The Advent School is a progressive, co-educational independent school for students ages four to 12 in pre-Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Reggio Emilia inspired, the co-teaching teams model the collaboration we encourage among students during long-term investigations and small group work. With outstanding academics, small class sizes, and commitment to diversity, our students are well prepared to thrive at independent, public, and private middle and high schools in the greater Boston area. In addition to the thematic curriculum at each grade level, Advent students have classes in science, art, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and yoga embedded into their weekly routine.
The Advent School offers a robust After-School education program until for students 6 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-6
- Enrollment: 139 students
- Yearly Tuition: $39,500
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The Advent School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-6
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1961
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Wed. Jun 10, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
139 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
40%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
84%
Average Class Size
13 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$39,500
Tuition Notes
Includes field trip fees, books, and all classroom materials.
Summer Program Cost
$1,350
Summer Program Cost Notes
The fee varies; please email enrichment@adventschool.org for detailed information.
% on Financial Aid
27%
Admissions Director
Natacha Shillingford
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
20 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClassCoding Class
CookingDestination Imagination
First LEGO League Robotics ProgramLeadership Group
NewspaperStudy Groups
Yearbook Club
Arts and Music Programs:
AnimationArt Club
FilmmakingGuitar Lessons
MandarianPercussion
Piano LessonsViolin Lessons
Voice Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Run ClubSailing
School Notes
- School Motto: Learn with passion. Act with courage. Change the world.
- School Mascot: Lions
- The Advent School is an independent school in Boston for children in Pre-K through sixth grade. Located in Beacon Hill, just a short walk from the Red Line, Advent welcomes students from across Greater Boston. We're not affiliated with our neighbors, the Church of the Advent.
- At Advent, learning begins with curiosity. Our students explore big, year-long themes-like Ancient Civilizations or How Communities Grow-that connect reading, writing, math, science, history, the arts, and world languages. This thematic approach encourages children to think critically and make meaningful connections across subjects.
- Each classroom has two co-teachers who model collaboration and provide every child with personalized attention. Through our "looping" model, co-teachers stay with their class for two years, allowing them to deeply understand each student's interests, strengths, and growth as a learner.
- Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view education as an extension of a child's natural curiosity and relationships with others. Teachers act as guides and coaches, nurturing exploration and discovery through research-based tools like Everyday Mathematics, Really Great Reading, and the Orton-Gillingham approach.
- Advent is a diverse and inclusive community-about 40% of our students and one-third of our staff self-identify as people of color. Social justice education is central to our mission, fostering positive identity development, empathy, and respect for self and others. Students learn to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and work together to solve problems, and our graduates go on to thrive at a range of private, public, and Boston Exam Schools.
- We seek families who value collaboration and students who bring curiosity, openness, and a love of learning to our community!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Advent School cost?
The Advent School's tuition is approximately $39,500 for private students and $1,350 for summer students.
What schools are The Advent School often compared to?
The Advent School is often viewed alongside schools like Park Street School by visitors of our site.
Does The Advent School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Advent School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Advent School offer?
The Advent School offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cheering, Dance and Football.
When is the application deadline for The Advent School?
The application deadline for The Advent School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The Advent School located?
The Advent School is located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, MA. There are 3 other private schools located in Beacon Hill.
School Reviews
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