Our Approach

At Fessenden, our community takes an intentional approach in which caring adults thoroughly know and support each boy. While Lower School boys don’t board at Fessenden, they enjoy the warmth and richness created by the boarding community, including 40 faculty and staff families who live on campus. Lower School students are immersed daily in a culture of dedication and commitment unparalleled in a typical day school—public or private.

Our approach to education and supporting boys’ development is encompassed by academics, the arts, physical education, and character education. Boys achieve, grow, and develop in mind, body, and heart here, where they’re fully seen, supported, and encouraged.

In the Lower School, our faculty and staff celebrate academic milestones, artistic triumphs, physical accomplishments, and social and emotional discoveries. Boys connect and collaborate with Middle and Upper School students who serve as role models. Teachers, parents, subject matter specialists, and other educational experts all communicate with one another on how to best support and challenge each boy.

As a result of this approach, we witness incredible outcomes: boys who explore their passions; take risks; stretch socially and emotionally; are honest, compassionate, and respectful; and learn how to be leaders with confidence and grace.