Comparing 5 schools side by side in USD.
247 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02116.
Grades 7-12
Independent boarding school (private) for grades 7-12
40 countries represented; 18% international students; 23 languages spoken.
Student Success Center
United States
Urban boarding is offered at The Newman School. Boarding students live in Keefe House, a restored townhouse on Newbury Street in Back Bay, two blocks from the main academic building. Residential faculty provide 24/7 supervision and support, creating a safe, welcoming home away from home for a globally diverse community within walking distance to museums, universities, and cultural life.
The Newman School Cafe is located in the dorm hall. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided Monday through Friday; brunch and dinner are provided on weekends. Meals are prepared with health, nutrition, and dietary restrictions in mind, and food is available at night in dorm common areas.
The Newman School is an independent private school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Head of School is an ex officio member of the board. The Board includes roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
The International Baccalaureate pedagogy is at the core of The Newman School's curriculum. The program begins in Grade 7 and continues through Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 7–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. By Grade 11, students choose one of three academic paths, all leading to the Newman High School Diploma. Newman Diploma: students take a minimum of five classes in 11th and 12th grades, which can be IB DP courses or a mix of IB DP and non-IB electives, and may include the IB Core. IB Diploma: six DP courses over two years, with 3–4 at Higher Level (HL) and the remainder at Standard Level (SL); the DP Core comprises Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Course groups include Studies in Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (French, Latin, Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts.
6:1
The Newman School offers a robust college counseling program with experienced counselors and extensive college resources. The program includes 65+ American and international college representative visits to Newman. Recent college acceptances span many leading universities, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Tufts University, University of Michigan, University of Toronto, Princeton University, and other global institutions.
The Newman School emphasizes a community where students develop a sense of belonging and personal growth through a supportive environment.
The Newman School provides services to support student success (SEN-related supports are integrated into the school program).
The Newman School includes students from many countries, reflecting an international community and language diversity.
The Newman School fosters student well-being through its community culture and student support structures.
The Newman School maintains safeguarding and child protection policies as part of its student welfare commitments.
Step 1: Two diploma options are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) and The Newman Diploma. The Newman Diploma mixes high-level and standard-level courses with requirements outside of coursework, including the extended essay and creativity, action and service. The IB pedagogy informs the curriculum, and students strive to embody the IB learner profile (inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective).
Step 2: AP courses are not offered, but students may take AP exams alongside their IB work. All applicants must submit results from a standardized test; accepted options include the HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, ACT, or SAT. Candidates whose primary language is not English may also submit English proficiency test results; the Duolingo English Test is preferred, though TOEFL and IELTS are also accepted.
Step 3: Applications have two deadlines: Priority Applications due December 5, 2025; Standard Applications due January 31, 2026; Financial Aid Applications due January 15, 2026. Decision release dates are December 12, 2025 for Priority and March 10, 2026 for Standard and Financial Aid. To apply, click the Apply button at the bottom of any page; inquiries, visits, and applications are handled through the My Newman Ravenna hub (Inquire, Visit, Apply).
Step 4: The Newman School has 260 students in grades 7–12/PG; 25–30 students in grades 7–8 and 45–60 students in grades 9–12/PG. Boarding is available; the school announced the purchase of 300 Newbury St. for a dormitory for the 2025–2026 year, with an anticipated 50–60 boarding students, offering both 5-day and 7-day options, and two dorms on Beacon Street with live-in dorm parents.
The Newman School provides financial aid; approximately 40% of students receive financial aid. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, with families completing the Clarity application via The Family Application Guide. Financial aid decisions are made in tandem with admissions, with renewal grants prioritized; families must reapply annually using Clarity. Financial aid funds come from the school's operating budget, foundation grants, and major donors.
The Josiah Quincy Elementary School is located at 885 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111. It is part of Boston Public Schools. The school serves students in Boston, Massachusetts.
K1 through 5 (Kindergarten 1 through 5th grade)
Public elementary school
United States
Monthly breakfast and lunch menus in our City Fresh Cooking Site.
