Comparing 7 schools side by side in USD.
247 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02116.
Grades 7-12
Independent boarding school (private) for grades 7-12
40 countries represented; 18% international students; 23 languages spoken.
Student Success Center
United States
Urban boarding is offered at The Newman School. Boarding students live in Keefe House, a restored townhouse on Newbury Street in Back Bay, two blocks from the main academic building. Residential faculty provide 24/7 supervision and support, creating a safe, welcoming home away from home for a globally diverse community within walking distance to museums, universities, and cultural life.
The Newman School Cafe is located in the dorm hall. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided Monday through Friday; brunch and dinner are provided on weekends. Meals are prepared with health, nutrition, and dietary restrictions in mind, and food is available at night in dorm common areas.
The Newman School is an independent private school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Head of School is an ex officio member of the board. The Board includes roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
The International Baccalaureate pedagogy is at the core of The Newman School's curriculum. The program begins in Grade 7 and continues through Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 7–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. By Grade 11, students choose one of three academic paths, all leading to the Newman High School Diploma. Newman Diploma: students take a minimum of five classes in 11th and 12th grades, which can be IB DP courses or a mix of IB DP and non-IB electives, and may include the IB Core. IB Diploma: six DP courses over two years, with 3–4 at Higher Level (HL) and the remainder at Standard Level (SL); the DP Core comprises Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Course groups include Studies in Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (French, Latin, Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts.
6:1
The Newman School offers a robust college counseling program with experienced counselors and extensive college resources. The program includes 65+ American and international college representative visits to Newman. Recent college acceptances span many leading universities, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Tufts University, University of Michigan, University of Toronto, Princeton University, and other global institutions.
The Newman School emphasizes a community where students develop a sense of belonging and personal growth through a supportive environment.
The Newman School provides services to support student success (SEN-related supports are integrated into the school program).
The Newman School includes students from many countries, reflecting an international community and language diversity.
The Newman School fosters student well-being through its community culture and student support structures.
The Newman School maintains safeguarding and child protection policies as part of its student welfare commitments.
Step 1: Two diploma options are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) and The Newman Diploma. The Newman Diploma mixes high-level and standard-level courses with requirements outside of coursework, including the extended essay and creativity, action and service. The IB pedagogy informs the curriculum, and students strive to embody the IB learner profile (inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective).
Step 2: AP courses are not offered, but students may take AP exams alongside their IB work. All applicants must submit results from a standardized test; accepted options include the HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, ACT, or SAT. Candidates whose primary language is not English may also submit English proficiency test results; the Duolingo English Test is preferred, though TOEFL and IELTS are also accepted.
Step 3: Applications have two deadlines: Priority Applications due December 5, 2025; Standard Applications due January 31, 2026; Financial Aid Applications due January 15, 2026. Decision release dates are December 12, 2025 for Priority and March 10, 2026 for Standard and Financial Aid. To apply, click the Apply button at the bottom of any page; inquiries, visits, and applications are handled through the My Newman Ravenna hub (Inquire, Visit, Apply).
Step 4: The Newman School has 260 students in grades 7–12/PG; 25–30 students in grades 7–8 and 45–60 students in grades 9–12/PG. Boarding is available; the school announced the purchase of 300 Newbury St. for a dormitory for the 2025–2026 year, with an anticipated 50–60 boarding students, offering both 5-day and 7-day options, and two dorms on Beacon Street with live-in dorm parents.
The Newman School provides financial aid; approximately 40% of students receive financial aid. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, with families completing the Clarity application via The Family Application Guide. Financial aid decisions are made in tandem with admissions, with renewal grants prioritized; families must reapply annually using Clarity. Financial aid funds come from the school's operating budget, foundation grants, and major donors.
The BISB campus is in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood, on the border with Brookline. The address is 416 Pond Street, Boston, MA 02130. The campus spans 40 acres of green woodland with a purpose-built school building and dedicated year-group floors.
Ages 18 months–18 years. Early Years: 18 months–4 years; Lower School: 5–10; Middle School: 11–13; High School: 14–18.
The school is a private day school.
