Fay School

previous
Fay School Photo #1 - Fay School is located on a 66-acre campus 25 miles from Boston in Southborough, Massachusetts, and is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States. Fay currently serves students in Kindergarten through grade nine, with an optional boarding program starting in grade seven.
next
Fay School Photo #1 - Fay School is located on a 66-acre campus 25 miles from Boston in Southborough, Massachusetts, and is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States. Fay currently serves students in Kindergarten through grade nine, with an optional boarding program starting in grade seven.
Fay School Photo #2 - Athletics has always played an important role at Fay. Our students compete against other independent schools in a variety of sports, and over the years we have developed friendly rivalries with these teams. Athletics at Fay brings our community together as participants and spectators, maintaining bonds of school spirit and pride.
Fay School Photo #3 - Our community is built on five core values: Academic Excellence, Honorable Conduct, Dedicated Service, Earnest Effort, and Wellness of Mind, Body, and Spirit. Our school motto, Poteris Modo Velis ("You can if you will") highlights our community''s emphasis on determination, effort, and resilience.
Fay School Photo #4 - Fay School''s boarding program, an option for seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of junior boarders. Our boarding students come from across the United States and over 20 countries: together, they learn and grow in an environment of care and respect, while developing essential life skills that foster independence and self-confidence.
Fay School Photo #5 - Fay''s traditional curriculum is balanced with innovation in every discipline. The School''s Innovation Lab is the home base for a Creator''s Curriculum, where students in every grade level learn to design, build, and create. The Lab is a fully-equipped maker''s space" that includes hand tools for woodworking, 3D printers, laser cutters, and computers equipped with programming and design software.
Fay School Photo #6 - Our arts programs are central to inspiring the creative spirit in our students. From kindergarten onward, all students have weekly instruction in music and visual arts. Drama and dance are also part of our program, with opportunities for students across the grade levels.
Fay School Photo #7 - Service learning is part of the program at every grade level, but in Upper School, our students leave Southborough for weeklong service adventures that are life-changing opportunities to experience the world in a brand new way.
Fay School Photo #8 - Walk our halls, and you''ll see global learning in action. Our boarding students come from across the United States and over 20 countries, and Upper School students have the unique opportunity to make meaningful friendships with peers from around the world. Through our cross-grade partnerships, our Primary and Lower School students also benefit from our international students'' experiences and perspectives.
Fay School Photo #9 - The Primary School program at Fay serves children in kindergarten through grade two. In small classes and intimate homeroom settings, students build skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and social studies. Students also meet with specialists each week for classes in science, art, music, library, and physical education.
Fay School Photo #10 - Fay''s Lower School is composed of grades three through six. These students participate in a structured and challenging curriculum within a program that is flexible enough to accommodate differences in skill sets, learning styles, and individual interests.
Fay School is a day and boarding school (grades 7-9) for students in Kindergarten through grade nine. While the School has grown and evolved since its founding in 1866, our central purpose has remained constant: we provide our students with the foundation for a meaningful life. Fay's broad and challenging program empowers students to discover their talents, develop their intellectual abilities, establish essential academic skills and knowledge, and define their moral character - all essential to living a life of meaning and making a positive difference in the world.
Our community is built on five core values: Academic Excellence, Honorable Conduct, Dedicated Service, Earnest Effort, and Wellness of Mind, Body, and Spirit. Our school motto, Poteris Modo Velis ("You can if you will") highlights our community's emphasis on determination, effort, and resilience.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Fay School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-9
Year Founded
1866
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
n/a
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
35%
State avg.: 30%

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Comprehensive boarding tuition ranges from $74,340 to $85,800 depending on grade level and program
Summer Program Cost
$8,000
Summer Program Cost Notes
4-week English Immersion residential program
% on Financial Aid
25%
Admissions Director
Jennifer Weeden
Endowment Size
$66.7 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Admission Tour Guides, Chess Club, Contest Math, Debate Club, Literary Magazine, Newspaper, Quilting, Robotics Team, Student Government, Yearbook

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness, Outdoor Adventure, Skiing, Tennis