International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is offered. JQES has been an IB World School since September 2022 and is the first Boston Public Elementary School to have an accredited IB Primary Years Programme with a guaranteed pathway to the Josiah Quincy Upper School (IB-accredited). Mandarin Bilingual Education Program starts in K1 in September 2025; languages of instruction are English and Mandarin/Chinese, with Math taught in Mandarin. Heritage classes are taught twice weekly; students are expected to remain through 5th grade and may continue Mandarin through 12th grade at Josiah Quincy Upper School. The program prioritizes access for students whose home language is Chinese.
The school values inclusion and belonging. It draws on the energy of surrounding neighborhoods and the diversity of its students to create a vibrant learning center. The IB World School framework supports inquiry-based, student-centered learning and a diverse, inclusive community. The mission and vision emphasize preparing students to be contributing global citizens.
General Education, Inclusion-General Education, Early Intervention (K0/K1), Inclusion-SEI Chinese, Learning Disability, Multiple Disabilities, and SEI Chinese Language Specific.
Starting in K1 in September 2025, the Mandarin Bilingual Education Program builds on the heritage language program, maintaining native language capacity while attaining English proficiency. Languages of instruction are English and Mandarin/Chinese. Math is taught in Mandarin. Heritage classes are taught two times a week. Students are expected to remain through 5th grade, with an option to continue Mandarin through 12th grade at Josiah Quincy Upper School, prioritizing access for students whose home language is Chinese.
Mental wellbeing is supported by a School Psychologist and a Social Worker. A Family Liaison engages with families to support student and family wellbeing. School Nurses provide health services for students. FIRE Values (Focus, Integrity, Respect, Empathy) guide behavior and contribute to a caring school climate.
Code of Conduct guides student behavior. Medication Policy governs how medications are administered at school. School Nurses' Office provides medical services. The handbook covers safety-related policies and procedures.
The school has a Mandarin bilingual Education Program starting in K1 in September 2025. Languages of instruction: English and Mandarin/Chinese. Math taught in Mandarin. Heritage classes taught 2 times a week. Students expected to remain through 5th grade. Option to continue Mandarin through 12th grade at Josiah Quincy Upper School. Prioritizes access for students whose home language is Chinese. Prospective school previews for SY25-26 were scheduled: 12/3/2025 (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM), In-Person; 1/7/2026 (6:30 PM - 7:30 PM), Virtual; 1/21/2026 (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM), In-Person. A link to the BPS Registration Website is provided for enrollment.
The BISB campus is in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, on the border with Brookline. The address is 416 Pond Street, Boston, MA 02130. The campus spans 40 acres of green woodland with a purpose-built school building and dedicated year-group floors.
Ages 18 months–18 years. Early Years: 18 months–4 years; Lower School: 5–10; Middle School: 11–13; High School: 14–18.
The school is a private day school.
More than 80 nationalities represented. Approximately 75% of students are local to Boston; 25% are expatriates from England, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and China. More than 20 languages spoken by families.
English-language support is available for students.
The school day runs 8:20 am–3:30 pm. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and after-school care runs from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Bus transportation is offered from multiple spots in greater Boston, including downtown Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Waltham, Dedham, and Wellesley.
Uniforms are mandatory for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10). Lands' End is the exclusive uniform provider for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10), excluding PE. Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) wear professional business attire instead of BISB uniform; the PE uniform is supplied by BSN Sports.
Lunch is provided by Lunchbox for Toddlers through Year 2 and by Sodexo for Year 3 through Year 13. Parents sign up via School Buddy; monthly menus are issued. All BISB students eat lunch in the SHOWA Cafeteria between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm. BISB is nut-free; no food deliveries are permitted; students may bring their own lunch or purchase on campus.
Students are divided into four houses—Perlman, Hokusai, Johnson, Hawking—about 60 students per house. Each house has a color: Yellow, Blue, Green, Red. House meetings/assemblies occur regularly.
