Fessenden
West Newton, Massachusetts
250 Waltham Street West Newton, MA 02465
Junior Boarding at Fessenden
The Fessenden School: Where Boys Thrive in New England’s Premier Junior Boarding Program
Founded in 1903 as America’s first boys junior boarding school, The Fessenden School has spent over 120 years perfecting the art of educating and nurturing young men. Located minutes from Boston, Fessenden offers a distinguished junior boarding program for boys in Grades 5–9, combining academic excellence with transformative character development rooted in honesty, compassion, and respect.
What sets Fessenden apart is our unwavering commitment to understanding and celebrating boys. Our 42 residential life faculty members and their families—including our Head of School—don’t just work here; they live on campus, creating an authentic home environment where your son receives mentorship and support 24/7. This exceptional faculty-to-student ratio ensures individual attention that helps each of our 100+ boarders flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Fessenden, boys discover the freedom to be themselves. Whether your son is passionate about theater, journalism, athletics, or service, he’ll find a community that encourages him to pursue all his interests without boundaries. Here, everything is a “boy thing,” and students confidently explore new passions knowing mistakes are opportunities for growth, not failures.
Our junior boarding experience strikes the perfect balance between structure and independence. Boys develop essential life skills—managing laundry, homework, and responsibilities—while building the confidence and character that will serve them throughout their lives. They form lifelong friendships with peers from 13 countries, 15 states, and 30 Massachusetts towns and engage in an outstanding weekend program featuring 20–25 activities, from exploring Boston’s cultural treasures to adventures in Vermont’s mountains or Cape Cod’s beaches.
When your son leaves Fessenden, he’ll carry more than academic preparation. He’ll possess unwavering confidence, strong character, and the leadership skills needed to excel in secondary school and beyond. Once a Fessy Boy, always a Fessy Boy.
Enrollment
284 (184 day students and 100 boarding students) Enrolled
Grades Offered
Enrolling: Grades pre-k-9
Boarding: Grades 5-9
School Mission
The Fessenden School cultivates each boy’s talents and develops in balance his character, mind, and body in an inclusive and joyful community.
“I’ve matured a lot. I learned how to manage my time, to communicate, to put myself in other people’s shoes. I formed so many bonds – it’s going to be really hard to leave Fessenden.”
Adrian, Fessenden Boarding Student - Monterrey, Mexico
Junior Boarding at Fessenden
The Fessenden School: Where Boys Thrive in New England’s Premier Junior Boarding Program
Founded in 1903 as America’s first boys junior boarding school, The Fessenden School has spent over 120 years perfecting the art of educating and nurturing young men. Located minutes from Boston, Fessenden offers a distinguished junior boarding program for boys in Grades 5–9, combining academic excellence with transformative character development rooted in honesty, compassion, and respect.
What sets Fessenden apart is our unwavering commitment to understanding and celebrating boys. Our 42 residential life faculty members and their families—including our Head of School—don’t just work here; they live on campus, creating an authentic home environment where your son receives mentorship and support 24/7. This exceptional faculty-to-student ratio ensures individual attention that helps each of our 100+ boarders flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Fessenden, boys discover the freedom to be themselves. Whether your son is passionate about theater, journalism, athletics, or service, he’ll find a community that encourages him to pursue all his interests without boundaries. Here, everything is a “boy thing,” and students confidently explore new passions knowing mistakes are opportunities for growth, not failures.
Our junior boarding experience strikes the perfect balance between structure and independence. Boys develop essential life skills—managing laundry, homework, and responsibilities—while building the confidence and character that will serve them throughout their lives. They form lifelong friendships with peers from 13 countries, 15 states, and 30 Massachusetts towns and engage in an outstanding weekend program featuring 20–25 activities, from exploring Boston’s cultural treasures to adventures in Vermont’s mountains or Cape Cod’s beaches.
When your son leaves Fessenden, he’ll carry more than academic preparation. He’ll possess unwavering confidence, strong character, and the leadership skills needed to excel in secondary school and beyond. Once a Fessy Boy, always a Fessy Boy.
School Facilities
Fessenden’s inspiring 41-acre campus offers state-of-the-art facilities for every interest. The striking Center for Innovation fosters project-based learning. The Wheeler Library blends tradition with 21st-century collaboration spaces. Athletic facilities include organic turf fields, three gyms, indoor rink, tennis courts, and pools. The Center for the Arts features performance venues and studios merging technology with creativity. The innovative Science Center encourages innovative exploration.
Academics
Fessenden’s Grades 5–9 program builds a strong foundation through a challenging, project-based curriculum moving boys from concrete to conceptual understanding. Expert faculty create a safe environment where students take intellectual risks and embrace challenges, knowing failure fuels growth. Teachers inspire through interdisciplinary collaboration, celebrate accomplishments, and nurture development in and out of the classroom, fostering skills for future academic success.
Athletics
Fessenden’s Grades 5–9 athletics program offers three competition levels—interscholastic, intramural, or recreational. Upper School students compete against top New England independent schools in exceptional facilities, coached by experienced former college athletes committed to developing character and skills. From recreational play to championship teams with multiple New England Junior Prep titles, over 20 athletic offerings ensure every boy finds a sport suited to his interests and abilities.
Arts
Fessenden’s arts program empowers Grades 5–9 boys to explore visual arts, theatre, and music in state-of-the-art facilities. Grades 5–6 explore drawing, sculpture, instruments, ensembles, and productions. Grades 7–9 hone expertise through orchestra performances, Munro Gallery exhibits, woodworking, photography, film, and digital media with professional equipment. Our faculty are practicing artists trained at prestigious institutes worldwide, helping boys discover the arts are for them, too.
Signature Program(s)
Fessenden’s project-based learning in the Ciongoli Center for Innovation prepares Grades 5–9 boys to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through our partnership with NuVu—founded by MIT alumni—students tackle real-world challenges using creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Boys identify driving questions, take risks, gather feedback, and present solutions, learning essential skills like asking the right questions and working collaboratively—abilities crucial for secondary school.
Summer Programs
Fessenden’s summer camps offer girls and boys ages 3.5 through Grade 10 a path to reaching their potential. Whether your child is an artistic soul, dynamic athlete, science enthusiast, or still discovering interests, our programs nurture passions within a fun, enthusiastic community. From sports to arts to STEAM exploration, Fessenden provides a summer experience designed to foster and celebrate each child’s unique talents in a supportive environment that creates memories lasting a lifetime.
