Boston Parent October 2020

OCTOBER 2020

20 in October

BEWARE OF THC Edibles Packaging CHILDPROOF Your Home PRODUCT ROUNDUP

Music, Books, Games and Toys for Everyone

The Spooky Beginnings of Disney Fairy Tales You May Be Surprised!

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child

PRIVATE SCHOOL LISTINGS Why Consider Private Schools? • Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School Financial Aid: Basic Information You Should Know

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Volume 35 • Number 11

Contents

October 2020

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child

• Why Consider Private Schools? . ................................25 • Private School Listings............26 • Financial Aid: Basic Information You Should Know......................33 • Basic Timeline for Applying to a Private School...................34

WHAT’S INSIDE

16

4 Family F.Y.I.

• Mike’s Maze • Beware of THC Edibles Packaging • Childproofing Your Home

8 Product Roundup:

We Love It: Music, Books, Games and Toys...something for everyone

12 The Spooky Beginnings of Disney Fairy Tales

in October TM

Boston Parent 841 Worcester Street Suite 344 Natick, MA 01760 • 617-522-1515 info@BostonParentsPaper.com Visit us online at BostonParentsPaper.com

PUBLISHER Parenting Media, Inc ART DIRECTOR | Debbi Murzyn ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Jean Abernathy ADVERTISING SALES Holly Castro, David Morney

A comparison of original tales to modern Disney versions.

Boston Parents Paper is published monthly by Parenting Media Inc. Please note that the advertisements in this magazine are paid for, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer.

Send letters to the editor or article submissions to editor@bostonparent.com.

Submit events to our Family Friendly Calendar at bostonparentspaper.com/ event

Copies of Boston Parents Paper are distributed to locations throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Past issues are available on our website, www.BostonParentsPaper.com October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

3

Family F.Y.I.

VOTE! The Stalks have never been higher!

J

ust over 100 years ago, the decades-long battle for women’s suffrage was finally realized with the passing of the 19th amendment.

And just over fiftyfive years ago, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.

Mike’s Maze in Sutherland, MA designed 8 acres of campaign trails in honor of these landmark achievements in our country’s history.

From straw polls to donut holes, celebrate democracy—sociallydistanced—this fall!

Advanced tickets only, mikesmaze.com

THC Edibles Packaging Appeals to Children P ediatric emergency departments across the country are seeing an uptick in incidences involving children who have become ill after ingesting products such as candies, chocolates, sours and “gummies” containing THC. One recent case at South Shore Hospital involved gummies that were packaged to look nearly identical to a leading brand of children’s vitamins.

At least several children have been treated at the hospital over the past few weeks.

“Children often can’t tell the difference between a food product laced with THC and one without,” said Mark

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Waltzman, MD, Chair of Pediatrics, South Shore Hospital. “Edibles laced with THC and intended for adult consumption with adult dosages, have a greater clinical impact on children based on their smaller size due to the child’s larger ‘volume of distribution.’”

“Even a small amount of THC in a youngster can have a profound effect, leading to lethargy, hallucinations and the inability to arouse a child,” Waltzman said.

Waltzman reminds families to be vigilant when it comes to candy and other edibles that their children might possess or that is lying around the house and is easily accessible.

What may appear to be candy, may be a cannabis product.

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Family F.Y.I. Childproofing Your Home Barbara DiGirolamo Injury Prevention Coordinator, Boston Children’s Hospital

H

ome is where the heart is, but for children, it can also be where the danger is if we don’t take the proper precautions. The best way to discover whether your house is child proof is to get on their level. By this I mean, crawl around the floor, walk around at their height, and see what you can touch or get into.

• If you have stairs in your home, there should be gates at the top and bottom

• Install locks or latches on any cabinets that contain household cleaning products, medications or heavy objects that could be a danger to your child

• Toys should be checked to ensure that batteries and electrical connections are not visible or have the ability to be removed by your child

• Plugs should be covered and cords should not be lying around for children to grab

• Keep furniture away from windows and install window guards or locks to prevent falls from windows

• Large objects like TV’s and dressers should be secured to the wall with furniture straps to avoid them pulling them onto themselves and all sharp corners should be covered

The bathroom is also a critical place for potential injury. By following these simple steps, you can prevent serious injury:

The best way to discover whether your house is child proof is to get on their level... crawl around the floor...walk around at their height, and see what you can touch or get into.

• Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use • Install a toilet lock to prevent your child from climbing or falling inside • To prevent burns or scalds, your water temperature shouldn’t be any higher than 120 degrees • Install a heat alert anti slip bath mat • Keep medication and cleaning products up and away or in a locked cabinet Your home is the most comforting place for your children, with these tips, it will also be the safest!

ARTS for Students with Disabilities

B

oston Arts Academy (BAA), the city’s only public high school for the visual and performing arts, and first to provide a “full inclusion” school by offering comprehensive services to students with disabilities while also ensuring they learn in regular classrooms alongside their peers, is being supported by the nonprofit, Boston Arts Academy Foundation, to raise $500,000

by October 31st, for its Full Inclusion Fund, This Fund will provide BAA with additional funding to help students overcome an array of challenges by

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

including clinicians in classrooms; providing professional development for faculty; and enhancing existing tutoring, counseling, and summer reading programs.

17 percent of BAA’s 477 artist-scholars have a documented disability, which may include a specific learning disability, emotional or health impairment, or communication or sensory challenge.

In addition, up to 35 percent of BAA’s freshmen begin their high school careers reading below grade level. Many students also struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues which require tailored socialemotional support.

“As a parent, you want to feel like your child’s school believes in their potential,” said BAA Head of School Anne Clark. “BAA Foundation’s Full Inclusion Fund will help BAA to remain a caring and supportive community for all students by providing funds to be spent over 10 years.”

Donations of all sizes to the Full Inclusion Fund add up to make a difference. For more information about the Full Inclusion Fund, please visit https://e.givesmart. com/events/hPO/

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Product Roundup

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

Hatchimals Pixies Riders A magical unboxing experience revealing pixies with fluttery wings, poseable heads and legs, and come with a matching Glider they can really ride! $14.99, ages 5 to 8, https://hatchimals.com

Hello Amigo / Hello Friend A fun, bouncy bilingual song from 123 Andrés’ Grammy Award-winning album, now brought to life in a picture book that’s perfect for story time sharing! Sara Palacios animates this popular song with vibrant, fresh illustrations that will engage little ones and their parents. $8.99, ages 1 to 6, http:// www.123andres.com/product/ hola-amigo-book/ 8

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Star Stable Soul Riders Series Step into the universe of the massively popular adventure game Star Stable, and follow four friends who discover their magic powers and learn that every girl can be a hero in this fantasy trilogy. $8.99, ages 8 to 14, https://starstableentertainment.com/jorvik-calling-firstsoul-riders-book/

Silly Skaters Unicorn Inflatable Ride-On Toy by Kid Trax Make playtime fun and fanciful with this soft, inflatable unicorn on roller skates, that light up. Air pump included for easy inflation. $39, ages 1-3, https://kidtraxtoys.com/

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

continued on page 10 >

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

GET READY FOR CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES!

COMING SOON YOU CAN CHECK OUT GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE ON YOUTUBE!

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October 2020 BostonParentsPaper.com DreamWorks Gabby’s Dollhouse © 2020| DreamWorks Animation LLC. All rights reserved.

Product Roundup < continued from page 8

Artsy Fartsy

BUILDZI The fast-stacking, nerve-racking, block-building game! Quick, grab a block and start building. Be the first to build your tower, but — careful — don’t let it tumble.

32 BUILDZI blocks, 32 tower cards, 32 block cards and lots of ways to play. $24.95, ages 6+, https://ilovetenzi. com/

This is NOT your parents’ drawing game. From dragons to dog farts, not much is off limits in this fast-paced game where artistic skills are not required. Team up with friends and family to draw, guess, and STEAL clues that will have the whole gang laughing out loud. $24.99, ages 10+, http://www.artsyfartsygame.com

Gridopolis An innovative new 3D strategy game and system with only seven basic parts. Players create a multi-level ‘grid-set,’ then either move markers or use extra parts to build onto the board. Keep playing until you’ve captured all your opponents, or until time runs out. Teachers can also use the game and accompanying free lesson plans to teach STEM skills to students. $49.95, ages 8+, http://www.gridopolis.games

Whatsitsface Feeling happy, sad, surprised, amused, angry or sleepy can all happen with a twist of a knob or a flip of a face. Little ones can change the face of Puppy Dog, Kitty Cat or Teddy Bear to reveal six emotional expressions – building their empathy skills while extending creative playtime. $24.99, ages newborn +, https://whatsitsface.com/

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! “Skinnamarink” is a timeless anthem of love and inclusion. $17.99, ages 3 to 7, https://www. penguinrandomhouse.com/books/565716/sharon-loisand-brams-skinnamarink-by-sharon-hampson-loislilienstein-and-bram-morrison-with-randi-hampsonillustrated-by-qin-leng/ 10

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

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By Sarah Lyons

I loved watching

Disney princess movies as a child and I enjoy sharing them with my kids. You may know that most Disney fairy tales are based on original stories from hundreds of years ago, but what you may not know is the original tales are very dark and even gruesome.