The British International School of Boston is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the English National Curriculum and is aligned with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Learning is play-based and includes Forest School experiences; specialist French and music are delivered within the program. Lower School (ages 5–10) teaches a combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum, with a cross-curricular, thematic approach and specialist language lessons (French or Spanish). Middle School (ages 11–13) follows the National Curriculum of England, offering a broad range of subjects and an enrichment program that links to international experiences; it prepares students for IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. High School (ages 14–18) offers IGCSEs in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13; the IGCSE is a two-year, ten-subject program, and the IB Diploma core includes service, an extended essay, and critical thinking. BISB integrates global opportunities through Nord Anglia Education, with collaborations via Global Campus and partners such as MIT and Juilliard.
1:5
IB Diploma results for Class of 2025: 96% pass rate; average 34.4 points; 16% of students achieved 40+ points. These results significantly exceed global averages.
Graduates go on to attend leading universities around the world, including Harvard University, the University of Oxford, McGill University, and University College London, among others.
Mentor groups are small (max 15 students). Mentors support academic progress and daily wellbeing. The programme develops social and emotional skills and empathy. PSHE supports safe, healthy choices and positive self-image. PSHE is delivered via assemblies, the mentor programme, and the IB activities programme.
Learning Support and Counseling available for diverse needs. Whole-school, 'high quality teaching first' approach. EAL support included in Learning Support. Services reevaluated annually with student/parent input. Contact Director of Learning Support or EAL Teacher for more information.
EAL support is part of Learning Support. EAL is led by an EAL Teacher. EAL contact is Elizabeth Sockwell. EAL provision is included in the Learning Support policy. Parents and students can contact the EAL Teacher or Director of Learning Support for information.
School Counseling and mental health services are accessible for students in need of support. Staff training includes safeguarding and suicide prevention. The Mentor Programme strengthens social-emotional skills such as resilience and empathy. Student Wellbeing Survey is conducted each term in Middle and High School. Mental health issues can indicate risks and require appropriate referrals.
BISB has a safeguarding policy to provide a safe environment. DSLs and Deputy DSLs are identified and staff receive safeguarding training. Induction and ongoing safeguarding training are required for staff and contractors. Safeguarding records are maintained in approved software (ISAMs CPOMs or MyConcern). The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
1. Contact BISB. Submit the inquiry form online, email the Admissions team, or call the Admissions office to begin the process. The Admissions team is available to answer questions and guide families through BISB's admissions process. They will help you understand the documents required and what happens next.
2. Discover our school. Visit BISB in person or join a Virtual Discovery Meeting with the Director of Admissions, who will share BISB's personalized approach to learning and answer your questions. You'll tell BISB more about your child, your family, and what you're looking for. The Director will provide details about BISB's programs and admissions steps.
3. Apply for a place. Submit the online application form and the required supporting documents for your child. These documents include your child's report cards and evaluations, and, for Middle and High Schoolers, standardized test results. There are key admissions dates for 2026-27: Application Deadline January 15, 2026; Admissions Decisions Released March 10, 2026; Enrollment Deadline April 10, 2026. We also continue accepting applications throughout the school year to fill spaces that remain open.
BISB's 2025 graduating class received offers from more than 100 top universities and was awarded $2.53 million in scholarships.
ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. The historic Cambridge campus sits at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border, minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus stops are within walking distance and two nearby Red Line stations (Alewife and Davis Square) are accessible on foot. ISB provides two bus options: its Private Bus Service and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.
Preschool through Grade 12
Independent, non-profit private day school
Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.
ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, including guidance, advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources.
France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)
Upper School schedules start at 8:00 AM and end between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on course selection.
ISB offers two private bus routes via a transportation partner; Cambridge Public Schools bus service is available for Cambridge residents; campus is served by MBTA bus lines 87, 88, and 89 and is near Alewife and Davis Square stations.
Homestay Program for international students in Grades 9 through 12; students stay with local families for the duration of their enrollment; fee-for-service arrangement.
Students do not have to wear uniforms, but each division has its own dress code.
Lunch is provided by an outside food vendor; all students have a full hour for lunch and recess every day; students may bring their own lunch; families are responsible for providing snacks.
Governance is by a Board of Trustees.
