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2023 Guide to Schools: Boston Metro Region

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

Young girl in science class with beakers writing with pencil while wearing safety goggles.

Belmont Day fosters intellectual curiosity, honors differences, and empowers meaningful contribution through core values of excellence, respect, responsibility, honesty, caring, and joy. From Pre-K through grade 8, students’ love of learning is nurtured every day through hands-on, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and process-oriented work. Belmont’s faculty are experts at offering each student the right balance of challenge and support. Whether in a classroom, an art studio, on a sports field, or on stage, they encourage students to bring their skills, experiences, and optimism to this time of tremendous personal growth and learning. Their curricula in health and wellness, social-emotional learning, as well as equity, inclusion, and belonging help students build a strong sense of themselves and their responsibilities in the world. Upon graduation, eighth graders 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 that 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 income profiles. Staff members are available to discuss the tuition support options that match the needs of all future Belmont Day families. Learn more at an in-person Open House on Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., or attend a virtual Open House on Nov. 18, 9 to 10:30 a.m..

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

Two high school age boys smiling in navy blue suits and striped ties.

Climate change. AI. Racial and economic inequality. Today’s most pressing issues will shape the lives of countless future generations, but young people also will 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, inter-culture, 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. Alumni have changed the world as military and spiritual leaders, politicians and scientists, educators, and captains of industry. While they empower today’s students to strive for that same success, they are committed to providing boys with the care and support that helps 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 Open House on Nov. 5 at bchigh.edu to learn more about BC High’s 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

A huddle of boys in jerseys holding up a sports trophy.

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 difficult topics are discussed, where students develop new interests, and a place that gets young people excited about their future. That doesn’t mean classes are easy at Boston Trinity, however. This co-ed Christian college preparatory school also boasts a challenging middle and high school curriculum with classes that make in-depth learning an important part of education. After a day of classes, there are other opportunities to engage socially through a variety of clubs and activities, including a robust athletic program, theater arts, chess, robotics, and other pursuits. There is also the Trinity Institute for Leadership and Social Justice, which encourages and inspires students to become leaders of tomorrow. If all this sounds transformational, it is. Students and parents say Boston Trinity builds student confidence while preparing them for college and a successful future life. This is reinforced by an alum who said, “Boston Trinity Academy is a diverse place that challenges one to try their hardest in all aspects of life, including in the classroom, in one’s journey with God, and on the sports field. The supportive faculty and staff care about their students and have a genuine passion for learning. The student body is also encouraging and feels like a family.” To learn more about Boston Trinity Academy, visit bostontrinity.org.

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

Three school girls raising their hands in class.

Your child can create their future. Let that journey begin at British International School of Boston (BISB), where your child will achieve more than you ever thought possible. At BISB, students from 18 months through 18 years of age are provided opportunities and experiences they simply cannot get anywhere else. As a member of Nord Anglia Education (NAE), a global family of premium schools, BISB provides its students with enriched curricula through collaborations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy. Through NAE’s Global Campus activities, your child can connect with other Nord Anglia Education students around the world, amplifying their learning beyond the classroom. BISB Middle and High School students can participate in international performing arts festivals and sports competitions, as well as service-learning projects and expeditions in Tanzania and Switzerland. Through personalized learning, support, and challenge, BISB’s extraordinary teachers nurture the individual strengths of each student. The international curricula, culminating with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), will enable your child to stand out to the world’s top universities and create their future.

Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N)
bbns.org | 617-547-6100

Five diverse children smiling in front of a wooden gate.

At Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N), Cambridge’s top day school for students from Pre-K through grade 12, students are immersed in an environment where they can learn and grow through innovative and identity-conscious programming. Their diverse community is richer because of its differences and it helps launch students from any background into a bigger, bolder future. From here, students truly can go anywhere. Supported by exceptional faculty and a robust sense of community, BB&N offers outstanding academics, competitive athletics, dynamic arts offerings, and extensive extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities that allow students to explore and experience more of the world. BB&N gives children the chance to grow into adulthood in an environment where kindness, volunteerism, and community engagement are valued. They are proud to be a school that offers a dynamic experience for all students — and a commitment to making the BB&N experience possible for any family, regardless of their ability to afford full tuition. For more information on the BB&N admissions process, contact [email protected] or visit bbns.org/why-bbn to start your journey and see the whole picture.

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

Three children playing a board game while blond teacher watches.

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. Here, students find meaning and joy in a diverse community that encourages all 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 technology and Spanish. An extended day program provides the chance for students to enjoy extracurricular activities such as karate, robotics, chess, and athletics, all in the same nurturing environment. CHS is a place where all 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 what The Chestnut Hill School has to offer, 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-eight 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 Medieval Islamic Mathematics, Life Drawing, Advanced Topics in Neuroscience, Mandarin Literature, and more. Their 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 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. 6 and Nov. 13. 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

A teacher helping a student with a science experiment.

