Summary: Our rigorous college preparatory curriculum fosters intellectual and personal growth, fluency across disciplines, and a flexible, forward-thinking approach focused around sustainability. We make learning fascinating, challenging, and fun. At Govs, we know students learn best when they are reaching, stretching, and growing—when they are on the learning edge. Our approach to academics balances the opportunity to achieve with the courage to explore. Students here learn together with friends and faculty in small, interactive classes—typically about eleven students. Faculty here care deeply about their subjects and their students’ progress. As a community, we applaud and support students’ passionate commitment to develop their own areas of expertise, while encouraging them to explore other fields and discover other interests, too.

Department Director Elaine White

Student/Teacher Ratio: 5:1

Average Class Size: 11

Summer Programs: Not Offered

Full Time Teachers: 88

Number of AP Courses Offered: 28

Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 72%

Number of IB Courses Offered: 0

English

• Classics
• Creative Writing
• Honors
• Literature
• Poetry

History

• Asian History
• European History
• Honors
• United States History
• World History

Foreign Languages

• Chinese-Mandarin
• French
• German
• Latin
• Spanish

Humanities / Social Sciences

• Economics
• Psychology

Sciences

• Anatomy
• Animal Behavior
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Genetics
• Health
• Marine Biology
• Physical Science
• Physics

Math

• Algebra
• Calculus
• Geometry
• Honors Math
• Statistics
• Trigonometry

Computer Studies

• Computer Programming
• Computer Science

Music

• Band
• Choral Music
• Electronic Music
• Individual Instructions
• Music Theory
• Orchestra
• Voice

Performing / Visual Arts

• Acting
• Architecture
• Ballet
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Drama
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design

Special Programs

• Study Abroad
• Community Service
• Independent Study

Dorm Life

Number of Dorms: 9

Average Students Per Dorm: 23

Number of Girls Dorms: 4

Number of Boys Dorms: 5

Dorm Amenities

• Laundry Facilities
• Lounge
• Wireless Internet

Other Dorm Amenities

Student Life

Day and boarding students learn from each other and from our exceptional faculty as they form a unique community of different cultures and life experiences in Byfield. Days in the classroom are complemented by broad co-curricular opportunities and a family-like residential life experience. No matter if your interests lie in athletics, the arts, or student government, you will be supported by friends and teachers who will celebrate your individuality.

Facilities

• All-Weather Track
• Baseball Field
• Basketball Court
• Fitness Center
• Football Field
• Indoor Basketball Court
• Technology Center
• Volleyball Court

Other Facilities

Rink Turf Field; Soccer Field(s); Softball Field; Tennis Courts

Clubs & Organizations

• Astronomy Club
• Chess Club
• Community Service
• Debate Club
• Diversity Club
• Dorm Proctors
• Environmental Club
• Foreign Language Clubs
• Gardening Club
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Club
• Investment Club
• Jewish Student Organization
• Literary Magazine
• Math Club
• Model UN
• National Honor Society
• Newspaper
• Outing Club
• Peer Counseling
• Peer Tutoring
• Photography Club
• Sexualities Club
• Student Activities
• Student Government
• Student Publications
• Theater Club
• Yearbook
• Yoga Club
• Young Democrats
• Young Republicans

Summary: ARTS - At Govs, everyone has the opportunity to be an artist. The arts are woven into every aspect of our students’ experience. It all begins with our Introduction to Fine Arts course in ninth grade, when every student takes two performing arts and two visual arts courses and start to see where they shine, or maybe even discover a new passion. Students continue their creative interests in classes during the academic day and can choose to participate in drama, art, music, technical theater, or dance as their Afternoon Program. ATHLETICS - Govs athletes play for championship titles in one of the country’s most competitive athletic conferences, the Independent School League (ISL). They play in and on many first-class facilities with some of the very best athletes in Massachusetts. They play for the chance to compete on nationally ranked college teams in NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, like so many Govs graduates before them. They play for the coaches who challenge them and believe in them. And they play in front of a community full of friends, parents, faculty, and staff who will always stand up and cheer for them. At Govs, our students play to see what is possible and just how far they can go.

Arts Department Director: Belle Struck

Athletics Department Director: Claudia Barcomb

Notable Achievements: 30 Scholastic Art Awards in 2019 3 time ISL Softball Champions National Gold Medal Creative Writing & Visual Art

Arts

• Acting
• Architecture
• Ballet
• Ceramics
• Dance
• Drama
• Drawing
• Painting
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Public Speaking
• Studio Art
• Theater Arts
• Theater Design

Interscholastic Sports

• Alpine Ski Racing
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country Running
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball
• Wrestling

Recreational Sports

• Basketball
• Dance
• Ice Climbing
• Softball
• Tennis
• Yoga

Summary: Our college counseling curriculum asks students to consider the significance of their experiences in and beyond the classroom as they begin their college search. Through our signature College Search Seminar Series, the College Essay Writing Unit, and online aptitude and talent inventories, students articulate the moments of learning and discovery and the issues and causes that matter most to them. This active, comprehensive approach to the college search equips students to make authentic connections with the colleges they pursue—and the confidence to choose their best college choice. Throughout their college search, Govs students are encouraged to articulate their values, the implications of their education, and appreciate how their actions make a difference in the lives of others. With this broad approach, students learn to match their diverse personal and school experiences with the colleges they choose to pursue.

College Information

Precentage of graduates who attend college: 100%

College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:

Quotes From Alumni