School Notes

  • Fay School's 66-acre campus is located in Southborough, MA, just 25 miles west of Boston. Our community includes 475 students in Kindergarten through grade nine. Of those, 150 students are boarders who come from across the United States and over 20 countries.Each year, our day students come from over 45 surrounding towns in MA.We are proud of our authentically diverse, multicultural, and inclusive community.
  • Fay is recognized around the world for its superior educational program, and our graduates are accepted to top secondary schools, including Phillips Exeter Academy, Phillips Academy Andover, Deerfield Academy, and Groton School(click here for the complete list). In addition to the core courses of mathematics, science, English, and history, students take art, music, and world languages. Students also focus on the design thinking process with courses in our 7,000 square foot Center for Creativity and Design.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Fay School cost?
Fay School's tuition is approximately $8,000 for summer students.
Does Fay School offer a summer program?
Yes, Fay School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Fay School offer?
Fay School offers 16 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Fay School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.
What is Fay School's ranking?
Fay School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Fay School?
The application deadline for Fay School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
Our daughter started attending Fay in Kindergarten and is completing Grade 2. Her level of confidence grows each year as she masters different academic subjects and made friends.I am impressed by the social-emotional care and respect that children have for one another and for the teachers and staff. I am grateful for the special teachers. She loves art, comes home singing new songs from music, and has also experienced speaking French and Spanish. She also attends the Fay After school program, which is free. The parent community is welcoming and there are many fun traditions including Taste of Nations where parents and family prepare a meal from their home country to share with the community, as well as a Color Competition where the kids run relays and other activities for the Red and White teams. We have felt very safe and cared for by the administration, school nurses, and the whole team at Fay.
- Posted by
5  
I cannot say enough about this school. The teachers and staff are simply amazing. They all really take the time to know your child and help each one become the best citizen and student they can be. We worried about sending our 7th grader off to a boarding school, but Fay School did not disappoint. Our son thrived at Fay and has become a responsible, enthusiastic and compassionate young man. Do not hesitate in considering Fay School... an excellent institution indeed.
- Posted by
5  
My son has been a student at Fay School for 7 years and is now in the lower school. He is thriving at Fay academically, socially, and in the athletics program. I appreciate that the class sizes are small and that the faculty get to know each student as individuals and know how they learn best. We love exposure to music, art, drama, and technology in the innovation lab. In addition to academics, Fay emphasizes and reinforces what we teach at home; good manners, responsibility, honesty, kindness and being a good global citizen. We couldn't be happier with our decision to send our son to Fay and to be part of the community.
- Posted by
5  
My son has attended Fay School since first grade. We live in a town where the public schools are excellent, but I felt his interest in learning was fading and the distractions were many in those large classrooms. Upon entering Fay, that spark for learning returned. There was a consistency between what we wanted for him in a classroom/educational setting and what the school expected of him. His teachers through the years have reminded me of favorite professors, with their passion for educating the whole child, bringing challenging subjects to life in a fun way, really seeing my child's strengths and helping him grow in the areas that were weaker. Fay is more than just a private school, it really is a warm, welcoming community that has built an incredible foundation for my son that will last him a lifetime.
- Posted by
5  
As an alum of Fay, I can say that my experiences there have shaped my life forever, and provided me with so many positive memories. During the years that I spent at Fay, I became a more confident student, person and friend. I have a better understanding of the world today because of what I learned through community service, and the education I received. I learned how to manage my time, and homework at an early age, and this has significantly helped me throughout my life so far. The countless leadership opportunities allowed me to become very involved and gave me responsibilities at a young age. The faculty, staff, and coaches at Fay provide as a strong influence on the students, as they are always willing to help, give feedback, and support your endeavors. I still remain in contact with some, and I have never encountered such caring teachers at any other school. Even though I was a day student, Fay became my home away from home, because I created friendships, connections, and relationships that will last a lifetime. I am happy that I came to Fay, but my family and I wish we had made the switch earlier. I recommend thinking about Fay for students who are willing to work hard, and for families who want to be involved in their school, and love traditions that junior boarding schools have to offer!
- Posted by
5  
Fay School has provided a rigorous and supportive environment. In addition to the academic challenge, students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities and sports. As parents, we have been amazed at the level of support and communication from each of our daughter's teachers. We couldn't be happier with our choice of schools.
- Posted by
5  
I am a Fay alum who graduated in 2007, and I had an extremely rewarding experience at Fay as a student. Coming from South Korea, there were inherent cultural barriers that I had to overcome, and I thank all the Fay faculty/staff who helped me to get to where I am right now. They supported my intellectual curiosity, emphasized the importance of diversity in today`s world, and reminded us that we should always strive to be global leaders.Fay was good at providing students with unique opportunities to gain cultural insights that we could not have gotten elsewhere. I also remember Fay as an avid supporter of philanthropy, where there were numerous service learning projects for students to participate in. I specifically remember one project where the entire school participated in repainting and decorating a school in Worcester.One aspect about Fay that I cherish the most is that Fay embraces every member of the community as if we were one big family. Born as an only child, my siblings are Fay friends and teachers, and Steward Dorm became my second home. I am grateful for the unconditional love that Fay has shown for me and feel very proud to be a Fay alum.
- Posted by
5  
I have three very different children, and they have all thrived at Fay. The teachers in the Upper school are incredible and they form strong connections with their students. The visual and performing arts are second to none and add so much to the life of the school! The traditions such as the speech competition, open mic nights, and the spring musical are truly memorable. The placement process is incredible and the guidance and support through this important time is so helpful... and gets results!
- Posted by
5  
Immediately after my oldest daughter enrolled at Fay several years ago, her "spark" returned (it had gone out during her years in public school). Her younger brother now attends too. Both children love Fay, love school, and love learning. Their teachers are intelligent, professional, friendly, and encouraging, and their classes are stimulating and challenging. They are truly eager to get to school each day, and they are full of exciting stories from school every night. I appreciate that my children are getting a first-rate academic education, arts education, service learning education, athletics education, and character education -- all while having a fun childhood experience with their friends at Fay. I am very grateful to Fay School. My kids are learning that they have unlimited potential, and that they can achieve anything. As a parent, I could not be more satisfied.
- Posted by

Endorse Fay School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
  • Academic or athletic awards
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-9
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Worcester County, MA is $18,106 for elementary schools and $35,125 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Worcester County, MA is 81% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links