics, a robust athletic program, and other pursuits. The school also boasts the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice, which encourages and inspires students to become servant leaders of tomorrow. Students and parents say Boston Trinity builds student confidence while preparing them for college and a successful future.

British International School of Boston
bisboston.org | 617-522-2261

At the British International School of Boston (BISB), children are provided with a unique and rigorous education through carefully selected international curricula and a personalized approach to learning. The school’s dedicated teachers tailor the educational experience to meet the individual needs of each student, helping them achieve more than they ever thought possible. In this diverse and welcoming international community, children from toddlers through high schoolers are inspired to reach their highest potential and grow into confident global citizens, ready to create their future in an interconnected world. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family of schools, BISB students benefit from collaborations with world-renowned institutions such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy, amplifying their learning experiences and offering global perspectives. Discover the difference at BISB, where your child’s journey to excellence begins.

The Chestnut Hill School
tchs.org | 617-566-4394

The Chestnut Hill School (CHS), an independent, all-gender school for children ages 3 through grade 6, believes childhood optimism and enduring curiosity can transform the world. At CHS, students find meaning and joy in a diverse community that encourages them to question, take risks, and think critically as they grow into intellectually skilled, empathetic, self-empowered young learners. The school’s goal is to create a place where students of all cultures and affinities can build meaningful relationships with extraordinary faculty members and one another. 

As a leader in early childhood and elementary education, The Chestnut Hill School offers a rigorous math and literacy program along with special subjects ranging from art and music to science, technology, and Spanish. An extended-day program provides the chance for students to enjoy extracurricular activities such as karate, Lego building, chess, and athletics, all in the same nurturing environment. CHS is a place that aims to ensure students feel seen, validated, and supported as they pursue academic excellence. The Chestnut Hill School is committed to offering financial assistance to qualified families. 

To learn more about The Chestnut Hill School and what it offers, go to tchs.org

Commonwealth School
commschool.org | 617-266-7525

Discover an uncommon high school where 157 academically adventurous students thrive. Commonwealth School is an independent high school dedicated to intellectual and artistic exploration — where creativity and individuality flourish. Commonwealth’s thought-provoking curriculum is rooted in rigorous analysis, focused attention, discussion, and inquiry. Eighty-six percent of the faculty have advanced degrees, and they work closely with students to explore their interests, develop problem-solving skills, and boost their confidence. College-level electives include differential equations, life drawing, Mandarin literature, film analysis, computer science theory, and more. 

Commonwealth’s location in Boston’s Back Bay immerses students in the city and its opportunities, from conducting research at the Boston Public Library to interning at the State House to enjoying a cupcake on Newbury Street. Small classes and dedicated faculty advisors ensure personal attention for each student, and daily all-school meetings, weekly assemblies, and unique traditions create a close-knit community in which students feel both challenged and supported. Commonwealth helps students discover their passions, follow where their curiosity leads, and grow into thoughtful and inquisitive young adults who excel in college, career, and life. 

Students and their families can experience this dynamic environment at one of the school’s virtual Open Houses, happening on Oct. 1 and Nov. 17. After applying, students and families are cordially invited to visit in person. Learn more at commschool.org/openhouse.

Dexter Southfield
dextersouthfield.org | 617-751-3600

Dexter Southfield is an independent, college preparatory day school for students in pre-K through grade 12. The school’s unique learning model — single-gender classrooms in pre-K through grade 8 and a co-educational environment in grades 9 through 12 — allows students to thrive academically and socially. The school believes that students are at their best when they are happily challenged and that holding students to the highest standards goes hand in hand with deeply understanding their interests, supporting their passions, and celebrating what makes them unique. They believe in establishing a solid foundation of character, leadership, and intellectual curiosity to ensure students flourish in an ever-changing world. Dexter Southfield’s beautiful campus and world-class facilities allow students to explore countless interests and activities. Industry-leading partnerships extend the classroom and provide unique opportunities for research, career exploration, and learning. 