More than 80 nationalities represented. Approximately 75% of students are local to Boston; 25% are expatriates from England, Spain, Russia, the Netherlands, Brazil, and China. More than 20 languages spoken by families.
English-language support is available for students.
The school day runs 8:20 am–3:30 pm. Early drop-off starts at 7:30 am, and after-school care runs from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.
Bus transportation is offered from multiple spots in greater Boston, including downtown Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Needham, Waltham, Dedham, and Wellesley.
Uniforms are mandatory for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10). Lands' End is the exclusive uniform provider for Toddlers through Year 11 (Grade 10), excluding PE. Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) wear professional business attire instead of BISB uniform; the PE uniform is supplied by BSN Sports.
Lunch is provided by Lunchbox for Toddlers through Year 2 and by Sodexo for Year 3 through Year 13. Parents sign up via School Buddy; monthly menus are issued. All BISB students eat lunch in the SHOWA Cafeteria between 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm. BISB is nut-free; no food deliveries are permitted; students may bring their own lunch or purchase on campus.
Students are divided into four houses—Perlman, Hokusai, Johnson, Hawking—about 60 students per house. Each house has a color: Yellow, Blue, Green, Red. House meetings/assemblies occur regularly.
The British International School of Boston is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Preschool follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) of the English National Curriculum and is aligned with the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC). Learning is play-based and includes Forest School experiences; specialist French and music are delivered within the program. Lower School (ages 5–10) teaches a combination of the National Curriculum of England and the International Primary Curriculum, with a cross-curricular, thematic approach and specialist language lessons (French or Spanish). Middle School (ages 11–13) follows the National Curriculum of England, offering a broad range of subjects and an enrichment program that links to international experiences; it prepares students for IGCSEs and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. High School (ages 14–18) offers IGCSEs in Years 10–11 and the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12–13; the IGCSE is a two-year, ten-subject program, and the IB Diploma core includes service, an extended essay, and critical thinking. BISB integrates global opportunities through Nord Anglia Education, with collaborations via Global Campus and partners such as MIT and Juilliard.
1:5
IB Diploma results for Class of 2025: 96% pass rate; average 34.4 points; 16% of students achieved 40+ points. These results significantly exceed global averages.
Graduates go on to attend leading universities around the world, including Harvard University, the University of Oxford, McGill University, and University College London, among others.
Mentor groups are small (max 15 students). Mentors support academic progress and daily wellbeing. The programme develops social and emotional skills and empathy. PSHE supports safe, healthy choices and positive self-image. PSHE is delivered via assemblies, the mentor programme, and the IB activities programme.
Learning Support and Counseling available for diverse needs. Whole-school, 'high quality teaching first' approach. EAL support included in Learning Support. Services reevaluated annually with student/parent input. Contact Director of Learning Support or EAL Teacher for more information.
EAL support is part of Learning Support. EAL is led by an EAL Teacher. EAL contact is Elizabeth Sockwell. EAL provision is included in the Learning Support policy. Parents and students can contact the EAL Teacher or Director of Learning Support for information.
School Counseling and mental health services are accessible for students in need of support. Staff training includes safeguarding and suicide prevention. The Mentor Programme strengthens social-emotional skills such as resilience and empathy. Student Wellbeing Survey is conducted each term in Middle and High School. Mental health issues can indicate risks and require appropriate referrals.
BISB has a safeguarding policy to provide a safe environment. DSLs and Deputy DSLs are identified and staff receive safeguarding training. Induction and ongoing safeguarding training are required for staff and contractors. Safeguarding records are maintained in approved software (ISAMs CPOMs or MyConcern). The policy aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
1. Contact BISB. Submit the inquiry form online, email the Admissions team, or call the Admissions office to begin the process. The Admissions team is available to answer questions and guide families through BISB's admissions process. They will help you understand the documents required and what happens next.
2. Discover our school. Visit BISB in person or join a Virtual Discovery Meeting with the Director of Admissions, who will share BISB's personalized approach to learning and answer your questions. You'll tell BISB more about your child, your family, and what you're looking for. The Director will provide details about BISB's programs and admissions steps.
