The Governor's Academy

Bright, bold, and ambitious students have been learning and growing at The Governor’s Academy, the oldest boarding school in New England, for over 250 years. Located in Byfield, Massachusetts, thirty-three miles north of Boston and five miles south of Newburyport, our expansive campus is bordered by the Parker River and the Great Marsh.

Govs is an open, optimistic learning community filled with life-changing opportunities. Students in ninth through twelfth grade learn and grow at Govs in our classrooms, studios, theaters, fields, and courts. Surrounded by friends and teachers, our students discover and develop their passions across academics, arts, and athletics, and achieve excellence.

With a history as long and rich as ours, traditions at Govs create a lasting bond between generations of students, faculty, and staff. Whether you remember delivering a Chapel Talk, hosting the Special Olympics Soccer Tournament, enjoying the Holiday Feast after the Candlelight Service, laughing with friends on a Saturday night at Mansion House, or jumping the wall at Commencement, these memories last a lifetime. It's in these traditions—experienced together—that the spirit of our school comes to life.

Together, we teach and learn skills that foster the courage to discover our voices, develop old and new passions, practice balance in the pursuit of excellence, and collaborate in building vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

Our School Motto is Non Sibi Sed Aliis is Latin for “not for self but for others.” At Govs, we live that motto every day, from small kindnesses to sustainability initiatives to volunteer efforts. You will notice shared values of gratitude and service to others among our students. From collaborations with Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society to contributing to personal causes and passions, we have so many opportunities to give back.