The Fessenden School is an independent boys’ boarding and day school for Pre-Kindergarten through 9th grade, located in West Newton, MA. For more than 100 years, The Fessenden School has offered state-of-the-art facilities, curriculum, and programs specifically designed to meet the educational needs of boys.
In our Lower School, with attention from teachers who foster a love of learning, boys play, engage, and grow. By demonstrating kindness and respect, faculty and staff nurture these characteristics in our dynamic, curious, and intelligent boys.
In our Middle and Upper Schools, boarders and day students alike are immersed in a diverse culture that comes from a campus community of local, national, and international students. Fessenden has created an academic experience that both nurtures and encourages boys to venture beyond their comfort zones. As a result, boys strive, interact, and claim their identities with both confidence and humility.
In the Lower School, our boys are the proof that “school” and “joy” can go together. We believe that young boys’ actions speak louder than words—so we watch. When they run into the classroom every morning, eager to begin the day, we know they’re building a foundation of academic, artistic, physical, and social skills they’ll need to thrive throughout their lives.
With attention from teachers who foster a love of learning, boys play, engage, and grow. By demonstrating kindness and respect, faculty and staff nurture these characteristics in our dynamic, curious, and intelligent boys.
Our older Lower School boys wear jackets and ties, sporting them with the same flair and pride that they bring to their attitude about learning. This is joyful, engaging, adventurous, and creative exploration: asking questions, digging in, and learning by doing—with support, encouragement, and challenge. This is the Lower School Experience.
Honesty, compassion, and respect: throughout our history, these values have united and guided our entire community. First introduced in our Pre-K classrooms, these values follow curious young learners as they move through the Lower School and into the Middle and Upper Schools.
At Fessenden, we strive to develop well-rounded boys who flourish--academically, socially, and emotionally--in all that they do. We work continually to set good examples for our students, because we know they’re constantly observing and emulating those around them. Our curriculum and community is strengthened every day by a student body that comes from all over the globe, encompassing a broad range of racial, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as family compositions. Through admissions and hiring processes, we actively seek students, faculty, and staff who represent this inclusive community.
We’re also proud of the integral part Fessenden parents play in our community. Informed and involved, they are a vibrant, driving force supporting their sons’ educational and personal growth. Regular communication between parents and Fessenden faculty is a critical factor in student success. We welcome parents into our community, and we’re thankful for all they contribute.
We continue our commitment to the education of boys at a time when many schools have become co-educational. Our facilities, curriculum, and programs are designed with the necessities of boys in mind. Faculty programs include ongoing professional development relating to the education of boys in our changing society. Contemporary knowledge about boys, combined with our historical perspectives and experience, allows Fessenden to continue its mission of educating and preparing boys for successful futures.
When Fessenden rang its first opening bell in 1903, there were eight boarders and three day students. Now, with more than 500 students, we strive to honor the words of our founder, Frederick Fessenden’s: “We hold dear what has worked best over time: Unapologetically high standards and a healthy respect for individual differences.”
In the Middle and Upper Schools, each day at Fessenden transforms a boy just a bit, leaving him stronger and wiser. Boys constantly have opportunities to equate challenge with adventure, and to greet with enthusiasm what’s new, different, and not always easy. As they evolve from kind, eager boys to passionate young men, Fessenden’s Middle and Upper School students embody these ideals: Take responsibility for yourself while being a trusting and respectful member of the community. Seek ways to improve the world around you. Pursue your passions. Ask for help, and move forward knowing that, should you stumble, someone will be there with a steadying hand.
Boarders and day students alike are immersed in a diverse culture that comes from a campus community of local, national, and international students. Fessenden has created an academic experience that both nurtures and encourages boys to venture beyond their comfort zones. To strive, to interact, to claim their identities with both confidence and humility.
In the Fessenden Middle and Upper Schools, a boy isn’t just “good at math” or “artsy.” We see him from all angles: as he finishes a prototype in the iLab, plays the djembe drum during a school concert, skis during a weekend trip, bakes cookies with a dorm family, and wins a race on the Charles River with his crew.
At Fessenden, our approach to education and development involves nurturing and supporting a boy in and out of the classroom. How do we do this? With 40 staff and faculty families making their homes right here on campus, our community members defy traditional roles. A teacher is a coach, a dorm parent, a mentor, and a friend. And for this age group, boys can be even more immersed in our community through our five- and seven-day boarding options. In the Middle and Upper Schools:
As a result of this approach, we witness incredible outcomes: boys who seek out intellectual risk and new experiences; who demonstrate honesty, compassion, and respect; and who thrive at top secondary schools and successfully navigate the world beyond.
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The Fessenden School has truly transformed my child's learning experience; the dedicated staff and innovative curriculum have sparked a remarkable journey of growth and discovery.
By Kiran (Feb, 2024) |
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The Fessenden School has exceeded all expectations in providing a quality education for my son. The attentive and supportive staff has helped him make tremendous progress in his academics. I am grateful for the opportunities this school offers.
By Liam Taylor (Mar, 2024) |