3. Apply for a place. Submit the online application form and the required supporting documents for your child. These documents include your child's report cards and evaluations, and, for Middle and High Schoolers, standardized test results. There are key admissions dates for 2026-27: Application Deadline January 15, 2026; Admissions Decisions Released March 10, 2026; Enrollment Deadline April 10, 2026. We also continue accepting applications throughout the school year to fill spaces that remain open.
BISB's 2025 graduating class received offers from more than 100 top universities and was awarded $2.53 million in scholarships.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, with Concord Ave campus in Cambridge serving PreK–5th grade and Walden Square (Cambridge) as well as Watertown campuses serving Toddler–K. Primary Concord Ave address: 799 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138; Watertown campus address: 2 Rosary Drive, Watertown, MA 02472.
Four levels of teaching: Toute Petite Section (Very Young Section), Petite Section, Moyenne Section, Grande Section. Concord Ave (Cambridge) serves PreK–5th grade; Watertown and Walden Square (Cambridge) serve Toddler–K.
Private bilingual French–English international school offering a French Ministry of Education curriculum; English instruction increases with grade level (20% in CP, rising to 40% by CM2).
SEL and learning support teachers provide assistance for social-emotional learning and student support.
France (AEFE network).
Opens at 8:30 AM; Dismissal at 3:00 PM; After School/Clubs from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
School Breakfast is offered to families a few times each year.
EFB is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors. Families can serve on a school committee (board of directors, fundraising, event or after-school committees).
Based on the French National Education guidelines and enhanced by various educational approaches and learning principles, our programs promote creativity, self-discipline, independence, active learning, and positive reinforcement. We work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Education to ensure compliance with American standards and to facilitate a seamless transition to public schools. This blend supports adapting to diverse learning needs and preparing students for academic success. Most classes and activities are taught in French, with English gradually integrated, reaching up to 40% in CM2 (5th grade).
Small class sizes and a high teacher-to-student ratio support a personalized learning experience.
The school has a dedicated Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher, Dana Issa. Ivette Vera provides Learning Support to assist teachers and students as needed. The school's approach emphasizes resilience, empathy, and responsibility as part of student development alongside academic growth. The educational vision aims to nurture confident, curious, and fulfilled learners who engage thoughtfully with the world. The environment is warm, welcoming, and nurturing, supporting social-emotional growth through collaboration with families and staff.
Ivette Vera provides Learning Support as Learning Teacher Support. Dana Issa serves as the SEL teacher, supporting students' social-emotional development as part of student support services.
Wellbeing is prioritized as part of the educational approach. Resilience and empathy are developed alongside academic growth. The environment supports the overall wellbeing of each child.
Admissions for the 2026/27 school year start in October. EFB is a French immersion school in the Boston area offering the French National Education curriculum, starting at 21 months old. The admissions process allows parents and children to meet with teachers, visit facilities, and become familiar with the education philosophy. Admissions applications for 2026/27 began in October and must be completed on the TADS platform after creating a personal account; a $75 nonrefundable application fee applies. The process includes a one‑on‑one meeting with the family (about 45 minutes). Key dates: admission requests are due by February 28, 2026; after that, applications are considered subject to availability in each classroom; final admission decisions are provided in the spring. You can schedule a meeting via Calendly and Open Houses are offered. Financial aid applications must be completed by February 28, 2026; decisions are communicated by the end of March; you must confirm in writing to secure a spot. Financial aid is not guaranteed and depends on annual funds. Gold Member Program: CM1 or CM2 students who have been enrolled at EFB for at least five years are eligible for a $2,000 tuition discount for the upcoming school year.
Gold Member Program: New for 2026–2027, CM1 or CM2 students who have been enrolled at EFB for at least five years receive a $2,000 tuition discount for the upcoming school year. Financial aid is available; applications are due February 28, 2026; decisions are typically communicated by the end of March; financial aid is not guaranteed and depends on the annual funds allocated. Bourses du Consulat Général de France à Boston is listed as a potential aid source.
After the admission request deadline, applications are considered subject to availability in each classroom.
