Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1139341
14 Boston is known as America's College Town, but not only colleges shine in our area: several independent and private primary and secondary schools provide first-rate educations, valuable social growth opportunities and consummate college preparatory curricula. Many are located at an accessible distance for families in our South Shore community. While the schools vary with regard to the ages they teach, whether they are religious or secular, co-ed or not, they have the common goal of offering nurturing, intellectually stimulating environments where students can reach their potential. Benefits can include strong community and parent involvement, a small teacher to student ratio and community service requirements. Because the schools don't teach to a test but are accountable to the students and their parents, they often go above and beyond minimum standards and graduation requirements. They also have the academic freedom to push boundaries and find creative projects that will teach children not just what to think, but how to think. Here are just some of the top-tier schools offering exemplary programs right in our area: THE FESSENDEN SCHOOL The Fessenden School in West Newton, MA is a Pre-K - Grade 9 day school, with boarding options for Grades 5-9. Fessenden prepares boys to succeed in the multi-cultural, technology-driven world they are poised to inherit by offering a student-centered, teacher- supported approach that promotes interactive exchange over direct instruction, collaboration over competition, and learning for life over learning for school. The curriculum is both project- based and passion-based, because when a boy taps into a deep- rooted interest, the learning outcomes are extraordinary. How Boston's Esteemed Independent & Private Schools are Preparing Students for a Bright Future