Fay School
Southborough
Massachusetts
United States
Overview
Fay School is a day and boarding school 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. 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. 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 3,000 square-foot Innovation Lab.
Academics
Summary: Fay is organized into three divisions: Primary School (Kindergarten through grade two) Lower School (grades three through six) Upper School (grades seven through nine) Within each division, teachers work closely across grades and across disciplines to create a rich program that teaches foundational skills while also supporting critical thinking and creativity. Fay teachers believe in making learning "serious fun" - engaging, meaningful, authentic, and appropriately challenging. Fay’s traditional curriculum is balanced with an innovative focus on creativity and design in every discipline. In every grade, students participate in classes where students are challenged to identify problems, think creatively, and iterate and test solutions. Many of these classes take place in Fay School’s Innovation Lab, a 3,000 square-foot lab space with dedicated spaces for designing, fabrication, and tinkering. Over the course of their time at Fay, students create projects that incorporate a range of graphic medium and materials, including CAD / CAM, electronics, robotic control, wood, metal, plastic, paper and textiles. In Primary and Lower School, the Creativity and Design curriculum is integrated across the disciplines. In Upper School, the Creativity and Design program is formalized as a series of standalone classes:
Department Director Robert Gustavson
Student/Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Average Class Size: 14
Summer Programs: Offered
Full Time Teachers: 65
Number of AP Courses Offered: 0
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 80%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Learning Center
- Learning Differences Support
- Study Skills Assistance
English
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Playwriting
- Poetry
- Public Speaking
History
- Classical History
- European History
- Medieval History
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
Sciences
- Biology
- Physical Science
- Life Science
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Programming
- Robotics
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Music History
- Orchestra
- Recording
Performing / Visual Arts
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Leadership
- Physical Education
- Robotics
- Public Speaking
- Maker Space
Campus Life
Dorm Life
Number of Dorms: 7
Average Students Per Dorm: 0
Number of Girls Dorms: 5
Number of Boys Dorms: 2
Dorm Amenities
- Game Room
- Lounge
- Vending Machines
- Wireless Internet
- Refrigerator
Other Dorm Amenities
Our students live in homelike dorms that are just a short walk from the dining room, classrooms, and playing fields. Our dorms are separated by gender, and each dorm includes faculty apartments, so our dorm parents (who are middle school boarding experts!) are always on hand to provide supervision and care.
Student Life
Fay students are well rounded and balanced individuals who push themselves to be the best they can be inside and outside the classroom. From helping in the Primary School to serving as ninth-grade proctors to collecting recyclables with the Green Squad, we hope that each of our students will take advantage of all the wonderful and exciting opportunities Fay has to offer.
Facilities
- Baseball Field
- Basketball Court
- Fitness Center
- Football Field
- Indoor Basketball Court
- Indoor Climbing Wall
- Pool
- Technology Center
- Volleyball Court
- Softball Diamond
- Soccer Field
- Tennis Courts
- Dance Studio
- Weight Room
- Athletic Fields
- Outdoor Climbing Wall
- Cross Country Trails
- Lacrosse Field
Other Facilities
Clubs & Organizations
- Chess Club
- Community Service
- Debate Club
- Diversity Club
- Dorm Proctors
- Environmental Club
- Foreign Language Clubs
- International Club
- Literary Magazine
- Math Club
- Newspaper
- Outing Club
- Photography Club
- Student Activities
- Student Government
- Student Publications
- Theater Club
- Yearbook
- Yoga Club
- Robotics
Arts & Athletics
Arts Department Director: Philip Montgomery
Athletics Department Director: Rob Feingold
Arts
Interscholastic Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
Recreational Sports
- Aerobics
- Dance
- Golf
- Hiking
- Snowboarding
- Tennis
- Yoga
- Fitness
- Skiing
- Outdoor Activities
Graduates
Notable Alumni
Peter Fonda
Class of 1954
actor
Doug Brown
Class of 1979
NHL right winger
Brandon Bush
Class of 1988
keyboardist for the bands Train & Sugarland
Topher Grace
Class of 1994
actor
Hashim Hussein
Class of 1996
Prince of Jordan
Tarah Donoghue Breed
Class of 1997
Deputy Press Secretary to First Lady Laura Bush
George Monk" Foreman"
Class of 1998
professional boxer
Quotes From Alumni
““Fay School prepared me well for both my secondary school ice hockey career as well as my college ice hockey career. I would not have been able to thrive at Deerfield Academy and Middlebury College and develop into a well-rounded student athlete if it was not for my time at Fay School. I furthered my playing career while building a strong academic base that opened up many opportunities for me.””
-, Class of 2009,
““Fay prepared me well for secondary school. I learned that no matter what kind of challenged I faced—academic, athletic, social, personal—I had the skill, the strength, and the perseverance to see it through.””