Boston area, Massachusetts. It serves children ages 21 months through 14 years (toddler through middle school). The campus includes four acres of play yards and school buildings and 19 acres of undeveloped woods and wetlands.
Toddler; Children's House; Lower Elementary; Upper Elementary; Middle School
Independent day school
Independent day school; no boarding offered.
Board of Directors governs the school. The Board consists of fourteen to seventeen volunteer members elected by the LMS Corporation, which comprises all parents of children currently enrolled. The Head of School and a LMS Parent Community Representative are voting Board members.
The school teaches Montessori pedagogy for children ages 21 months to 14 years. Students learn through self-discovery in Montessori classrooms guided by certified Montessori educators. In the curriculum, children explore Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language and Cultural Studies, with LMS's anti-bias education, art, farming, library, music, physical education and Spanish programs. The campus hosts METTC, a Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative, for eight weeks each summer, and Horizons@LMS as a Horizons National affiliate. The community emphasizes learning outdoors and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, while maintaining small class sizes with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio.
6:1 student-teacher ratio
LMS provides a nurturing environment in which strong social-emotional skills seamlessly develop in tandem with academics.
Spanish is taught in the Primary program; all Primary students have Spanish with a dedicated Spanish teacher.
LMS emphasizes social-emotional development as part of its Montessori education, supporting students' mental wellbeing.
The school aims to create an environment where every individual is honored and protected.
The 2026-2027 Admission Cycle began in October 2025. Contact LMS for information at 781-862-8571 or inquire online. Campus tours are hosted every fall for prospective parents, and campus tours can be scheduled after submitting an inquiry. After touring, complete an admission application; other forms may be required depending on the age of the applicant, including student evaluation forms from the current teacher, report cards, and, for middle school applicants, an essay. Downloadable forms include AISNE Release Form, AISNE Form for Pre-K–1st Grade, AISNE Form for Grades 2–5, AISNE English Form for Grades 6–12, AISNE Math Form for Grades 6–12, Toddler Program Applicants' Teacher Evaluation, and Essay Question for Middle School Applicants. Meet with the Director of Enrollment after your completed application; the interview usually lasts about an hour and attended by parents. Schedule a visit and assessment for your child: toddlers participate in a visit; Children's House applicants may have admission videos; Kindergarten through Upper Elementary visit in person for their assessment; third through sixth grade applicants experience the rhythm of the school day, and middle school applicants typically visit for a full day with an academic assessment.
Financial aid at LMS provides need-based aid to families who might not otherwise be able to attend LMS. To apply for financial aid, fill out the Clarity application by January 31, 2026 (this does not replace the admission application, but is an additional step). You will be notified of your qualification with your admission decision. For more information, consult our Financial Aid Guidelines and Policies or contact Aimee Randall, Director of Enrollment.
GISB operates two campuses: the Upper Campus in Boston and the Lower Campus in Watertown. The Upper Campus is located at 57 Holton Street, Boston, MA 02134. The Lower Campus is located at 46 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA 02472.
GISB serves preschool through grade 12. The Lower Campus serves Preschool–Grade 3, and the Upper Campus serves Grades 4–12.
The school is a bilingual independent school serving students from preschool to grade 12.
The community represents more than 40 cultures.
Health and wellness services, social-emotional counseling, and special education support are available.
Germany (German government-recognized German School Abroad).
Doors open at 8:00 am. Classes begin at 8:30 am and run until 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm. An after-school Student Life Program runs from 3:00 pm or 3:50 pm to 6:00 pm.
Lunch program is available with an online ordering system; daily meals are provided and today's lunch is posted; there are periodic lunch ordering windows.
GISB is a non-profit corporation named German International School Boston, Inc. It is governed by a Board of Trustees. Guardians of enrolled students automatically become corporate members and pay annual membership dues.
