If you are going through the daunting task of trying to pick a preschool or a private school, we feel you, mama! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide of private schools and preschools in Boston and beyond. We hope it helps you figure out what is best for you and your family!
Fay School
Admission Open House :: Sunday, November 5, 2017
Fay School is an independent, co-educational school serving students in kindergarten through grade 9 in Southborough, MA. Fay’s broad and challenging program empowers students to discover their talents, develop their intellectual abilities, establish essential academic skills and knowledge, and define their moral character — all essential to living a life of meaning and making a positive difference in the world. The boarding program, an option for students in grades 7–9, is an integral part of school life, uniting students from across the U.S. and 20 countries around the world in a lively, diverse, and truly multicultural community.
German International School Boston
German International School Boston is a bilingual independent school serving students from age 3 to grade 12. At GISB, children achieve native-level proficiency in German and English as they grow from curious explorers into independent learners. GISB’s mission is to empower students for success in a global world. That means teaching the skills and habits that confident, compassionate, creative global citizens will need.
Brimmer and May
Walk-in-Wednesdays
Parent-led tours — 8:15 a.m.
November 8, 2017
December 6, 2017
January 10, 2018
Brimmer and May, an independent co-educational day school located in Chestnut Hill for pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, inspires thinkers and doers through a global approach to learning and well-rounded exposure to science and the arts. In September, Brimmer unveiled a new Innovation, STEAM, & Maker Lab center as well as an upgraded library learning commons. The advanced facility provides students with access to state-of-the-art lab space and areas for both collaborative and focused work. Brimmer’s curriculum upholds high academic standards while fostering creative thinking to develop problem-solving skills. Programs in STEAM, global studies, and creative arts allow for in-depth interdisciplinary coursework, real-world problem solving, and sophisticated expression and design.
Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston
Thursday, November 2, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, December 7, 2017, at 9:30 a.m.
International School of Boston
Open House for Preschool and Kindergarten :: Saturday, January 20, 2018, from 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Nestled along a quiet street just a few miles from some of the most renowned universities in the world, the International School of Boston (ISB) is a private, non-profit, pre-K–12 dual language school with campuses in Cambridge and Arlington. It is one of the oldest, most respected bilingual (English/French) schools in the U.S.
Most children entering Maternelle speak only one language (English, French, or other) but quickly adapt to the new language and become proficient in both French and English. Our Maternelle teachers understand that acquiring a new language is a process that takes time, and they work with the students every day, often collaboratively, to foster a bilingual learning environment. As the students move on to the first grade, they do so with a greater sense of self-esteem, resourcefulness, and independence.
ISB is a nurturing place where children and their families bond in a shared celebration of culture, diversity, and long-lasting friendships.
St. Joseph Parish Schools
St. Joseph Parish Schools, located in Needham, MA, offers a full day pre-K and K program through grade 8. Both schools, St. Joseph Elementary School and Monsignor Haddad Middle School, attract students from more than 20 neighboring communities. Noted for its academic excellence and enrichment programs, the co-curricular activities include a STREAM (science • technology • religion • engineering • arts • math) program and drama classes/productions in the grade school, and visual arts and athletics in the middle school. Learn more at www.saintjoes.com.
South Shore Christian Academy
Pre-K decisions begin December 10, 2017, with rolling admissions until September 2018
K–12 Application Deadline: February 11
K–12 Decision Date: March 10
Rolling Admissions after March 10
South Shore Christian Academy is an independent, non-denominational, co-ed day school educating students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Faculty and administrators strive to prepare students for college and life by integrating Christian faith and rigorous academics to create a strong foundation for success.
South Shore Christian Academy’s pre-K program provides students a nurturing and challenging environment that prepares children to develop the framework of academic skills and social capabilities necessary to meet the rigor of today’s competitive prep school environment. Pre-K students work with a broad base of academic material and balance this academic work with opportunities for creative and social development. Teachers work with each individual student to ensure that curriculum is tailored to help each child develop and flourish.
