The Fenn School

previous
The Fenn School Photo #1 - At Fenn, the faculty know the boys and take pride and pleasure in helping them develop into well-rounded young met. Each boy has an advisor who meets with the student and parents regularly.
next
The Fenn School Photo #1 - At Fenn, the faculty know the boys and take pride and pleasure in helping them develop into well-rounded young met. Each boy has an advisor who meets with the student and parents regularly.
The Fenn School Photo #2 - The brotherhood at Fenn is tangible when one steps onto campus. Boys have the space to try new things and the support of their friends and teachers if at first they don't succeed. Our four core values are honesty, empathy, respect and courage.
The Fenn School Photo #3 - At the center of a Fenn education, the academic program is rigorous and intellectually exciting. In the lower grades, the curriculum emphasizes mastery of reading, writing, math, and science. In the upper grades, students synthesize and apply what they've learned as analytical thinkers and creative problem solvers. The classroom is a place for productive and joyful learning.
The Fenn School Photo #4 - The athletic field is another classroom at Fenn, a place where boys work hard to achieve their personal best and learn to accept both success and disappointment with grace. Team pride is valued over individual glory both in the classroom and on the field of play. 90% of Fenn graduates play at least one sport in high school.
The Fenn School Photo #5 - The arts aren't just a classroom exercise at Fenn. They infuse daily life. Boys who excel in the arts are as valued here as those who perform well on the athletic field or in the classroom. Through the arts, a boy can discover new areas where he can excel, explore new roles for himself, and be inspired to creative risks.
The Fenn School Photo #6 - Fenn's campus is a place where boys can feel comfortably at home. From All School Meeting to the informal games that boys organize at the end of each day, every student is constantly supported in his evolution as a caring and responsible citizen of this unique community of learning.
The Fenn School Photo #7 - Over 30 dramatic performances are staged each year at Fenn. Boys learn empathy, courage and appropriate intellectual risk-taking in our drama program.
The Fenn School Photo #8 - While music is one of the compulsory arts offerings, Fenn also optionally offers guitar lessons/ensembles, string ensembles, marching band, concert band, jazz band, and Trebles Choir.
The Fenn School Photo #9 - When boys, supported by the solid role model of older students, are given the opportunity to take personal responsibility, they meet the challenge, embodying our motto, SUA SPONTE, or "on one's own responsibility." With an emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, kindness, and respect, Fenn shapes boys into humane young men who will go on and succeed in life.
The Fenn School Photo #10 - Everything we do is tailored to the nature and learning styles of boys. The school day offers them ample opportunities to release their expansive energy. When gender-based social pressures are eliminated and boys understand that they are valued for who they are, they feel safe to explore and be kind and compassionate to one another.
Fenn offers an academically challenging day school program for boys in grades 4 through 9.
Of course we prepare our students for entrance into competitive secondary schools, but at Fenn, our primary focus is on instilling in boys a love of learning that will carry them throughout their lives.
While Fenn isn't the right school for every boy, everything we do is about and for boys.
Our focus is on educating the whole boy-balancing the intellectual excitement of academics with the arts and athletics.
And all that we do rests on a foundation of Fenn's four core values: honesty, respect, empathy and courage.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 4-9
  • Enrollment: 316 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $43,950
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

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

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Student Body

Total Students
316 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade
The Fenn School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
57 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
66%
Average Class Size
14 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Shirts with a collar, no jeans

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 30
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Generous need-based financial aid is available.
% on Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$26,440
Admissions Director
Tory Hayes
Admissions Associate
Allegra Maletz

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Chess Club, Concert Band, Fenn Radio, Guitar Performance / Lessons, Invention Club, Jazz Band, Many Service Learning Opportunities, Marching Band, Peer Mediation, String Ensemble, Student Diversity Committee, Student Government, Student Philanthropy, Student Sustainability Committee, Trebles Choir

Club or Organization:
Makerspace

School Notes

  • Fenn's academic program is deliberately broad, offering a range of learning opportunities that allows teachers to create educational experiences that motivate each boy, engage him in intellectual discovery, build his confidence, and help him discover a true love of learning. In the spirit of Sua Sponte, each Fenn student takes responsibility for achieving his own personal best as he explores interests and talents that will prepare him for high school, college, and life.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Steve Carrell '77 - Award-winning actor, comedian, producer, and writer
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Fenn School cost?
The Fenn School's tuition is approximately $43,950 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from The Fenn School?
The Fenn School famous alumni include: Steve Carrell '77.
What sports does The Fenn School offer?
The Fenn School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field and Wrestling.
What is The Fenn School's ranking?
The Fenn School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Fenn School?
The application deadline for The Fenn School is Jan. 30.

