Fay School – Southborough, MA — ADMISSIONS ARE OPEN

General Overview

• Type: Independent, co-educational K–9 day school, with optional boarding for grades 7–9

• Founded: 1866 by Eliza and Harriet Burnett Fay; recognized as the first junior boarding school in the U.S.

• Enrollment: Around 475 students total—approximately 325 day students and 150 boarders

• Student–teacher ratio: 6:1, with an average class size of 14

 Curriculum & Philosophy

• Mission: “Provide the foundation for a meaningful life,” emphasizing intellectual, moral, and physical development

• Core Values: Academic Excellence, Honorable Conduct, Dedicated Service, Earnest Effort, and Wellness of Mind, Body, and Spirit

• Signature Programs:

  • Creativity & Design: Hands-on, real-world design projects in their Center for Creativity & Design, including partnerships with Converse, Mazda, Bose, and Barnes & Noble

  • Vox Inventum: A public speaking and presentation program fostering voice, confidence, and advocacy skills

 Campus & Facilities

• Size & Location: The school spans 66 acres—30‑acre main campus plus a 36‑acre athletic campus 1.5 miles away.

• Buildings include:

  • Academic: Root Building, Primary School building, libraries, art and music studios, theater, and the Center for Creativity & Design.

  • Athletic: Harlow Gym (basketball courts, fitness, climbing wall), two outdoor pools, soccer fields, tennis courts, cross-country trails.

  • Residential: Seven dorms with faculty apartments—two boys’ dorms and five girls.

  • Dining: Historic “Camp Dining Room” from 1923 with daily family-style meals.

• Traditions: Family-style meals, mixed-grade advisory groups, outdoor classes on the Quad.

Athletics & Student Life

• Athletics: Offers 20+ varsity sports, 57 competitive teams across three seasons, plus 10 intramural options.

• Boarding Experience: Tailored for middle schoolers with both five‑ and seven‑day options; dorm parents ensure round-the-clock supervision and support.

• Other Programs: Outdoor adventure courses, ropes/climbing structure, arts, theater, music, and wellness center integrated into student life.

Location Context

• Address: 48 Main St, Southborough, MA—about 25 miles west of Boston.

• Part of the Southborough Center Historic District.

• Located near public schools and St. Mark’s School in the town center