Fay School was founded in 1866 as the first junior boarding school in the United States.
Our 66-acre campus is located in Southborough, MA, just 25 miles from Boston.
Our community includes 475 students in Kindergarten through grade nine.
Of those, 150 students are boarders who come from across the United States and over 25 countries.
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 (click here for the complete list).
In addition to the core courses of mathematics, science, English, and history, students take art, music, drama, creativity and design, and world languages.
Students also focus on the design thinking process with courses in our 3,000 square-foot Innovation Lab.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-9
- Grades: (Day Students) K-9
- Enrollment: 475 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $79,400
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $47,900
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Fay School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools (out of 276 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Fay School
School Focus
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-9
Grades Offered (Day)
K-9
School Type
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Learning Difference Programs
Mild Learning Differences
Religious Affiliation
Year Founded
1866
Campus Size
66 acres
School Motto
Poteris Modo Velis (You can if you will)
School Mascot
Mortimer The Moose
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
475 students
% International Students
60%
% Students Boarding
50%
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Average Class Size
14 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
ESL Courses Offered
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
Summer Program Offered
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$66.7 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$79,400
(ranges from $77,310 - $81,480 for grades 7-9)
(ranges from $77,310 - $81,480 for grades 7-9)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$47,900
(ranges from $45,810 - $49,980 for grades 7-9)
(ranges from $45,810 - $49,980 for grades 7-9)
Tuition international students
$82,990
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
(5 Day Boarding)
$71,610
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
Admissions
Application Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Director of Admissions
jennifer Weeden
Associate Director of Admissions
Matthew Greene
Application URL
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admission Tour Guides, Dance Club, Debate Club, MathCounts, Outdoor Adventure, Quilting, Student Government, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Improv, Jazz Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Golf Club, Skiing, Swimming, Yoga
Admission Tour Guides, Dance Club, Debate Club, MathCounts, Outdoor Adventure, Quilting, Student Government, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Drama, Improv, Jazz Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness Club, Golf Club, Skiing, Swimming, Yoga
College Matriculation
Year:
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
School Notes
- 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.
- LD types supported: Mild Learning Differences
- Fay School accreditations: AISNE
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Tony Abbott, Pulitzer-prize nominated author, class of '49 -
- André Bishop, Artistic Director at Lincoln Center Theater with 13 Tony awards, class of '62 -
- Eric Chou, Taiwanese singer, songwriter and actor, class of '10 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Fay School cost?
Fay School's tuition is approximately $79,400 for boarding students and $47,900 for day students.
What schools are Fay School often compared to?
Fay Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like The Bement School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Fay School?
Fay School famous alumni include: Tony Abbott, Pulitzer-prize nominated author, class of '49, André Bishop, Artistic Director at Lincoln Center Theater with 13 Tony awards, class of '62 and Eric Chou, Taiwanese singer, songwriter and actor, class of '10.
What sports does Fay School offer?
Fay School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Wrestling.
Does Fay School offer a summer program?
Yes, Fay School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Fay School's ranking?
Fay School ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for High percentage of international students.
When is the application deadline for Fay School?
The application deadline for Fay School is Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
We had mandatory volunteer work, but we took a service trip to the Dominican Republic in my last year there as a class. Also the advisors were amazing, cared so much more than any other. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Fay School vs. The Bement School
People that viewed Fay School also viewed these schools: The Bement School, Rectory School, Hillside School, Deerfield Academy and Phillips Academy Andover.
The nearest boarding school to Fay School is St. Mark's School (0.3 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
229 students 57.1 miles 94 Old Main Street, PO Box 8
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-4209
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-4209
57.1
3-9
K-9
K-9
229
250 students 36.1 miles P.O. Box 68 528 Pomfret Street
Pomfret, CT 06258
(860) 928-1328
Pomfret, CT 06258
(860) 928-1328
36.1
5-9
PK-9
PK-9
250
145 students 4.9 miles 404 Robin Hill Street
Marlborough, MA 01752
(508) 485-3483
Marlborough, MA 01752
(508) 485-3483
4.9
4-9
145
653 students 56.9 miles 7 Boyden Lane
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
Deerfield, MA 01342
(413) 774-1400
56.9
9-12, PG
653
1,154 students 31.2 miles 180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
31.2
9-12, PG
1,154
Recent Articles
Education Beyond the Classroom: The Role of Outdoor Adventure in Shaping Young Minds
The concept of outdoor education dates back to the early 20th century as educators sought ways to engage students beyond traditional methods. Early efforts initially focused on direct, experiential learning in nature, but later evolved to incorporate academics, collaborative skills, and a focus on environmental responsibility. Outdoor education today equips students with critical life skills, preparing them for the world beyond the classroom.
Spotlight on Sports
This article highlights the diverse range of sports offered in boarding schools, emphasizing how athletics are an integral part of a comprehensive educational program. It explores various sports such as crew, football, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, indoor racquet sports, riding, soccer, swimming, and track, showcasing the opportunities available for students to develop physically and emotionally.
February 09, 2025
America's Elite Catholic Boarding Schools: Tradition Meets ExcellenceExplore the distinguished world of America's top Catholic boarding schools, where academic excellence, athletic achievement, and Catholic values create a transformative educational experience. This comprehensive overview highlights ten institutions that exemplify the finest in Catholic secondary education.