GISB offers a bilingual education with a German KMK-approved curriculum. The program prepares students for the German International Abitur (DIA) and confers both the DIA and the Massachusetts high school diploma. High school emphasizes science and mathematics with 13–16 hours of instruction per week across all four years, and college-level mathematics, science, and history are required. All students take German and English Language & Literature, and study at least one additional world language from grade 6 through grade 10. The Abitur program in grades 11–12 spans 11 subjects and ends with final Abitur exams (three written and two oral) proctored by German officials, while the AP German Language & Culture exam is available from 10th grade. All GISB graduates are fluent in English and German and speak at least one additional world language; 100% of graduates pursue higher education.
High school classes typically have no more than 18 students. Elementary class sizes are small with individualized attention.
GISB follows a KMK-approved curriculum that prepares students for the DIA. The final Abitur exams consist of three written and two oral subject exams proctored by German officials. The AP German Language and Culture exam is available as an option in the German curriculum from 10th grade. 100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.
100% of GISB graduates pursue higher education.
GISB Merit Award is an annual award honoring academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service.
The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students and teaches social-emotional learning classes to middle school students. The student services team supports students in reaching their academic and emotional goals with health and wellness, social-emotional counseling, and special education support.
GISB's Special Education Teachers support all teachers in creating an inclusive environment that provides specialized instructions for students with learning differences.
English fluency is not required at any grade level. Our English Department provides differentiated instruction for both novice and native English speakers alike.
The health team promotes the health and wellness of all students and provides day-to-day care. They oversee all public health requirements relating to our school, sports, and camp programs and offer health information sessions for students of all ages. The school counselor provides individualized mental health support to students.
The health team oversees health and safety and public health requirements for the school, sports, and camp programs and offers health information sessions for students of all ages. The Magnus Health Portal is available for health information management, and the health team can be contacted at health@gisbos.org.
1. Submit an inquiry form. We'll contact you to schedule a (video) call or a personal tour. This begins the admissions process.
2. Join an admissions event. Meet our community and learn about GISB. This helps you understand the program and culture.
3. Submit your online application and non-refundable $50 application fee. This starts the formal application process. You will be guided through the admissions timeline.
4. Schedule a student visit. Language and math assessments are required for Fast Track applicants. Other applicants may have additional evaluation steps.
5. Await admissions decision. View the admissions timeline to understand when decisions are released. You will be notified within the stated timeframe.
6. Submit your enrollment agreement and $800 non-refundable deposit to secure your child's spot. Deposits and enrollment agreements are due by the specified dates. Spots cannot be held until both documents are received.
7. International Student Program (ISP) Applications. International students follow the same admissions timeline. A mandatory online interview is scheduled. If accepted, enrollment is initiated along with visa processing and host-family matching.
8. Fast Track Applications. GISB accepts Fast Track applications for grades K to 5 according to the regular admissions timeline. Grades 2–5 undergo Math and English assessments. The program is subject to minimum enrollment; contact Marion Goodwin for more information.
GISB is committed to enrolling a diverse student body and making bilingual education affordable to all families. We offer various tuition reductions and a need-based financial aid program.
2026-2027 Tuition: Preschool, Pre-K & Kindergarten $28,365; Grades 1–4 $28,645; Grades 5–10 $30,315; Grades 11 & 12 $32,205.
Payment Plans and Financial Aid: GISB offers three payment plans (2, 5, or 9 installments). Financial aid is awarded based on financial need and is typically for tuition as well as after-school program costs and overnight trips.
Financial Aid: Aid is typically granted based on need and is awarded through Clarity Financial Aid; an annual renewal is required. International Student Program applicants are not eligible for financial aid.
Important Dates: Financial aid applications become available online in mid-October 2025; returning families due January 1, 2026; new families due February 1, 2026.
Other Tuition Reductions and Benefits: Sibling Discount 5% for the 2nd child and 10% for the 3rd child; GISB Employee Tuition Discount 50%; Employer-Sponsored Tuition Benefits include benefits such as guaranteed enrollment, waitlist priority, no upfront deposit, and customized payment plans.
For further information about financial aid or tuition reductions and benefits, please contact the Director of Finance.
Merit Award: Established in 2016, the GISB Merit Award honors academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and community service. Applications are open for students in grades 9 and up; the award includes a one-year tuition reduction and is awarded annually by a committee.