Brookwood School
Open Houses
Nov. 14, 9 – 11 AM
Nov. 18, 1 – 4 PM
Jan. 17, 9 – 11 AM
Newton Montessori School
Newton Montessori School is an independent, coeducational school serving 225 children ages 15 months through grade 6. Newton Montessori offers an alternative to traditional “worksheet-based” education: Their classrooms look, feel, and sound different because all their academics are hands-on, from beginning literacy to advanced mathematical operations. NMS students are active learners, engaged in what, and how, they learn. NMS is a place where all students are known and cherished — and where all students are given the opportunity to live up to their greatest potential. Graduates emerge with deep self-knowledge and sharply tuned academic skills, well-prepared for the area’s top public and independent schools. Visit their website, or join them for a tour or open house, and see how their innovative, immersive education is changing the idea of learning.
The Rashi School
Nashoba Brooks School
Open House: November 5
Preschool and Kindergarten Playgroup: December 2, February 10
Walk-in Wednesday: December 6, January 17, May 16
Middle School Information Night: January 17
S’mores and More: January 27
Code Like A Girl: April 23
At Nashoba Brooks School, teachers believe in learning — the lifelong, joyful, sometimes messy pursuit of personal excellence, not perfection. Students take risks, voice their opinions, stumble, get back up, and grow. From students and their parents to teachers and trustees, every member of the Nashoba Brooks School community finds joy in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
Dedham Country Day School
Classroom Observations November 9, November 30, and January 19 for parents only. Please register: http(s)://www.dedhamcountryday.org/admissionsevents.
Dedham Country Day School believes that balance matters — in learning and life. DCD combines academic challenge with support; pedagogical tradition with innovation. Strong scholastics combined with outstanding arts, athletics, and service learning create a program that is balanced and whole. Children learn who they are as diverse individuals and how to be part of something bigger. At DCD, a premium is placed on both academic and emotional intelligence. For 115 years, DCD has been welcoming young children, passionate teachers, and committed families to its pre-kindergarten through grade 8 learning community.
Epstein Hillel School
Epstein Hillel School, formerly Cohen Hillel Academy, is the Jewish independent school north of Boston. The K–8 school offers a vibrant and enriching bilingual education through an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum. Relationships are at the heart of the school; understanding every child enables faculty and staff to work with students to meet their full potential and build a tight knit and warm community. Graduates of Epstein Hillel are critical thinkers and compassionate leaders who have a strong Jewish identity and a desire to make a difference in the world.
Tenacre Country Day School
Open House Dates
Nov. 14, 2017
Jan. 18, 2018
Tenacre is a welcoming, coed school and community for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 6. Tenacre’s Wellesley location is easily accessible from many metro Boston communities. Its mission is simple and to the point: Tenacre nurtures and challenges each child, every day. Tenacre’s small size, team-teaching approach, and firm commitment to the elementary years all contribute to Tenacre’s success, as does the school’s attentiveness to every facet of every child: academic, emotional, social, and moral. Tenacre wants to do more than raise test scores — they want to expand horizons, stoke curiosity, and build character.
The Meadowbrook School
Open House Dates
Dec. 5, 9–10:30 a.m.
At Meadowbrook, the mission is to know, love, and challenge every child. Meadowbrook’s outstanding teachers bring passion and enthusiasm to the classroom, accompanied by extraordinary dedication to students’ success and well-being. A full academic day is supplemented by robust arts and athletics programs. A brand-new building at the center of campus boasts an innovation center, makerspace, spacious classrooms and breakout spaces, and state-of-the-art library.
Holy Name Parish School
Open House at the Early Childhood Center :: November 16, 2017, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Open House at the Main Building and the Early Childhood Center :: February 2, 2018, 1–2 p.m.
Put your child on the right path. Discover the possibilities in Holy Name Parish School’s nursery–grade 6 programs. Join a respectful Catholic community that integrates faith and value formation with the education of the whole child. Join the spirit alive at Holy Name Parish School!
