The Fessenden School is the oldest independent day and boarding school in the country. Located 10 minutes west of Boston, Massachusetts, Fessenden serves over 5oo students in Pre-K to Grade 9. For over 100 years we have been committed to the education of boys, and our facilities, curriculum, and programs are designed with the necessities of boys in mind. The Fessenden program encourages boys to become responsible young men of character who are interested in contributing to a vibrant school community both in and outside of the classroom. Faculty programs include ongoing professional development relating to the education of boys, cultural competency, project-based learning, academic technology, and differentiated instruction.
Situated on 41 acres, Fessenden's facilities include a central academic building connected with dormitories, dining hall, library, administrative offices, an arts wing housing a performing arts center, woodworking shop, and music and fine arts classrooms. Additionally, the campus is home to a state-of-the-art athletics facility, numerous sports fields, outdoor pools, tennis courts, and an ice hockey rink.
Headmaster
Steve Armstrong, Head of School, Appointed in 2018
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.
Enrollment
518
General Facts
Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 9
Oldest all-boys, boarding school inU.S.
Seven and five-day boarding options available in Grades 5-9
41-acre campus in metropolitan Boston
Academically challenging curriculum structured to educate and foster the specific learning styles of elementary and middle school boys
Ciongoli Center for Innovation and is one of 12 NuVuX partner schools in the world