An Open House for the Lower School is available on Saturday, Oct. 26, and for the Middle and Upper Schools on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The Fessenden School
fessenden.org | 617-630-2300

The Fessenden School in West Newton, Massachusetts, is more than an independent day and boarding school for boys in pre-K through grade 9. It’s the perfect intersection of tradition and innovation. It’s a place where tried-and-true educational techniques are woven seamlessly into a STEAM-inspired, passion-based curriculum. It’s a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community that emphasizes academic excellence and character development. Parents recognize faculty for understanding how boys learn best and for providing the individual support and encouragement children need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Fessenden also has the distinction of being one of the few schools worldwide invited to partner with NuVu (an innovation school founded by MIT graduates) to deliver an academic program that encourages students to be creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and global citizens. NuVu helped Fessenden design its spectacular Ciongoli Center for Innovation and its project-based curriculum — a model that hundreds of educators have visited Fessenden to experience firsthand. 

To learn more, attend a virtual or on-campus tour, offered weekly from October through mid-December. Or attend a daytime Open House on the third Thursday in October, November, and December. Visit fessenden.org/2024 and register today!

Fontbonne, The Early College of Boston
fontbonneboston.org | 617-696-3241

Fontbonne is a Catholic college preparatory high school and early college serving young women in grades 7 through 12 throughout Greater Boston and the South Shore. Inspiring remarkable girls since 1954, Fontbonne is a leader in private school education and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston.

Fontbonne’s Early College model and student-centered curriculum allow its faculty to challenge students to rise to the expectation of academic excellence while understanding the importance of collaboration and creativity. The Early College program exposes students to learning beyond the classroom with opportunities to experience the world. Through access to college classrooms, programming, and student life experiences that allow them to use their voices, Fontbonne prepares young leaders to create their future.

A Fontbonne education is proudly centered on encouraging students to question the status quo and to have conversations that challenge them. Alumnae are faithful, fearless, and compassionate leaders who are defining the future. Fontbonne is thrilled to welcome new families into its community.

German International School Boston
gisbos.org | 617-783-2600

German International School Boston (GISB) is a bilingual independent school. The institution strives to inspire curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning. GISB is part of a worldwide network of 135 officially recognized International German Schools, allowing the school to award the German International Abitur in addition to the Massachusetts high school diploma. This prestigious honors-level diploma is recognized at European and American colleges and universities as an academic distinction. 

Whether you are looking for a language-immersion preschool or want to benefit from the rich and rigorous German curriculum in elementary to high school, GISB works to ignite each student’s intellectual and creative potential, preparing students to shape the future. 

GISB has no prior language requirements for preschool, pre-K, or kindergarten, and offers a dedicated Fast Track program for students entering grades K through 5 with little or no German knowledge.

Contact [email protected] to schedule a tour.

Kingsley Montessori School
kingsley.org | 617-226-4900

Kingsley Montessori School, nestled in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay, is a distinguished independent day school for children from toddler through grade 6. Merging Montessori principles with cutting-edge educational practices, Kingsley delivers a personalized learning experience that nurtures each child’s unique talents and curiosity. The school’s commitment to fostering academic excellence in a supportive environment ensures that students not only meet but exceed their personal best.

Kingsley emphasizes progressive, inquiry-based learning that promotes both academic and social growth. They aim to prepare their students for future success, whether in top independent or public schools. The school prides itself on achieving a deep understanding of each child and a collaborative approach with parents, which helps cultivate resilient explorers, confident learners, and empathetic citizens.

The heart of Kingsley is its community — whether the lasting bonds formed in Early Childhood and Elementary, the close connections between teachers, students, and families, or the warm interactions among parents during school events and playdates. The school considers its vibrant community a cornerstone of the Kingsley experience.

Lesley Ellis School
lesleyellis.org | 781-641-5987

Lesley Ellis School serves preschoolers through eighth graders in a community that celebrates diversity and is defined by respect for all. From the moment students enter the iconic orange Lesley Ellis doors, they know what it means to belong, to be accepted, and to be challenged. Every student’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth is nurtured and expertly guided at Lesley Ellis. 

The robust and flexible academic program allows faculty to meet the individual needs of students while simultaneously helping students develop foundational social and emotional skills. The Lesley Ellis School course of study includes an arts program that exposes children to the vast canvas of creative expression available to them and a school-wide Spanish program beginning in the earliest years. It also offers robust after-school, vacation, and summer programs along with an award-winning anti-bias curriculum that informs all aspects of the Lesley Ellis experience and reminds students that they are part of a larger global community that requires an ever-growing need for understanding and mindfulness. The faculty at Lesley Ellis are highly trained, committed, and enthusiastic, infusing each student’s experience with meaning and joy. 

