Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Fay School

5.00 (1 review)
48 Main Street Southborough MA 01772
Tel: (508) 490-8201
www.fayschool.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-9
  • Grades: (Day Students) K-9
  • Enrollment: 475 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $83,620
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,720
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Fay School Photo #4 - Our 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 School Photo #5 - Athletics is an intrinsic part of life at Fay-and whether you're a novice or an elite athlete, there's a sport for you and opportunities to reach your personal best. With 20+ sports offered, 57 different teams over 3 seasons, and 10 intramural options, every student is able to find an option that is appropriately challenging and engaging.
Fay School Photo #6 - Our arts programs are central to inspiring the creative spirit in our students. From kindergarten onward, all students have weekly instruction in music and visual arts. Drama and dance are also part of our program, with opportunities for students across the grade levels.
Fay School Photo #7 - Our drama productions regularly fill our theater, with audience members from the school community and beyond. Recent productions have included Guys and Dolls, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Annie, and Once on this Island.
Fay School Photo #8 - Each year, between 60-70 of our rising 9th graders choose to take on a leadership year in Fay's 9th Grade Program. We also admit up to 10 new 9th graders who are seeking the best possible preparation for high school. As the "seniors" of the School, our 9th graders seize opportunities for personal growth as students, athletes, artists, and leaders.
Fay School Photo #9 - Throughout their time at Fay, our students participate in Vox Inventum ("Find Your Voice"), a school-wide program developed by our faculty that fosters public speaking and presentation skills, fosters self-advocacy and organizational skills, and emphasizes effort, civility, and kindness.
Fay School Photo #10 - Family-style meals at Fay are a longstanding tradition. Faculty members join the students for meals and students take turns as waiters. It is an opportunity to relax with friends and catch up on school news.
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About the School

  • 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 7,000 square-foot Center for Creativity and Design.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-9
  • Grades: (Day Students) K-9
  • Enrollment: 475 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $83,620
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,720
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School Overview

2026 School Data
Fay School
School Focus
Junior Boarding School
Grades Offered (Boarding)
7-9
Grades Offered (Day)
K-9
School Type
Co-ed
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Mild Learning Differences
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1866
Campus Size
66 acres
School Motto
Poteris Modo Velis (You can if you will)

Student Body

Enrollment
475 students

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
No
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Average Class Size
14 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Accreditations
Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
Courses

Tuition & Financial Aid

Endowment Size
$66.7 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$83,620
(Boarding tuition ranges from $75,200 to $96,510 depending on grade level and program.)
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$31,720
(Day tuition ranges from $31,720 to $54,060 depending on grade level.)
Tuition international students
$87,500
Yearly Tuition
(5 Day Boarding)
$75,200
% Students on Financial Aid
25%
Merit Scholarships Offered
n/a

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Admissions

Application Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
Director of Admissions
jennifer Weeden
Associate Director of Admissions
Matthew Greene
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
15
Sports
BaseballBasketball
Cross CountryField Hockey
FootballGolf
Ice HockeyLacrosse
SoccerSoftball
SquashTennis
Track and FieldVolleyball
Wrestling
School Mascot
Mortimer the Moose

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
16
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admission Tour GuidesDance Club
Debate ClubMathCounts
Outdoor AdventureQuilting
Student GovernmentYearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
DramaImprov
Jazz Club


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness ClubGolf Club
SkiingSwimming
Yoga

College Matriculation

10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
View Matriculation Data

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
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Fay School cost?
Fay School's tuition is approximately $83,620 for boarding students and $31,720 for day students.
What schools are Fay School often compared to?
Fay School is often viewed alongside schools like The Bement School by visitors of our site.
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.
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 ).

Student & Alumni Reviews

Review
Description

Class of 2014
5.00
St. John’s College
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. . .
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: (Boarding Students) 7-9
  • Grades: (Day Students) K-9
  • Enrollment: 475 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $83,620
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $31,720
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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