Plumfield Academy Photo #8 - Our students find cozy spots nearly anywhere to do their work. Independent reading is a regular part of our day, and is all the more fun when you have a buddy nearby.

Plumfield Academy

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Plumfield Academy Photo #1 - Small groups are the norm at Plumfield. Students have quality time with a loving tutor and several peers for math and language arts during each day.
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Plumfield Academy Photo #1 - Small groups are the norm at Plumfield. Students have quality time with a loving tutor and several peers for math and language arts during each day.
Plumfield Academy Photo #2 - Students regularly participate in school-wide celebrations for holidays and other special occasions. Here, young boys spend time in the kitchen, learning about meal preparation by preparing the meal for the whole school to eat together.
Plumfield Academy Photo #3 - These boys are taking advantage of a sunny day to work on their math outside. Sometimes the cool breeze is enough motivation!
Plumfield Academy Photo #4 - The proud owner of a completed woodworking project! The youngest among us are taught proper safety techniques and allowed to participate and create beautiful things with the older students.
Plumfield Academy Photo #5 - Spending time each week outside in nature, exploring, observing, evaluating, assessing and enjoying is an essential component of our curriculum. Here students discover and observe evidence of beaver activity.
Plumfield Academy Photo #6 - Older students spend time in the spring researching a system of the body (or other topic of interest to them, related to the human body), preparing a power point presentation, then giving that presentation to their peers. There is time for Q&A, as well as feedback from students and teachers.
Plumfield Academy Photo #7 - Last year, students performed "A Christmas Carol", and the whole school participated either in the show or behind the scenes. It was a fantastic bonding experience for younger and older students.
Plumfield Academy Photo #8 - Outside free time is another critical part of the day at Plumfield. Students have an hour at lunchtime for child-driven play. This is often the most joyful part of the day for students, and it's a prized time for them. Our students play cards, climb trees, roll giant snowballs, capture the flag, invent alphabets for new languages and have fun!
Plumfield Academy Photo #9 - Our students find cozy spots nearly anywhere to do their work. Independent reading is a regular part of our day, and is all the more fun when you have a buddy nearby.
Founded in 1993, Plumfield Academy, situated in Danvers, Massachusetts, offers an intimate learning environment for positive and creative students in grades one through eight.
Plumfield is a family-like small school dedicated to providing today`s children with a sane, balanced life of vigorous intellectual study combined with child-driven free play and exploration in nature.
Charlotte Mason asserted: "Education is a life," suggesting that an optimal education for children nurtures the body, mind and spirit in concert.
While sustaining small-teacher-to-student ratios (1:8), the Plumfield family presents a unique and highly successful curriculum incorporating character development, Great Books, personal narrative, the visual and performing arts and nature study.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 1-8
  • Enrollment: 24 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,700
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-8
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Language Based Learning Differences, Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1993

Student Body

Total Students
24 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Plumfield Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
8 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
% on Financial Aid
25%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$2,000
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
John Pension

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
1 extracurricular
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Arts and Music Programs:
Choir

School Notes

At Plumfield Academy we seek to offer, as Charlotte Mason described:
  • an atmosphere where there is respect and understanding,
  • a discipline of habits of mind and body,
  • a life that includes intellectual, moral, and physical sustenance, and where the mind feeds on ideas.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Plumfield Academy cost?
Plumfield Academy's tuition is approximately $14,700 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Plumfield Academy?
The acceptance rate of Plumfield Academy is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 70%.
When is the application deadline for Plumfield Academy?
The application deadline for Plumfield Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
We cannot say enough good things about Plumfield Academy. When my son was not excelling at the public middle school we started searching for a school we could transfer him to that offered him a safe space to learn and be himself. I literally saw a sign, a lawn sign, and as soon as I pulled up the website I knew this was the answer. We went in for a day to check it out and participated in a class that asked us to write down emotions that were putting holes in our buckets. We then went outside and burned them in a fire pit. This was exactly the type of place I wanted my son to be. My son was stressed out about the grades and tests and homework at his public school. We loved that Plumfield doesn't "test" their knowledge but rather has them do narration for what they are learning, really thinking about and writing down or speaking what they've learned. Our son works through his math book at his own pace. Beyond the general academics Plumfield teaches scripture while allowing the children to share and have their own beliefs. I love that they do nature study, logic, and the arts (drama, music, acting, etc). And my son is currently working through 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens which he has very much enjoyed. We love the "nontraditional" approach offering our child broader, life-oriented lessons. The teachers have all been wonderful and supportive. The director John is an honest, wonderful man who has developed a loving relationship with my son helping him through struggles in his life. Our son says Plumfield feels like a family. We feel incredibly grateful that we were able to find this gem of a school for our son to finish out his middle school years. He is working with Plumfield to apply to St John's Prep for high school and we truly believe Plumfield has offered him the best preparation for his high school career.
- Posted by
5  
Plumfield Academy is everything we hoped for in a school small classes that can meet our children exactly where they are academically, interact with children of varying ages, and the kind of emotional support only a small school can provide. The staff at Plumfield truly see the children, and have the ability to encourage and support each one of its students' strengths and interests. They make learning fun while allowing ample time for socialization and outdoor play. Plumfield Academy is a special place whether your child is quiet or loud, sensitive or bold, artistic or sporty, there is a spot for everyone. The teachers are invested and I drop my children off every day knowing they are well cared for, safe, and supported. Plumfield allows its children to be who they truly are, supporting them wholly. My sensitive son's confidence is soaring and I owe every bit of his progress to this wonderful school.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: 1-8
  • Enrollment: 24 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $14,700
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 8 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Essex County, MA is $26,714 for elementary schools and $44,822 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Essex County, MA is 65% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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