Cambridge-Ellis School
Open House :: November 4, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
The Cambridge-Ellis School provides a warm, stimulating, early-school experience in a joyful, loving environment built upon a foundation of trusting relationships with a diverse group of children and families. The Cambridge-Ellis School promotes the optimal development of the whole child through a creative, play-based, emergent curriculum; an emphasis on arts and outdoor play; and immersion language offerings.
The Fessenden School
Pre-K and Kindergarten Admissions Open House :: Tuesday, Nov. 14, 6:30–8 p.m.
Pre-K–Grade 4 Admissions Open House :: Monday, Dec. 4, 9–11 a.m
Admissions Parent Information Evening :: Thursday, Jan. 18, 7–8:30 p.m.
The Fessenden School is more than an independent day and boarding school for boys in pre-K–Grade 9. It’s a journey. An educational playground. A family. Located just minutes from downtown Boston, Fessenden provides an academic experience that both supports and inspires boys to venture beyond their comfort zones. And, by demonstrating kindness and respect, faculty and staff encourage students to strive, interact, and claim their identities with both confidence and humility.
Needham Montessori School
Food and Clothing Drive: Monday, December 11th to Saturday, December 16th. Drop offs at the school: 8 am – 6 pm. Supporting the Dedham Food Pantry & Cradles to Crayons.
December Playdate: Saturday, December 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M.
Needham Montessori School’s mission begins with a deep respect for children as unique individuals. Our classroom environments are complete with developmentally age appropriate materials and activities to aid children in their growth. Our curriculum includes Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, Science, Art & more! We have open enrollment for children from 15 months to 6 years. Come see the power of Montessori!
Pine Village Preschool
Pine Village is a highly respected Spanish Immersion School for Toddlers and Preschoolers. Founded in 2001, Pine Village Preschool offers parents of toddlers and preschoolers a modern approach to child development. It is the program where the seeds of creativity, acceptance and inclusion are planted and encouraged to grow. We have 8 Boston area schools: Brighton, Newton, South End, Porter Square, Kendall Square, Needham, and 2 in Jamaica Plain.
The Advent School
The Advent School is a premier elementary school located in the heart of Boston. Students from pre-kindergarten through 6th grade are immersed in an engaging academic environment while learning to be critical thinkers, confident scholars, and compassionate citizens of the world. Advent students develop a true love of learning, and a strong foundation for their progression to middle school.
For other inquiries or visit opportunities, contact Nora Goddard, Director of Admission and Next Schools, at (617) 742-0520 x 15 or [email protected].
Sunday, October 29, 2017, 1–3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017, 9–11 a.m.
Fayerweather School
Fayerweather is a private pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Fayerweather engages each child’s intellect, imagination, and social responsibility. Students are confident, resourceful, and enthusiastic learners. Fayerweather offers small classrooms, Spanish beginning in pre-K, and art, music, and woodshop.
Open House :: Saturday, November 18, 1–4 p.m. Children welcome!
LINX
LINX of Wellesley provides award-winning, fun-based classes and camps. They specialize in dance, theater, sports, martial arts, science, and early childhood programming. Performing arts classes encourage kids of all experience levels and abilities to be creative as they continue their dance and/or theater education during the school year. Science classes offer hands-on learning in a safe and engaging environment. Sports and martial arts classes enhance self-confidence while teaching valuable skills for all levels. The Family Music Makers is a welcoming community for moms/caregivers and new babies to grow, learn, and socialize as they explore the world of music and movement. The fun continues as members attend classes, movie nights, school vacation camps, workshops, and more, building relationships with peers while having fun and learning. A flexible schedule with over 200 classes, accessible customer service, easy class switches, a flexible make-up policy, and outstanding member benefits make LINX a popular option for local parents.
The Park School
The Park School has offered exceptional education since its founding in 1888. Today, 550 boys and girls attend pre-kindergarten through grade VIII. At Park, students develop a passion for learning in an environment that is both nurturing and challenging. Outstanding teachers get to know each child through small classes of only 13-16 students. Located on a beautiful 34-acre campus near Jamaica Pond, the Park School offers after-school programs, generous financial aid, bus service to Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Wellesley, and Newton, and free shuttles from nearby MBTA stations.