School Calendar

View the The Fenn School yearly calendar below.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (9 reviews)
5  
We have had an amazing experience at the Fenn so far. Our son, who just joined the 5th grade, is about three months in so far and is having the time of his life. Coming from a public school, the environment couldn't be more different; he is constantly challenged, both in terms of the freedom given to him to organize his day and show up to places on time and also academically, where (for someone who always excelled in his public schools) he is being challenged for the first time. Our entire experience - from the first contact with the admissions team to our last event at the school - has been more than we could have hoped, and we're so excited about the future at Fenn!
- Posted by
5  
Fenn is EXCEPTIONAL! Academic rigor, high caliber teachers, small class sizes, beautiful campus, coupled with integrity and values. The teachers understand what teaching methods work for boys and how to tap into their natural curiosity. Hands-on learning approach is the key. With Fenn`s small class sizes, my son received a lot of one-on-one attention, which has helped him to excel academically. His self-confidence has blossomed since he`s been at Fenn and he feels so good about himself. Fenn has turned my son into a kid who loves to learn and didn`t want school to end for the summer (never thought I`d see that!). He just loves being at Fenn. I love him being there too, not only because of the high quality education, but because he`s surrounded by headmasters and teachers who model integrity, compassion and ethical values. They`ve taught my son how to be a responsible member of the Fenn community and how to genuinely care about his classmates. I never thought I would say that my son "loves" school, but he does, thanks to Fenn.
- Posted by
5  
As a prior public school student, I had no thoughts about sending my children to private school. However, although my town identified my oldest son as a student who could benefit from accelerated learning, my town had no money to spend on students like him. At that point, we decided to investigate Fenn for my two sons. We were pleasantly surprised that our sons were accepted and Fenn was able to offer us financial aid which allowed us to send our boys to Fenn. Without reservation I endorse the Fenn School. It is a perfect fit for every middle school boy. The teachers challenge the boys and stand ready to work with them. The boys are pushed to expand their interests and talents and are encouraged to get out of their comfort zone. The physical layout of the school allows the boys to burn off energy as they walk from building to building on the quaint campus. They enjoy daily sports and eating lunch at a communal table. As parents we have been very happy with the education our sons have received at Fenn. More importantly we have been so impressed by all the faculty and staff in creating a warm, familial, and supportive environment. Fenn is a special school for all boys!
- Posted by
5  
I am a current parent and my son started at Fenn in 4th grade. Our son has now been there for two years. What we have seen with our son has been nothing short of remarkable. Before coming to Fenn our son was struggling with school. He did not enjoy going to school and was not excited about learning. He now loves school, is motivated to do well and is actually sad that the summer is coming. Their motto is "Where boys thrive" and it could not be more true. He has felt cared for and appreciated from day one and that has made all the difference. The teachers are amazing and the campus is beautiful and well resourced. Many schools and organizations have missions but not all live up to those mission statements. Fenn does and it is beautiful thing to behold how much of transformation it can make in a boy's life. I am very very thankful each day that he has this wonderful opportunity.
- Posted by
5  
My son has been at Fenn since 4th grade, he is now currently in 8th. I can not say enough good things about Fenn and all of the teachers. They have excellent academics, sports and arts. My son has grown into a well rounded mature young man, he has made some good close friends and he has always been happy at Fenn. My only wish would be that he could go there for high school
- Posted by
5  
As a public school family, we were content at our previous school, but wanted to see what options were available. We had heard a lot about Fenn and our expectations were fairly high given the hype. Suffice it to say, Fenn has exceeded our expectations. We have seen our son, and his friends, who also attend Fenn, grow in their desire to learn and desire to be better people. Our son looks forward to school, his friends and learning. I think what has made Fenn such a special place for us and for so many others is that the school embraces boys, boy energy, and does an amazing job finding what makes each boy a special person. We've been incredibly pleased with our first year at the school and are looking forward to what else the school has to offer in the years to come.
- Posted by
5  
We are fortunate to have two boys attending The Fenn School. The school offers a dynamic, caring faculty; rigorous academics; strong and varied athletics; progressive arts and music program; leadership opportunities; and so much more! You really need to attend an open house and visit the school to get a sense of how special and unique this place is. Staying true to the school's mission, Fenn absolutely educates the "whole boy" and integrates "Sua Sponte" values in all aspects of school life. I am certain my boys'' Fenn education will send them off into the world as confident, caring, well-rounded, and knowledgable young men.
- Posted by
5  
This school really understands boys, all types of boys, and can appeal to their interests to making learning much more engaging. I have 2 sons - a Fenn graduate and a Fenn 8th grader. My graduate is doing great at his high school - Fenn prepared him so well. The school talks about educating the whole boy - and balancing their learning across academics, athletics and the arts. This is really the way the educational program is structured. But what makes this school so special to us is knowing that Fenn is focused on building the character of our boys. It is not a class or a program, it is the culture of the school and the way each member of the faculty and staff behaves to bring out the best in a Fenn boy.
- Posted by
5  
The motto of "a place where boys thrive" could not be better stated. I have 2 boys who have grown exponentially while at Fenn. The faculty and staff just "get boys". They create an atmosphere where it is safe to take risks in all areas of academics, arts and athletics. The administration from the phenomenal headmaster on down is completely invested in the school and the students. The boys are all very supportive of each other and bond like brothers. The parent community is welcoming and supportive as well. If you have a son ages 9-15, there is no better place for him to spend many rewarding years.
- Posted by

Endorse The Fenn 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

Montessori Schools
Montessori Schools
Montessori schools are popular world-wide with parents of children in the primary grades.
How To Find A Summer Program
How To Find A Summer Program
Sending your children to a summer program or camp keeps them active in fun-filled settings. We explore your options.
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
Leadership, Legacy, and Learning: Pillars of Top Schools
We explore the key elements contributing to the success of leading private schools, highlighting the importance of strong leadership, a rich legacy, and a focus on comprehensive learning experiences.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: 4-9
  • Enrollment: 316 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $43,950
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 30
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Middlesex County, MA is $27,693 for elementary schools and $44,792 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Middlesex County, MA is 61% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

Related School Videos

Quick Links