Located in Lexington, Massachusetts, about 12 miles west of Boston. It sits on a historic campus adjacent to the 185-acre Great Meadows conservation land. The address is 739 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420-3916.
WSL serves preschool through grade 8, including our Great Meadows Child Care Program for children as young as eight weeks old.
Waldorf School (Preschool–Grade 8).
The Student Support Department works with teachers to address each student's learning needs.
United States
Every morning for Main Lesson, the two-hour block begins the day. Grade 1 includes an early dismissal option at 1:35 p.m.
The school has a dress code with clothing guidelines to support participation in all classes and activities, safety, and self-expression. Clothing and footwear must allow full movement and safety in activities such as eurythmy and outdoor work. Attire should be free from advertisements and political statements.
Lunch is cooked daily in the on-site kitchen by a professional cook. Nursery and kindergarten meals are provided by the school and included in tuition. The lunch program is available for grades 1–8, and the eighth grade has a Friday Pizza Lunch fundraiser.
The Waldorf School of Lexington is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is accredited by AWSNA and NEASC, and it is a member of AISNE and NAIS.
WSL follows a Waldorf curriculum for preschool through grade 8, including a Great Meadows Child Care program for infants and toddlers. The curriculum is mapped to children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development and is delivered through meaningful human connections. In the elementary years, academics are taught artistically through drama, story, art, music, and movement, with an arts-integrated approach to humanities, mathematics, and sciences, and two world languages. Main Lesson is a daily two-hour block in which one central subject—language arts, history and world cultures, mathematics, or science—is studied in depth for three to four weeks. World languages are taught throughout the grades, with Spanish and Mandarin represented from the early grades and developed to grammar and composition in the middle grades; in Grade 8, students specialize in Spanish or Mandarin. In the middle school years, expectations expand and the program uses teacher looping, moving from a class teacher for Grades 1–5 to a specialized middle school teacher from Grades 6–8, supported by subject specialists in math, science, languages, music, movement, handwork, and athletics.
Graduates pursue higher education at high schools, colleges, and universities.
Forest School provides outdoor learning for ages 3–6, with two- or four-day schedules, emphasizing free imaginative play, motor-skill development, and social-emotional growth. Forest School is led by veteran Waldorf teacher Maureen Ryan. Movement and athletics support students' mental wellbeing, social-emotional development, and confidence. The school is committed to equity and inclusion, fostering a diverse and respectful community. Faculty are trained to address students' cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
Forest School sessions support mental wellbeing through outdoor play and social-emotional growth. Movement and athletics contribute to mental wellbeing and confidence. Waldorf pedagogy addresses emotional and physical development alongside academics. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the community, supporting students' sense of belonging. A school nurse is available for health and well-being concerns.
Health and safety are the top priority at WSL. Immunizations follow state policy, and students must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption on file. Immunization data is reported to the state. A school nurse is on site to address health and well-being concerns. The school rejects discrimination and fosters an inclusive community.
1. Learn about Waldorf School of Lexington and its educational approach. Review why parents choose WSL and browse the FAQs to understand programs and community. This information helps families determine whether WSL's philosophy and environment fit their child's needs.
2. See WSL in action by attending an Admissions event or taking a campus tour. These events provide a view of classrooms and allow you to meet teachers and staff. They help you ask questions about the program and daily life at WSL.
3. Submit the online application and all required supporting materials. The online application is submitted through the Ravenna hub. After submission, the admissions office will reach out to schedule a time for you and your child to visit the school.
4. There are two application deadlines: November 1 for early decision and January 30 for regular decision. Applicants who apply by November 1 will receive admission decisions by January 15. Regular decision applicants will be notified by March 15.
5. School visit: After the application is submitted, the admissions office will reach out to schedule a visit for you and your child. The visit provides an opportunity to observe classes and meet admissions staff. The visit helps families understand the daily rhythm of WSL and ask questions about the program.
6. Rolling mid-year enrollment: If applying past the deadlines or seeking mid-year enrollment, WSL offers rolling admissions as space allows. Contact the Admissions Department for information about availability and timing. Rolling admissions provide additional flexibility for families who need an off-cycle start.