-, Class of 2012,
““My Fay experience played a very important role in my life and influenced who I am today. I learned so much more than math and English at Fay – I learned how to be honorable, respectful, and responsible. Fay opened the doors to the world for me and allowed me to become whoever I wanted”.”
-, Class of 2000,
Summer Programs
Summary:
Department Director: Sam Renshaw
FaySummer Day Camp Programs
Description: For 25 years, FaySummer has offered dynamic, engaging programs for campers in pre-school (age 3) through grade 9. Our program features busy days full of fun activities with opportunities to explore new things, discover new talents, and create new memories. Classic Day Camp Pre-School (Age 3) - Grade 6 FaySummer's Classic Day Camp is a traditional camp that features busy days full of fun activities with opportunities to explore new things, discover new talents, and create new memories. Campers are grouped by grade and participate in a variety of daily activities to suit every camper’s interests. Specialty Camps FaySummer's Specialty Camps feature a half-day single focused program coupled with a half-day of FaySummer Day Camp programming. Our Specialty Camps are perfect for campers who want to pursue an interest in more depth and feature programs related to academics, STEAM, athletics, arts, drama, and more. Spotlight Camps New for 2023, Spotlight Camps are for campers interested in a full-day athletic or academic camp. As fully immersive programs, the camps are designed to build upon existing skills and interests, all in a fun and supportive setting. Voyager Camp Our Voyager Camp is an excellent opportunity for young adventurers to broaden their horizons. During the program, campers travel off campus for a new adventure every day. Voyagers will explore museums, visit area beaches, go to amusement parks, enjoy interactive activities with talented professionals, and more!
Director: Sam Renshaw
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2023-06-26
End Date: 2023-08-18
Tuition From:
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.faysummer.org/day-programs
Boarding: Day
Financial Aid Available:
Distance Learning English Intensive
Description: Distance Learning English Intensive is a virtual version of our English Immersion program that offers a combination of daily live sessions, pre-recorded lessons, graded assignments, and hands-on activities. The program is designed for international students ages 10 to 15 who are interested in improving their English speaking, writing, and reading skills.
Director: Sam Renshaw
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2023-07-10
End Date: 2023-08-04
Tuition From:
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.faysummer.org/english-language-programs/distance-learning-english-intensive
Boarding:
Financial Aid Available:
FaySummer English Immersion
Description: English Immersion, which takes place on the Fay School campus in Southborough, MA, is designed for students ages 10-15 who are interested in improving their English speaking, writing, and reading skills. This in-person, overnight option is an ideal setting for students to improve their English skills through daily classroom instruction, with opportunities to put their English language skills to work in activities with American students who are enrolled in other summer programs.
Director:
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2023-07-09
End Date: 2023-08-04
Tuition From: 8000
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.faysummer.org/english-language-programs/english-immersion
Boarding: Boarding
Financial Aid Available:
FaySummer Academic Camp Japan
Description: FaySummer Academic Camp Japan is open to students who live in Japan ages 10 - 14 regardless of their level of English proficiency. It’s the perfect summer program for Japanese students who are interested in developing their English skills in an American preparatory school setting focused on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, collaboration, and creativity.
Director:
Application Deadline:
Start Date: 2023-07-23
End Date: 2023-07-28
Tuition From: 1800
Tuition To:
Website: https://www.faysummer.org/english-language-programs/fay-academic-camp-japan
Boarding: Day
Financial Aid Available:
Vital Information
Student Body Type: Coed
Total Boarding: 150
Total Day: 325
Total Enrollment: 475
Boys: 242
Girls: 233
Boarding Grades Offered: 7-9
Day Grades Offered: K-9
School Type: Elementary, Middle, High School
Dress Code: Formal
Applications Accepted: SAO, Gateway to Prep
Application Deadline: Rolling
Tuition & Financial Aid
7-Day Boarding: $70,420
5-Day Boarding: $63,320
Day Tuition Fee: $41,730
Need-Based Aid: Offered
Payment Plans: Offered
Students Receiving Aid: 25%
Average Awarded: $
School Finances
Merit Scholarships: Not Offered
Students Receiving Merit Scholarships: %
Average Merit Scholarship: $
Current Endowment Amount: $66,700,000
Contact
Director of Admissions: Jennifer Weeden
Admissions Phone: 508 490 8201
Fax: 508 481 7872
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.fayschool.org
Nearby Schools
- Hillside School - 5mi / 8 km
- Walnut Hill School For The Arts - 10mi / 15 km
- Dana Hall School - 13mi / 20 km
- Worcester Academy - 14mi / 22 km
- The Cambridge School Of Weston - 14mi / 23 km
- Middlesex School - 16mi / 25 km
