Our program is rooted in the belief that students benefit from a thoughtful combination of challenge, joy, rigor, and care in their educational experience.

Our mission is to help students become confident, resourceful learners and thoughtful, engaged members of their communities—young people who are prepared to meet the academic, social, and personal demands of secondary school with independence, curiosity, and resilience.

As a small school with a low student–teacher ratio (an overall average of 6:1), Fayerweather is able to know students deeply and support them as individuals. Our program emphasizes rigorous and deep academic thinking, meaningful relationships, and learning that is grounded in experience, reflection, and purpose.

Fayerweather’s middle school program (“The Unit”) is intentionally designed to meet the academic and developmental needs of early adolescents. Students are known individually, challenged thoughtfully, and supported as they grow into increasingly independent learners. Our graduates enter high school prepared to manage complex academic work, advocate for themselves and others, collaborate with peers, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Teaching and learning in the middle school balance structure with flexibility and high expectations with deep care. Place-based and experiential learning are central to this work. Students regularly engage with real-world contexts—both within the school and in the surrounding community—using observation, research, and hands-on exploration to deepen understanding.

The humanities program is inquiry-driven and interdisciplinary, integrating literature, history, and writing. Students develop strong analytical reading and writing skills while engaging with diverse texts and perspectives. Emphasis is placed on constructing clear, thesis-driven arguments, supporting ideas with evidence, and understanding the role of bias, context, and perspective in both historical and contemporary issues. Discussion, collaboration, and reflection are central components of humanities classes. 

Mathematics instruction emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem solving, and real-world application. Using the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, students engage in small-group instruction that supports deep understanding of mathematical ideas rather than rote procedures. Topics include statistics, linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, functions (including exponential and quadratic), and quadratic equations. Students are encouraged to explain their reasoning clearly and apply mathematical thinking flexibly.

Science courses are hands-on and lab-based, integrating concepts from physical, life, and earth sciences. Students develop strong scientific habits of mind, including designing investigations, analyzing data, and communicating findings through written reports and presentations. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, critical thinking, and the application of scientific concepts to real-world questions and challenges.

The Spanish program focuses on developing proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while fostering an appreciation for the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students build vocabulary and grammatical structures through authentic texts, conversations, and projects. By eighth grade, students are prepared to enter intermediate to advanced-level Spanish coursework in high school. Unit students also participate in a biennial culturally immersive field trip to Puerto Rico.

The arts are an integral part of the Fayerweather experience. Middle school students participate in a range of visual and performing arts courses, including music, visual art, and shop. Many eighth graders take part in the middle school play, which has received recognition at the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild (METG) competition. Through the arts, students develop creativity, confidence, collaboration, and discipline.

The physical education and wellness program supports students’ physical health, teamwork, and personal well-being. Students participate in a mix of physical education and yoga, and have opportunities to join interscholastic teams such as soccer, basketball, and ultimate frisbee. Wellness education emphasizes healthy habits, self-awareness, and balance.

Social and emotional learning is woven throughout the middle school experience. Every student is supported by an advisor and participates in Growth Education. Students have access to a school counselor and engage in leadership opportunities and community service. Through advisory, service learning, and daily interactions, students develop empathy, resilience, self-advocacy, and a strong sense of responsibility to their community.

Fayerweather graduates matriculate to a wide range of competitive independent and public high schools in the Greater Boston area and beyond.

Independent Schools			Public Schools
Cambridge School of Weston	17		Cambridge Rindge & Latin School	40
Concord Academy	5		Somerville High School	14
Boston University Academy	4		Arlington High School	6
Commonwealth School	3		Lexington High School	2
Brimmer and May	2		Waltham High School	2
Chapel Hill Chauncy Hall	2		Belmont High School	1
Putney School	2		Boston Arts Academy	1
Bancroft School	1		Brookline High School	1
Buckingham, Browne & Nichols	1		Minuteman High School	1
BC High	1
Buxton School	1
Carroll School	1
Governor's Academy	1
New England Innovation Academy	1
Noble & Greenough School	1
Rivers School	1
Taft School	1
Thayer Academy	1
Tremont School	1
Winsor School	1
Woodhall School	1