Mount Alvernia Academy
maa.school | 617-527-7540

There’s more to education than just knowledge. Mount Alvernia Academy (MAA) prioritizes educating the whole child — spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Founded in 1927, the school remains committed to its mission of educating and nurturing students in a challenging academic environment. An independent Franciscan Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through grade 6, MAA’s experienced teachers, small group instruction, and innovative approach to education give young learners the strong foundation needed to move on to competitive Catholic, independent, and exam schools. Nestled in scenic Chestnut Hill with views of Boston and Boston College, MAA offers a comprehensive academic experience enriched by a robust core curriculum and science labs. The school supports student development through a myriad of resources, including learning specialists, a school counselor, and diverse programs in music, Spanish, art, technology, and physical education. Additional offerings include before-school and extended-day programs, after-school enrichment activities, and vacation and summer programming.

The holistic approach to education embraced at MAA has proven so successful that it has been recognized by the Department of Education as a two-time National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence in 2015 and 2022. To discover the Blue Ribbon difference, join the Nov. 3 Open House or schedule a private tour. Financial aid is available for eligible families. For more information, visit maa.school.

The Newman School 
newmanboston.org | 617-267-4530

The Newman School, located on Marlborough Street in Boston’s prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, offers a unique educational experience in the heart of the city. Students seamlessly integrate with the vibrant Boston community, running on the Esplanade for cross-country practice, performing at the Boston Conservatory Theater, doing additional lab work at Novartis, and analyzing curation and aesthetics at the Museum of Fine Arts. As the only boarding school in Boston, Newman is a global community where day and boarding students benefit from learning together. 

Newman prides itself on being a community of students, families, and faculty from diverse backgrounds, where mutual respect, integrity, and civic responsibility are essential. Guided by Cardinal Newman’s motto, “cor ad cor loquitur” (a Latin phrase meaning “heart speaks to heart”), they believe that true education extends beyond academic knowledge, and they strive to nurture well-rounded individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

The curriculum, which includes the International Baccalaureate program, combines intellectual challenge with experiential learning. Students engage deeply with both their studies and the city, balancing independence with leadership. Newman’s programs in service, leadership, sports, and the arts, supported by dedicated teachers, prepare students for success in prestigious colleges and universities, including Boston College, Brown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and many more.

Noble and Greenough School
nobles.edu | 781-326-3700

Noble and Greenough School (Nobles) is a day and five-day boarding school for grades 7 through 12 in Dedham, Mass. Since 1866, Nobles has empowered students to embrace the moment and prepare for the future. In this vibrant intellectual environment, students challenge themselves, collaborate with others, and make learning a meaningful journey of exploration and growth. Faculty share a genuine passion for their subjects and for mentoring young people so that they can thrive academically, creatively, socially, and emotionally. In the classroom, on the fields, and onstage, Nobles’ steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is embedded in every facet of the curriculum and community. At Nobles, students are inspired to pursue their curiosity, build strong relationships, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. For more information, visit nobles.edu/admission.
2024 Open Houses: 
Oct. 19, 8:30–11:30 a.m., grades 7 through 8
Oct. 26, 8:30–11:30 a.m., grades 9 through 11
Dec. 10, 6–8:30 p.m., grades 7 through 11

NuVu High School
nuvuschool.org | 617-945-7716

A high school with no classes? NuVu turns the traditional model of education upside down by igniting a student’s love of learning through a series of hands-on, project-based design studios.

At this independent, nonprofit high school, students focus deeply on one studio at a time — often in tandem with an actual business or community partner — with a focus on design, engineering, art, and technology. A contemporary educational model created by MIT alumni, NuVu focuses on supporting the development of foundational skills and creative confidence. Students learn to navigate open-ended problems, collaborate, build empathy, expand their technical abilities, and communicate ideas using a variety of media. 

If you seek learning beyond the classroom, then NuVu High School could be what you and your family have been looking for!

Park Street School
parkstreetschool.org | 617-523-7577

Situated in sunny Beacon Hill facilities, Park Street School (PSS) is celebrating its twenty-fifth year of providing a continuous, integrated, and joy-filled education for children ages 2 through 12. At PSS, students explore and create in vibrant learning spaces. A robust academic program feeds students’ curiosity, builds strong foundations of knowledge at an early age, and inspires inquiry and lifelong learning. Faculty demonstrate care and compassion for students, encouraging them to grow in confidence, compassion, and empathy. Students are taught of God’s love for them and how to show respect for others, take risks in an affirming setting, and live generously.

