The Fessenden School is an all-boys Pre-K-9 school in West Newton, MA, specializing in support for dyslexia, ADHD, and learning differences.
The Fessenden School is an independent all-boys day and boarding school in West Newton, MA, serving students from Pre-K through Grade 9. The school provides a nurturing and inclusive community that focuses on academic excellence and character development through a STEAM-inspired, passion-based curriculum.
Recognizing the unique needs of diverse learners, Fessenden offers specialized support for students with dyslexia, language-based learning differences, and ADD/ADHD. With an average class size of 12 and a faculty where 74% hold advanced degrees, the school is well-equipped to provide the structured, individualized attention necessary for students with learning differences to thrive.
The school offers a wide array of extracurricular opportunities, including extensive arts, music, and athletic programs, ranging from crew and ice hockey to theater and digital media. Admissions are handled on a rolling basis with key deadlines in December and January, and the school provides financial aid to approximately 17% of its student body.
At a Glance
GradesPrekindergarten-9
Students541
Class Size12:1 ratio
Fin. Aid17% receive aid
Est.1903
DeadlineJan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
Other special emphasis association(s)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), National Coalition of Boys Schools, Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)
School Information
| Year Founded | 1903 |
| Tuition Notes | See website as tuition varies depending on the grade applying to, as well as day vs. boarding program. |
| Total Students | 541 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 99 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 74 |
| Average Class Size | 12 |
| Grades Offered | Prekindergarten-9 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Christopher Young |
| Admissions Associate | Greg Hendrick |
| Admission Deadline | Jan. 15 / Dec. 15 / rolling |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 17 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | All-boys |
| Percent of Students of Color | 47 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Learning Difference ProgramsADD/ADHD Support
Learning Programs Supported
DyslexiaLanguage-based or Mild Learning Differences
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Matriculation DataView data
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Baseball · Basketball · Crew · Cross Country · Cycling · Flag Football · Football · Golf · Ice Hockey · Lacrosse · Mountain Biking · Nordic Skiing · Soccer · Squash · Tennis · Track and Field · Weightlifting · Wrestling · Show More (2) · Hide |
| Clubs and Organizations | Arts and Music Programs: · Band · Choir · Digital Media · Film · Musicals · Orchestra · Percussion Ensemble · String Ensemble · Studio Art · Theater Arts · Theater Production · Visual Arts · Vocal Ensemble · Woodworking · Yearbook |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Formal |
| School Memberships | Other special emphasis association(s) · National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) · National Coalition of Boys Schools · Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| School Calendar | www.fessenden.org/calendar |
Contact the school
(617) 630-2300250 Waltham Street, West Newton, Massachusetts 02465
www.fessenden.org