Let’s do a quick comparison.

Disney movie, 1950

I

n the Disney version, Cinderella lives with her evil stepmother and two ugly stepsisters. A fairy godmother and animal friends help her attend the ball where her and Prince Charming fall in love. When the clock strikes midnight, she rushes out leaving her glass slipper behind. Prince Charming scours the land for the owner of the slipper. Eventually they are reunited and live happily ever after.

Original story by Brothers’ Grimm version, 1812 The story starts out similar, minus the fairy Godmother. Instead, Cinderella plants a tree by her mother’s grave and prays under it daily. The dress for the ball is found under this tree. The prince uses tar to set a trap for Cinderella and instead of getting stuck, she loses a shoe. In order to get the shoe to fit

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

one stepsister cuts off her toes and the other her heel.

The prince is told by doves that there is blood in the shoe and discovers the true owner is Cinderella. The stepsisters decide they should be nice to Cinderella, since she will be queen, and they attend her wedding where birds peck their eyes out. Harsh.

ILLUSTRATION FROM HANS ANDERSEN’S FAIRY STORIES, 1900

Cinderella

The Little Mermaid Disney movie, 1989

A

ILLUSTRATION FROM HANS ANDERSEN’S FAIRY TALES, 1911

rebellious 16-year-old mermaid, Ariel, wants nothing more than to become human. When she visits the surface, she falls in love with Prince Eric. She makes a deal with Ursula, the sea witch, and trades her voice for legs. Her voice will only be returned with true love’s kiss. Ursula unsuccessfully tries to trick Eric into falling in love with her. Ultimately, Eric and Ariel fall in love and live happily ever after on land together

Original story by Hans Christian Andersen, 1837 This story starts off the same as Disney’s version.

She sees the prince from afar on a ship and rescues him from drowning. She visits the sea witch who takes her tongue in exchange for legs, a curse that can be broken if she finds true love’s kiss. Unlike the Disney version, she will not turn back into a mermaid if she fails, but will instead die. In the book she wants to become human, not only because she loves the prince, but because humans have eternal souls and mermaids do not. The penalty for having legs is excruciating pain with each step she takes. At first it seems like they will fall in love but he falls in love with someone else. The witch tells her that if she kills the prince she

can return to being a mermaid, but she cannot go through with it. At the end, she throws herself into the sea and turns into sea foam, destined to spend eternity in purgatory where she has to do good deeds until she earns a soul which could take 300 years. I don’t think Flounder and Sebastian would approve of this version.

Sleeping Beauty Disney movie, 1959

ILLUSTRATION FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, JOHN D. BATTEN, 1897

B

aby Princess Aurora is given gifts by fairies.

The evil witch, Maleficent, is struck with jealousy and curses the princess to prick her finger on a spindle and die at the age of sixteen. The last of the fairies changes the curse to a deep sleep rather than death. The curse will be broken by true love’s kiss.

After pricking her finger falling into a deep sleep the prince fights his way through the thick thorny forest to save the princess and defeat the witch who has turned into a dragon.

The story ends with them dancing at their wedding and they live happily ever after.

Original story by Giambattista Basile, 1634

Giambattista Basile

Sun, Moon, and Talia by Basile is the original version of Sleeping Beauty that both Brothers’ Grimm and Disney are based on. While the Grimm version is similar to Disney, the original is quite different. The story starts off the same and

the princess is sleeping in a castle awaiting her true love. A king happens upon the castle and enters through a window where he finds Sleeping Beauty.

He carries her to the bed and forces himself on her.

Months later she awakens after birth to twins. The king returns and the two fall in love but he is married to someone else. When his wife finds out she is furious and tries to have the twins killed, cooked, and fed to the king and have the princess burned at the stake. She is unsuccessful and the king and princess do get married and live happily ever after.