Students actively participate in “out of the chair” activities and are enriched by creative hands-on experiences and cross-curricular integration. Creative problem-solving is encouraged as they interact with the curriculum and each other. PSS students are equipped to become global citizens, armed with a strong academic foundation, collaborative spirit, and critical-thinking skills. The school offers small class sizes, a diverse community, need-based financial aid, a talented faculty, competitive middle school placement, and aspirational college matriculation.

Sign up at parkstreetschool.org to join an Open House (Evening: Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.; Morning: Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. and Jan. 16 at 9 a.m.) or request an information packet.

The Roxbury Latin School 
roxburylatin.org | 617-325-4920 

In designing a vital program, Roxbury Latin is alert to what is best and most effective in educating boys but also dares to define what is in their best interest. The school’s program balances rigorous academic training with robust character development, including extensive support and deep care for each individual student. Roxbury Latin cares, most of all, what kind of person a boy is and promises to know and love each boy. 

Founded in 1645 and located on 117 acres in West Roxbury, Roxbury Latin is a small, independent day school for boys in grades 7 through 12. The school’s comparatively low tuition — averaging $20,000 less than other Boston-area independent schools — and its policy to admit and enroll students without regard to their parents’ ability to pay ensure a diverse student body.

Join Roxbury Latin for an Open House on Sunday, Nov. 10, to learn more about Roxbury Latin’s campus and culture, people, and program.

Russian School of Mathematics
mathschool.com | 855-MATH-855

The Russian School of Mathematics (RSM) is an award-winning after-school math enrichment program that has been trusted by parents for nearly three decades. With 15 locations across Massachusetts, RSM is renowned for its excellence in math education. Their unique approach consists of a continuous kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum, taught by expert teachers in a classroom environment of peers who study together year after year. RSM takes pride in ensuring each student learns in an environment that is optimal for them while boosting their intelligence, confidence in math, and learning abilities.

The RSM program offers three levels to serve each child according to their knowledge and availability. In addition to the core program, the school offers a competition track designed for students interested in advanced mathematical topics and participating in elite math competitions.

RSM’s curriculum was developed by a team of academics specializing in mathematics, education, and child development and has been perfected by the school’s internal curriculum department.

RSM classes are now enrolling for the fall! To get started, schedule a free 30-minute evaluation at your local RSM branch. The school’s principal will walk you through the curriculum and methodology and answer any questions you may have. Schedule an evaluation online at mathschool.com or call 855-MATH-855.

Shady Hill School
shs.org | 617-520-5260

Shady Hill School is a progressive and diverse co-educational day school for children in pre-K (beginners) through grade 8. Focusing on joyful, active learning informed by multiple perspectives, Shady Hill is a community that fosters intellectual curiosity — a place where students are encouraged to create what they wish existed while learning to recognize and grapple with the complexities of the world in which we live. The school’s academic curriculum emphasizes depth over breadth and employs a unique year-long teaching approach called Central Subject. Shady Hill School’s students are curious and engaged — they are bright and enthusiastic, and they genuinely enjoy exploration and discovery. Most of all, Shady Hill students are connected to their learning.

The campus is situated on 11 acres just off the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass., which features 18 child-scaled buildings that provide a home for each grade, with additional facilities for the library, makerspace, and areas dedicated to science, math, arts, and physical education. The school’s physical layout helps create a strong sense of community that underpins its curriculum. They accept applications for all grades. Parents are encouraged to visit shs.org/apply to learn more about the admission process. 

Xaverian Brothers High School
xbhs.com | 781-326-6392

Xaverian is a Catholic college-prep school for boys in grades 7 through 12. For over 60 years, Xaverian has helped to shape strong young men in the best sense of the word. At Xaverian, students discover the true meaning of strength in an inclusive community where the dignity of each person is respected so that all can thrive. Xaverian students are empowered to achieve beyond their expectations and share their gifts with a world in need.

Academics look different there. With 95 percent of faculty holding advanced degrees and the school’s commitment to funding continuing education, teachers are at the cutting edge of their craft. They know how to meet the educational needs of adolescent boys so that they become confident lifelong learners, imbued with curiosity and equipped with the necessary skills to find the answers they seek. Xaverian graduates are men of character, strong critical thinkers, problem solvers, and contributors to society.