Everything Is A Boy Thing
The Fessenden School is an independent boys school near Boston offering a day program for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9 and a junior boarding school program for Grades 5 - 9. Fessenden balances an expansive and challenging curriculum with character education that is rooted in our core values of honesty, compassion, and respect. When boys leave our doors, they are prepared to succeed academically, pursue their passions, and bring their best out into the world.
Fessenden’s History
Founded in 1903, Fessenden was the first boys junior boarding school in the country. Since opening the School's doors to just 11 students during its first year, Fessenden has adapted, grown, and innovated to continue providing a well-rounded education that develops students’ character, mind, and body. The School has been at the forefront of boys' education for 120 years, and remains a leader in private, independent education today. We proudly educate and help raise good young men prepared for the future that lies ahead.
Fessenden's Mission
The Fessenden School cultivates each boy’s talents and develops in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community. In fulfilling its mission, Fessenden:
- Instills honesty, compassion, and respect as a foundation for boys’ growth into young men of character.
- Fosters a diverse and safe environment in which students, teachers, and families value differences and similarities.
- Builds a cohesive day and residential community enriched by nurturing relationships.
- Promotes healthy mental, physical, and social-emotional development.
- Challenges and supports students to be resilient, confident individuals who empathize with and serve others.
- Implements a demanding and innovative curriculum with the goal of inspiring enthusiastic, creative, lifelong learners.
Fessenden Fun Facts
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Head of School
Steve Armstrong Appointed 2018Established
1903Located
West Newton, Mass. 20 minutes from downtown BostonNickname
FessySchool Colors
Red and GrayMascot
Bear -
Enrollment
Total Enrollment: 544Lower School Enrollment
or Pre-K - Gr. 4 Enrollment204 Middle School Enrollment
or Gr. 5 - 6 Enrollment130 Upper School Enrollment
or Gr. 7 - 9 Enrollment210 Boarding (Gr. 5-9) Enrollment
100Students Hail from
30 towns in MA
15 states, 13 countries -
Athletics Programs
22Upper School Electives
19Musical Groups
13Annual Theatrical Productions
7Student Clubs
26Boarding Trips/Activities Offered Each Weekend
20-25
Where can Fessenden take you?
We are continually impressed at how Fessenden students have gone on to follow their passions and contribute in myriad ways, both big and small. From authors, musicians, and athletes to top-level government officials, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, our alumni make a significant impact.
Notable Alums
- Alberto Bacardi
- George Howe Colt
- Lewis Cullman
- James Franciscus
- Porter J. Goss
- Howard Hughes
- John Irving
- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry
- U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy
- The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy
- Ben Kurland
- Christopher Lloyd
- Douglas Moore
- Ken Morse
- Matt Nathanson
- Alex Oriakhi
- Pennsylvania Governor William Scranton
- Alec Sulkin
- Christopher Tilghman
- Brigadier General Peter Zwack
