The Fessenden School (2026 Profile)

250 Waltham Street
West Newton, MA 02465

Tel: (617) 630-2300

www.fessenden.org

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Located just minutes from historic Boston MA, The Fessenden School is the oldest and most prestigious US boarding school for boys ages 11-15.

Fessenden emphasizes academics, character education, and the pursuit of passions.

The school 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.

Quick Facts (2026)

Grades: (Boarding Students) 5-9
Grades: (Day Students) PK-9
Enrollment: 542 students
Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $84,900
Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $63,900
Average class size: 12 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: Verified school update

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

The Fessenden School

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered (Boarding)

5-9

9-12

Grades Offered (Day)

PK-9

Pre-K-12

School Type

All-boys

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Supports Learning Differences (LD)

Yes

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1903

1909

Campus Size

41 acres

125 acres

School Calendar

View School Calendar

School Motto

Cultivates each boy’s talents and develops in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community.

Student Body

Enrollment

542 students

300 students

% Students of Color

35%

25%

% International Students

45%

20%

% Students Boarding

50%

70%

Offers Post-Grad Year

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Classroom Dress Code

Formal
Jacket & Tie

Casual

Average Class Size

12 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

12:1

7:1

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

74%

70%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size

$67.2 million

$25 million

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)

$84,900

$59,900

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$63,900

$33,500

Tuition international students

$86,900

$53,975

Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)

$74,900

$44,000

% Students on Financial Aid

23%

40%

Admissions

Application Deadline

None / Rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Director of Admissions

Chris Young

Associate Director of Admissions

Greg Hendrick

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Colors

Red and Gray

School Mascot

Bear

College Matriculation

View Matriculation Data

School Notes

The Fessenden School is more than an independent day and boarding school for boys in Pre-K-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. An inclusive and nurturing community that emphasizes academic excellence and character development.
Parents recognize faculty for understanding how boys learn best and for providing the support that children need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Educational leaders turn to Fessenden for guidance on developing curricula that encourage students to be creative problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and global citizens. Fessenden also has the distinction of being one of only a handful of schools in the world invited to partner with NuVu (an innovation school founded by MIT graduates) to deliver an academic program that prepares students for the world they will inherit.
Fessenden embraces a student-centered, teacher-supported approach that promotes interactive exchange over direct instruction, collaboration over competition, and learning for life over learning for school. It is both project- and passion-based, because when a boy taps into a deep-rooted interest, he`s more invested in the process.
OUR BOARDING PROGRAM: The Fessenden boarding experience is specifically designed to provide the academic, social, and emotional support boys need during the critical pre-teen/teen years. With a 2:1 student to adult ratio, Fessenden students experience the individualized mentorship and close supervision they need to successfully navigate their path to young adulthood.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. Fessenden attracts students from across the US and around the globe. Boys thrive in this diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community and leave with the critical skills, self-confidence, and worldview needed to succeed in secondary school and beyond.
OUR CORE CURRICULUM: Fessenden is a place where boys grow and expand their minds, finding passions and interests to pique and satisfy their fervent intellectual curiosity. Intellectually, they take greater risks, exploring their passions through student-led projects, collaborative work, and a wide variety of electives. Classes move beyond concrete concepts to abstract learning. Boys unearth information, evaluate and process their findings, and share crafted conclusions with peers using verbal and written communication skills. Regardless of subject or activity, we emphasize process as much as the product-and, as a result, we witness the development of independent learners who are innovative, collaborative, creative, and respectful. We continue to offer resources to help boys master academic life, which includes independently organizing their day, meeting deadlines, and balancing academic and extracurricular activities. Upon graduating from the Upper School, boys are equipped with the knowledge, study skills, and leadership experience they need to smoothly transition and thrive at the secondary school of their choice.
OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER PROGRAM: Fessenden`s English Language Learner (ELL) academic year program helps students build a foundation of conversational and academic English and solid understanding of the American social and cultural norms.Small classes (of 8-12 students) are tailored specifically to ELL students, who benefit from Fessenden`s approach to developing independent, 21st century learners. With individualized attention and tutoring support, ELL students quickly become equipped to succeed in mainstream academic classrooms at Fessenden, and at top American secondary schools and colleges.
OUR OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL STAFF: Our residential staff brings experience, dedication, and enthusiasm that make a difference for each boy, every day. We believe in being partners in parenting in a way that supports and encourages boys. Our residential staff members aren't just dorm parents; they`re teachers, advisors, coaches, and mentors. In fact, approximately 75 percent of the Upper School faculty lives on campus. Our residential faculty have been here, on average, more than 25 years-and being able to make a difference in the boys` lives on a daily basis is what keeps them here.OUR APPROACH: Fessenden has offered boarding to boys for more than 100 years, and we`ve learned a few things in that time-including how to best meet the learning and developmental needs of boys ages 10 to 16. Our approach means we`re committed to helping boys grow through learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. Through boarding, we extend this commitment to the dorm, a faculty family`s home, a weekend trip, and beyond.
OUR WEEKEND PROGRAM: We're all about balance-working hard and playing hard, understanding that one reinforces the other. Fessenden`s weekend programming is the best in the country. With 20 to 25 options offered each weekend, boys choose from professional and collegiate sporting events; festivals and cultural happenings in and around Boston, including visits to world-renowned museums and historic sites; world-class music and theatrical performances; skiing, sailing, fishing, and hiking-or maybe just dinner and a movie at a dorm family`s apartment.
OUR LOCATION: With a beautiful 41-acre campus less than 15 minutes from Boston`s Logan International, Fessenden offers the space and facilities boys need to explore and learn -and the proximity to one of the most exciting cities in the world. We`re also an easy drive from some of the most popular mountains and ocean destinations in New England.
OUR SIZE: Our school is designed with the middle school boarder in mind, with an easily navigable campus where all dorms are connected to the academic buildings. The average dorm floor hosts 15 students, with two sets of dorm parents and two ninth grade proctors. With a 2:1 boarding student to adult ratio, personal attention and support for each boy is a priority.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State -
- Edward M. Kennedy, U.S. Senator -
- Christopher Lloyd, Actor -
- Howard Hughes, Aviator and Director -
- Brigadier General Peter Zwack -

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Fessenden School cost?

The Fessenden School's tuition is approximately $84,900 for boarding students and $63,900 for day students.

Who are famous alumni from The Fessenden School?

The Fessenden School famous alumni include: John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, Edward M. Kennedy, U.S. Senator, Christopher Lloyd, Actor, Howard Hughes, Aviator and Director and Brigadier General Peter Zwack.

Does The Fessenden School offer a summer program?

Yes, The Fessenden School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

When is the application deadline for The Fessenden School?

The application deadline for The Fessenden School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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