The Fessenden School

Newton — Massachusetts

543

Total Students

103

Boarding

International

255

Students of Color

Male Only

Gender

6:1

Student:Faculty

About The Fessenden School

Located just minutes from historic Boston, Fessenden is the oldest boarding school for boys ages 11-15. Fessenden emphasizes academics, character education, and the pursuit of passions. It provides a nurturing environment that allows boys to develop the skills, independence and self-esteem needed to thrive in the multicultural, technology-driven world they are poised to inherit. The Fessenden boarding experience is specifically-designed to provide the academic, social, and emotional support boys need during the critical pre-teen/teen years. During the week, boys work hard in the classroom and play hard on the sports fields, but weekends are reserved for fun with friends and faculty. With 20-25 different activities offered each weekend, it is no wonder that Fessenden’s weekend program is considered one the best in the country. Boys from the US and around the world thrive in Fessenden’s diverse, inclusive and nurturing community and graduate well prepared for secondary school and beyond.

What Makes Us Unique

The Ciongoli Center for Innovation is a 2,400-square-foot collaborative and experiential learning space situated at the physical and ideological heart of campus is equipped with 3D printers, laser and vinyl cutters, an array of technological and fabrication tools and it encompasses three expansive maker-spaces, a machine room—known as “The Shed”—and a collaboration space. The CCI is adjacent to Fessenden’s Wheeler Library, creating an impressive addition to the School’s 21st century learning resources and providing an inspiring space for faculty and students to advance research, design thinking, and project-based learning. The Fessenden School is unique in that we have a robust day student population across the full school and we introduce boarding in Grade 5. This gives Fessenden a unique cross pollination between the boarding and day community. The Fessenden School are also one of only a handful of NuVu satellite sites. NuVu is an innovative engineering and design program that works in collaboration with MIT.

Campus Highlights

Athletics

15 sports

STEM Labs

Dedicated STEM Center

Arts

Theater & Photography

Campus

41 acres

Key Stats

Boarding19%

International9%

Students of Color47%

Founded1903

Campus Size41 acres

Nearby AirportsBOS (20 min)

Global Diversity

China,South KoreaJapanMexicoHong KongSingapore

Contact Information

Chris Young

Director of Admissions and Enrollment

Steve Armstrong

Head of School

250 Waltham Street, West Newton, MA 02465

+1 (617)630-2300

admissions@fessenden.org

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Activities & Clubs

TheaterGolfChess ClubPhotographyCeramicsJazz bandOrchestraSquashTennisWrestlingCommunity serviceWoodworkingDigital Character AnimationWeight Training & ConditioningEngineering / RoboticsModel UNChorusRowing / CrewSoccerPercussion EnsembleMusic Theory & Digital MusicMountain BikingCross Country SkiingCooking clubOutdoor adventureBasketballAmerican footballCross countryIce hockeyLacrosseBaseballImprovStage Combat

Weekend Life

Arguably one of the most robust boarding school programs in the country, Fessenden’s weekend experience offers an incredible 15 to 20 trips and activities every single weekend. Our close proximity to Boston gives students access to one of the most culturally rich cities in America. Weekend learning frequently extends beyond the classroom, whether the boys are walking the historic Freedom Trail, watching a cutting-edge robotics competition at MIT, exploring the Museum of Science, or cheering on a favorite Fessenden teacher along the Boston Marathon route. Back on campus, the energy remains just as vibrant. Boys have full access to our premier facilities, from our turf field to the 3-D printers in the Ciongoli Center for Innovation. Weekends are also anchored by beloved Fessenden traditions, including massive campus-wide theme events like the Fessenden Olympics and World Cup tournaments. Faculty-led shopping trips ensure students can easily grab weekly essentials. Most importantly, our weekend program is where lifelong bonds are formed, helping boys learn what it truly means to be supportive, active members of a community.

Hiking & Outdoors

Nature walksSkiing/SnowboardingRafting/Water sportsHiking

City trips & shopping

Theater/ShowsShoppingSightseeing/ToursCity tripsMuseums

Relaxing on campus

Campus eventsMovies/CinemaGame nights

Athletic Events

Spectator eventsAthletic gamesFitness activities

Student Wellness

Health Center nurses tend to the students’ daily healthcare needs, including first aid and emergency treatment. Our nurses regularly collaborate with the athletic trainer on staff to manage sports-related injuries. The Health Center has extended evening and weekend hours to care for the needs of our boarding school students. Additionally, a registered nurse is on call overnight, and boys may use the Center bedrooms overnight if they become ill and cannot return to their dorms. Health Center staff help coordinate all needed medical care for our boarding students, such as orthodontic, dental, and vision appointments. Our school physician visits campus once per week to see boarding students if needed and can refer boys to specialists in the area. Our full-time licensed school psychologist and school counselor are experienced in providing support for challenges that can arise at a boys boarding school, such as homesickness and anxiety.