Honesty, Compassion and Respect
After more than 100 years, these three values could ring hollow, but they are solid at Fessenden and continue to be our guiding principles. From the Headmaster down, boys are taught, guided and supported by a community united by these common and timeless values. Boys may lose their way at times, but with the consistent guidance and example that adults provide in their academic, social and emotional lives at Fessenden, they find their path and grow stronger from the journey. Fessenden aims to develop well-rounded citizens. Academics are valued, of course, but many boys find that in addition to academics they learned important life lessons during their time at Fessenden.
Parents of both day and boarding students play an integral part at Fessenden. Informed and involved, they are a vibrant, driving force supporting their son’s educational and personal growth. Regular two-way communication between parents and their son’s teachers and advisors is a critical factor in each boy’s success. Our open and welcoming atmosphere for parents results in a large number of parent volunteers, whose presence is valued immensely.
As a residential community for 105 boarding students, our 41-acre campus remains active even after the final school bell has rung for the day. More than 40 faculty, staff and their families live on campus, many of whom, are married and have young children. Several pets can also be counted among our extended family. Boarding students are included in Fessenden’s family-oriented environment. Adolescent boys need freedom and fun, but also objective, non-judgmental listeners at times. They can find these things anytime in the safety of the Fessenden campus.
At Fessenden, we continually strive to build an inclusive community, recognizing that all are enriched by our unique individual differences. Our students have the opportunity to learn meaningful lessons in our nurturing environment that will serve them well for the challenges of our multicultural and changing society. Our curriculum is strengthened by representation from a student body that comes from all over the globe, encompassing a broad range of racial, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as family compositions. The Fessenden community is committed to this endeavor through academic challenge, humanistic reflection and our core values of honesty, compassion and respect. Through admissions and hiring processes, we actively seek students, faculty and staff who represent our inclusive community.
After 100 years, Fessenden continues its focus and commitment to the education of boys at a time when many schools have become co-educational. Our facilities, curriculum and programs are designed with the necessities of boys in mind. Faculty programs include continued professional development regarding the education of boys in our changing society. Contemporary knowledge about boys, combined with our historical perspectives and expectations, allows Fessenden to continue its mission of educating boys today.
When Fessenden rang its first opening bell in 1903, there were eight boarders and three day students. Now with 475 students, we strive to honor Frederick Fessenden, our founder’s words: “We hold dear what has worked best over time: Unapologetically high standards and a healthy respect for individual differences.”
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The mission of The Fessenden School is to teach, nurture and celebrate
growing boys; cultivating each student’s individual potential and
developing in balance his mind, character, heart and body in an
inclusive and joyful community that, through rigor, friendship and
service, reflects Fessenden’s traditional values of honesty, compassion
and respect.
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|  | At Fessenden inclusion means building a community whose spirit and purpose is based on mutual respect and care. It is vital that each member feels recognized and valued. Inclusion is an essential part of our mission to cultivate each student’s potential and develop each boy’s mind, character, and heart. We believe that differences of backgrounds, perspectives and cultures are integral to preparing boys to be successful young men in a global community. Ongoing, mindful practice of inclusion requires both individual and institutional commitment to self-examination and learning. We further our mission to be a joyfully inclusive community by aligning policies, curriculum, and decision-making to support diversity and inclusion. Inclusion is at the heart of how we treat each other in our daily interactions.
We are guided by and are committed to the following community principles:
- Treat others with honesty and respect
- Practice compassion; make an effort to understand and care for others
- Honor diversity; promote a healthy respect for individual differences and affirm commonalities
- Celebrate individual potential; nurture the many ways boys learn
- Reject prejudice, bullying, and elitism; renounce behavior that excludes others
- Engage in open, trusting dialogue; seek to learn from those who have differing opinions
- Serve to strengthen our inclusive community
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