ISB is a bilingual French-English school. From Maternelle through Upper School, the curriculum offers two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. The Elementary/Maternelle program teaches in French and English; in Maternelle the French Ministry of Education curriculum is combined with Massachusetts Common Core Preschool and Kindergarten standards; Lower School has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or French Baccalaureate tracks. In Upper School, students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with additional language options including Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
ISB's College Counseling Office supports students with higher education planning across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. ISB students matriculate to many of the nation's and the world's top colleges and universities, with geographically diverse matriculation the most in New England.
Learning is a dynamic and holistic process that develops social-emotional skills, study skills, and learning habits.
The school teaches bilingual instruction in English and French; Preschool through Kindergarten explore both languages, and Middle School courses are offered in French or English with schedules that emphasize one language to support bilingual proficiency.
Mental wellbeing is embedded in the school's mission and culture, with emphasis on empathy, respect, open-mindedness, and resilience; inclusive community and service activities further support student wellbeing.
ISB has four steps in its admissions process: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll. Step 1 Inquire: complete a brief inquiry form to join the mailing list and hear about upcoming ISB events. Step 2 Visit: ISB offers campus tours, on-campus and virtual Open House events, Secondary School Shadow Days, and virtual campus visits; local families are encouraged to participate in on-campus programming. Step 3 Apply: applications are submitted online through Ravenna with no application fee; priority review is given to applications received by January 15; siblings of current students receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15; January 15 is the application deadline for priority review and the financial aid deadline. Step 4 Enroll: decisions are released by March 10; enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round depending on space and student qualifications; applicants admitted after April 10 will have one week to respond to an offer of admission. Application materials vary by grade (Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with language considerations and testing requirements as described.
ISB offers financial aid based on demonstrated need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and uses Clarity; deadlines are returning families December 15, 2025 and new families January 15, 2026. Awards are grants (not loans) and are based on demonstrated need and available funding; awards may cover tuition and other costs such as books, transportation, clubs, and exam fees. Returning families' aid is typically released with reenrollment in February 2026; new families' aid is released with the admissions decision and enrollment contract on March 10, 2026. Financial aid awards are renewable with annual reapplication. Financial aid is not available for students requiring an I-20 or who participate in ISB's homestay program. ISB may offer French government scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) for eligible French citizens, and the ISB Financial Aid Program may supplement government funding. The school also offers a ten-month payment plan for families in the financial aid program.
The Snowden International School at Copley is a multicultural, multilingual urban high school located in the center of Copley Square, Boston.
High school (grades 9-12).
Public high school in the Boston Public Schools district.
Guidance, Office of Social Work, Path Program, Mentoring Program, Calderwood Writing Center, and after-school tutoring.
Open campus; classes held in three buildings.
The school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a college-preparatory curriculum with an international studies and world language focus. Language of instruction is English. It offers the IB Diploma Programme and IB certificates. Students study four years of a world language and the history, science, and mathematics curriculum, with high academic standards. The program emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, intercultural understanding and respect, with travel study and community service; after-school support is provided by the Calderwood Writing Center and college tutors; classes are held across three buildings under an open-campus arrangement.
Graduates attend a range of colleges and universities, including Boston University, Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts Boston, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, along with Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
The Snowden International School at Copley provides social and emotional learning through a Guidance program that includes the Office of Social Work, a Path Program, a Mentoring Program, and a Team of Student Deans. The Office of Social Work offers student support services and coordinates mental health resources. The Path Program is led by Christine O'Malley and Noah Kaufman as Clinical Coordinators. The Mentoring Program honors Snowden students and connects them with mentors. The Team of Student Deans supports student wellbeing and helps address conduct and safety within the school.
The ESL program serves multilingual students and teaches the English language focusing on Books, Field trips, Arts & Crafts, and Tech, with the goal of growing students as whole people while strengthening linguistic skills. World language instruction is also offered in Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish.
Mental wellbeing is supported through collaboration with the Best Team, a Greater Boston mental health support agency, which provides mental health assessments at locations including the school or at home. Snowden also provides access to in-school health resources via Snowden Health Center.
Safeguarding and child protection are supported by the Office of Social Work and Guidance services within the school.
