
The Newman School
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
Accreditations
Languages
The Newman School is an independent, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 7–12 located in the heart of Boston. It provides a diverse, supportive environment that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with the city as an extended classroom.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by the motto "Heart Speaks to Heart" (Cor ad Cor Loquitur), which emphasizes building a sustainable, inclusive community and fostering a thoughtful sense of belonging. It aims to help students become fully human persons who are ready to make contributions to the world, balancing independence and leadership. The pedagogy focuses on developing student agency, a sense of self, and a global mindset.
Programmes
The school offers a curriculum centered on International Baccalaureate (IB) pedagogy for students in grades 7–12. Students may pursue a Newman diploma or the IB Diploma, which includes six subject groups, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The academic program is supported by a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and emphasizes interdisciplinary and experiential learning.
Outcomes
Graduates of the school matriculate at a wide range of colleges and universities, including Boston College, Boston University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Duke University, McGill University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Alumni are prepared for higher education through a curriculum that emphasizes independent work, organization, and research skills.
Student support
Learning support
The school maintains a Student Success Center to provide additional support for students. Families are encouraged to disclose information regarding IEPs, 504 plans, or neuropsychological evaluations during the admissions process to ensure the school can appropriately support the student.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does The Newman School offer?
- The Newman School offers IB Diploma and IB MYP.
- How much is tuition at The Newman School?
- Annual tuition at The Newman School is $36K–$72K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is The Newman School a day or boarding school?
- The Newman School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does The Newman School hold?
- The Newman School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is The Newman School co-educational?
- The Newman School is a co-ed school.
- Where is The Newman School located?
- The Newman School is an international school in Boston, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 7 - PG (Domestic Day) | 12–19 | $36K |
| Grades 7 - PG (International Day) | 12–19 | $44K |
| Grades 9 - PG (Boarding - US Residency) | 14–19 | $72K |
| Grades 9 - PG (Boarding - International Residency) | 14–19 | $72K |
Other fees(9)
| Deposit· Deducted from the total cost of tuition. Non-refundable. Due upon contract signing for new families, and no later than March 1 for returning families. | $3K |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Student Debit Account. Upon enrollment, each student is required to pay $500 towards the student debit account to cover charges made during the year such as field trips, sports charges, and other incidental fees. | $500 |
| Registration fee· International Fee for International Day and International Boarding students. | $8K |
| Materials· 11th Grade Year 1 IB Resources | $350 |
| Materials· 12th Grade Year 2 IB Resources, Testing, Graduation Fees | $750 |
| Enrolment fee· Activity Fee | $500 |
| Materials· Estimated annual cost of books for grades 7-12. | $500 |
| Enrolment fee· Student Success Center Tier 3 Fee | $8K |
| Insurance· International students are required to purchase health insurance. Families may choose their own insurance. | — |
Admissions
The school follows a structured application process requiring an inquiry form, a campus tour, and an interview. Applicants must submit transcripts, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (such as the SSAT, ISEE, or SAT), with English proficiency testing required for non-native speakers. The school offers both a traditional application timeline and a binding priority admission program.
Calendar
The school operates on a major dates calendar that includes specific deadlines for applications, financial aid, and enrollment. The academic year includes standard holidays and breaks, with additional events such as college representative visits and special school programming.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus is located in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood and consists of two historic five-story townhouses. The school utilizes the city as an extension of its campus, accessing resources such as the Boston Public Library, the Esplanade for cross-country, and the Charles River for crew and sailing. Students also regularly visit local cultural institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
Co-curriculars
The school offers approximately 30 clubs and activities designed to build skills and friendships. Athletics are an integral part of the experience, with teams and schedules that foster teamwork and resilience. Students also engage in service, leadership, and arts-based activities, including visual arts, music, film, and theater.


- Michael J. SchaferHead of School
Michael J. Schafer became Head of School in March 2020, bringing experience from leadership roles at Belmont Hill School, Middlesex School, and a 15-year tenure as head of school at Kimball Union. He is focused on the International Baccalaureate program and fostering a community centered on the school's motto, "Heart Speaks to Heart."
Melissa BaconDirector of Enrollment ManagementMelissa Bacon serves as the Director of Enrollment Management, overseeing the admissions process and student recruitment. She holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Radford University.
Jody AbzugDirector of Development and Alumni RelationsJody Abzug is the Director of Development and Alumni Relations.
Beth EspositoHistory and Social Sciences Chair, MYP CoordinatorBeth Esposito is the History and Social Sciences Chair and the MYP Coordinator. She holds an M.Ed. from Lesley University, an M.A. from Northeastern University, and a B.A. from the University of New Hampshire.
Mikal de la Mata CruzWorld Languages Department Chair, Spanish TeacherMikal de la Mata Cruz is the World Languages Department Chair and a Spanish teacher. He holds an M.A. from Syracuse University and a B.A. from the Universidad de Puerto Rico.
Kim GuerraScience Department Chair, Environmental Science TeacherKim Guerra is the Science Department Chair and an Environmental Science teacher. She holds a B.A. in Biology from Oberlin College.
Kerri Dooley-LincolnRegistrar and Academic CoordinatorKerri Dooley-Lincoln serves as the Registrar and Academic Coordinator.
IB Diploma