Dexter Southfield is an independent, college-preparatory day school for boys and girls in Pre-K through grade 12, located just five miles from downtown Boston. The school consists of three divisions: lower (Pre-K-Class 5), middle (Classes 6-8), and upper (Classes 9-12) — all learning together on a 36-acre campus. Since the fall of 2020, Dexter Southfield has opened the Gui Building, a new lower school complex; The Garage, an 8,000-square-foot Innovation Center for middle school students; and the Dexter Southfield Squash Center, featuring six ASB courts. At Dexter Southfield, students learn the fundamentals, develop independence and self-advocacy, and prepare for the emerging challenges of a changing world. Students are provided a foundation for excellence and gain the character, confidence, and compassion to become leaders, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens. Students are driven to achieve at levels that exceed their expectations at Dexter Southfield, in college and beyond. The school invites prospective families to join an on campus exploration: Middle and Upper School Open House on Oct. 14, and Lower School Open House: “Pumpkins in the Playscape” on Oct. 28. More information on these events and more can be found at dextersouthfield.org/admissions/upcomingevents. To learn more, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or 617-751-3600.

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

Five boys standing arm in arm and smiling. Some wear casual attire and some wear blazers and ties.

The Fessenden School, West Newton, MA, 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. A place where tried and true educational techniques are woven seamlessly into a STEAM-inspired, passion-based curriculum. 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, join a virtual or on-campus tour offered weekly October through mid-January. Visit fessenden.org/2023 and register today.

Kingsley Montessori School
kingsley.org | 617-226-4927

Seven children running; one holds a soccer ball.

Located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, Kingsley is a toddler through grade 6 independent day school guided by a unique blend of Montessori philosophy and innovative programming. Kingsley offers an educational program tailored to the talents, curiosity, and growth of each student. Kingsley students have no academic limits. Students are inspired and encouraged to exceed their own personal best. A Kingsley education means academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Their progressive, inquiry-based programs cultivate students’ academic and social development and prepare them to advance successfully to leading public and independent schools. Their commitment to knowing every child and to partnering with parents propels each student to become a resilient explorer, confident learner, and empathetic citizen. During the school year, they host a number of admissions events to help you learn more about Kingsley Montessori School. Register for the Oct. 10, Oct. 26, Nov. 8, Nov. 30, Jan. 10, or April 25 Open House at kingsley.org/admissions/visit-us or email them at [email protected].

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

Students sit at a table in the cafeteria.

There’s more to education than just knowledge. Mount Alvernia Academy (MAA) focuses on educating the whole child — spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Founded in 1927, the school holds true to the mission of educating and nurturing students in a challenging academic environment. An independent Franciscan Catholic elementary school for preschool through grade 6, MAA’s small class size, experienced teachers, small group instruction, and innovative approach to education give young learners the strong foundation needed to move onto competitive Catholic, independent, and exam schools. On a beautiful campus in Chestnut Hill overlooking Boston and Boston College, MAA boasts strong academics with a robust core curriculum, science labs with dedicated teachers, a learning specialist, a school counselor, music, Spanish, art, technology, physical education, a before-school and extended-day program, after-school enrichment activities, as well as vacation and summer programming. The concept of educating the whole child has been so effective that MAA has been recognized by the Department of Education as a two-time National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence in 2015 and 2022. To learn more, join their Nov. 5 Open House or other Admissions events. Financial aid is available for eligible families. For more information, visit maa.school.

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

Kids in jerseys huddling with their captain before a game.

At Newman, they live by the motto, “Heart Speaks to Heart.” Faculty relationships are the foundation of students’ intellectual exploration and personal growth. The International Baccalaureate curriculum cultivates students’ abilities to think critically, ask questions, learn across disciplines, and develop research skills to thrive in college and become global contributors. Founded in 1945, located on Marlborough Street in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, The Newman School serves students in grades 7 through 12 from Boston, surrounding towns, and 40 countries. They offer the only comprehensive boarding program in the city. Students participate in activities and sports, pursuing their passions in the “education city,” and embrace Boston as their campus to engage in meaningful community service and countless activities. Students develop a global and community mindedness that enriches their ability to make an impact in the world. The warm and caring environment and small class sizes make Newman a place where students are seen and valued. Learn more by reaching out to [email protected], or attend a Virtual Open House: All Grades: Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.; Middle School: Oct. 18 a 6 p.m.; Upper School: Oct. 25 a 6 p.m.

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

Teacher showing a little boy a toy shark. He's enthralled.

Situated in sunny facilities on Beacon Hill, Park Street School (PSS) provides a continuous, integrated, and experiential education for children toddler through grade 6. Students explore and create in vibrant learning spaces. Robust academics feed students’ curiosity, building strong foundations of knowledge at an early age, inspiring inquiry and life-long learning. Students are known and loved by faculty who care about all aspects of them. They grow in confidence, compassion, and empathy. They learn of God’s love for them, show respect for others, take risks in an affirming setting, and learn to live generously. Students actively participate in “out of the chair” activities and are enriched by creative hands-on experiences and cross-curricular integration. Students creatively solve problems as they interact with curriculum and with 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, and need-based financial aid. PSS is proud of its talented faculty, competitive middle school placement, and aspirational college matriculation. Sign-up at parkstreetschool.org to visit during an Open House: Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., Nov. 15 at 9 a.m., and Dec. 5 at 9 a.m. or request an information packet. 

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