7. A $1,000 non-refundable tuition deposit is due upon enrollment. The deposit confirms enrollment and is required to secure a place at WSL. The deposit is due after enrollment and completes the enrollment process.
8. Rolling admissions continue to be available as space allows. Mid-year starts depend on space, class capacity, and program needs. Please contact Admissions for more information.
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps families access Waldorf education. Most TAP awards range from 10%–40%, and one third of families participate in TAP. TAP funds are enhanced by the Susan Cody Scholarship Fund (SCSF), established by the Board of Trustees in 2019 to increase accessibility. A separate Mendenhall Scholarship Fund also supports scholarship efforts.
ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. The historic Cambridge campus sits at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border, minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus stops are within walking distance and two nearby Red Line stations (Alewife and Davis Square) are accessible on foot. ISB provides two bus options: its Private Bus Service and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.
Preschool through Grade 12
Independent, non-profit private day school
Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.
ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, including guidance, advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources.
France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)
Upper School schedules start at 8:00 AM and end between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on course selection.
ISB offers two private bus routes via a transportation partner; Cambridge Public Schools bus service is available for Cambridge residents; campus is served by MBTA bus lines 87, 88, and 89 and is near Alewife and Davis Square stations.
Homestay Program for international students in Grades 9 through 12; students stay with local families for the duration of their enrollment; fee-for-service arrangement.
Students do not have to wear uniforms, but each division has its own dress code.
Lunch is provided by an outside food vendor; all students have a full hour for lunch and recess every day; students may bring their own lunch; families are responsible for providing snacks.
Governance is by a Board of Trustees.
ISB is a bilingual French-English school. From Maternelle through Upper School, the curriculum offers two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. The Elementary/Maternelle program teaches in French and English; in Maternelle the French Ministry of Education curriculum is combined with Massachusetts Common Core Preschool and Kindergarten standards; Lower School has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or French Baccalaureate tracks. In Upper School, students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with additional language options including Spanish, German, and Mandarin.
ISB's College Counseling Office supports students with higher education planning across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. ISB students matriculate to many of the nation's and the world's top colleges and universities, with geographically diverse matriculation the most in New England.
Learning is a dynamic and holistic process that develops social-emotional skills, study skills, and learning habits.
The school teaches bilingual instruction in English and French; Preschool through Kindergarten explore both languages, and Middle School courses are offered in French or English with schedules that emphasize one language to support bilingual proficiency.
Mental wellbeing is embedded in the school's mission and culture, with emphasis on empathy, respect, open-mindedness, and resilience; inclusive community and service activities further support student wellbeing.
ISB has four steps in its admissions process: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll. Step 1 Inquire: complete a brief inquiry form to join the mailing list and hear about upcoming ISB events. Step 2 Visit: ISB offers campus tours, on-campus and virtual Open House events, Secondary School Shadow Days, and virtual campus visits; local families are encouraged to participate in on-campus programming. Step 3 Apply: applications are submitted online through Ravenna with no application fee; priority review is given to applications received by January 15; siblings of current students receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15; January 15 is the application deadline for priority review and the financial aid deadline. Step 4 Enroll: decisions are released by March 10; enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round depending on space and student qualifications; applicants admitted after April 10 will have one week to respond to an offer of admission. Application materials vary by grade (Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with language considerations and testing requirements as described.
ISB offers financial aid based on demonstrated need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and uses Clarity; deadlines are returning families December 15, 2025 and new families January 15, 2026. Awards are grants (not loans) and are based on demonstrated need and available funding; awards may cover tuition and other costs such as books, transportation, clubs, and exam fees. Returning families' aid is typically released with reenrollment in February 2026; new families' aid is released with the admissions decision and enrollment contract on March 10, 2026. Financial aid awards are renewable with annual reapplication. Financial aid is not available for students requiring an I-20 or who participate in ISB's homestay program. ISB may offer French government scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) for eligible French citizens, and the ISB Financial Aid Program may supplement government funding. The school also offers a ten-month payment plan for families in the financial aid program.