Although the king and princess end up together, I wouldn’t call this a happy tale. continued next page >>>

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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Rapunzel Disney movie (Tangled), 2010

F

lynn Rider, a fugitive on the run, happens upon a tower hidden in the woods and decides to take refuge where he becomes Rapunzel’s captive. Rapunzel and her magical long hair have been trapped there for years and she is eager to explore. While her “mother” (who is really an evil witch) is away she talks Flynn into taking her on an adventure. They eventually fall in love, the evil witch’s deceit is revealed, and she is returned to her true family. Flynn becomes

an upstanding citizen and they are later married and live happily ever after.

Original story by Brothers’ Grimm, 1812 In the real version, Rapunzel becomes pregnant by the prince before they are married. The evil sorceress figures out she is expecting, cuts off Rapunzel’s hair, and throws her into the wilderness. The prince returns to see her and the sorceress dangles Rapunzel’s hair out the window to lure him into

the tower. She tells him he will never see her again and, in despair, he throws himself out the window and lands in a patch of thorns, which cause him to go blind.

He then wanders aimlessly through the forest.

Meanwhile, Rapunzel gives birth to twins. He is eventually guided back to Rapunzel by the sound of her voice. Her tears restore his sight and they return to the kingdom and live happily ever after. At least it has a happy ending, right?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

I

n Disney’s first animated feature, the jealous and wicked queen orders the murder of her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White. She later discovers she was not killed but safely hidden among seven dwarves. The queen disguises herself as a hag and gives Snow White a poisonous apple which sends her into a death-like sleep that can only be broken by a kiss.

Prince Charming arrives and saves Snow White. They are married and live happily ever after.

Original story by Brothers’ Grimm, 1812 In this version, the evil stepmother asks a hunter to take Snow White into the forest and kill her and bring back her lungs and liver. The man cannot go through with it so he brings her a boar’s lungs and liver instead, which the queen eats believing they belong to her stepdaughter.

The queen later finds out she is alive and gives her the poisonous apple. Snow White faints and

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

cannot be revived. She is placed in a glass coffin and the prince comes to take her away. The pallbearers slip and drop the coffin causing the bite of apple to become dislodged from Snow White’s throat and she awakens. Snow White and Prince Charming fall in love and get married. The evil queen is invited to the wedding and as a punishment she is forced to wear burning hot iron shoes and dance before them until she drops dead. Yikes!

Historically fairy tales were told to entertain, educate, preserve culture, and instill moral values. These traditional stories are not something we would share with our children in today’s society but they are interesting to look back on and study. Fairy tales have changed and evolved into versions we all love to share with our children.

What stories do you love to share with your kids? Do you use stories to teach them lessons?

Sarah Lyons is a mother of six, including two-year-old triplets, who loves to share stories she loved as a child with her kids.

ILLUSTRATIONS THIS PAGE FROM GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES, 1896

Disney movie, 1938

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By Alyson Young Gregory

Things to Do

C

in October

risp fall days, harvest season, and area museums opening their doors to welcome back visitors make it easy to find the perfect way to spend an autumn day. Scout out these local destinations for engaging programs and exhibits, and plenty of ways to get the whole family outdoors and celebrate the season!

#1 Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary Is there anything more perfect than going for a walk on a beautiful Autumn day? Arrange a personalized family nature tour guided by a Mass Audubon Naturalist for a two-hour exploration of Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary and dive into a hands-on investigation of plants, animals, and the local ecosystem. Choose from exciting program options including: Predator or Prey?, Pond Probe, Reptiles and Amphibians, and Fairy Houses and Gnome Houses. Fun fact: Ask about the field here painted by Winslow Homer.

Belmont, MA massaudubon.org

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

PHOTO BY TIANYU ARTS AND CULTURE

#2 Franklin Park Zoo’s Boston Lights

COURTESY OF BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Have you ever encountered a 66-foot-long illuminated shark tunnel you can walk through?

Take an after-dark walk on the wild side at Franklin Park Zoo’s Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience and discover the magic and beauty of hundreds of colorful lanterns lighting up the night sky across the zoo’s 72 acres. From the whimsical

to the majestic, more than 50 displays invite you to explore this dazzling exhibit shining a light on the incredible biodiversity of our planet and the importance of conservation, each with an educational placard to read along the way. Brilliant! Boston, MA zoonewengland.org

#3 Boston Children’s Museum

Boston Children’s Museum Everyday Amazing welcomes you throughout the month to explore your favorite lineup of art, culture, science, and literacy programming and seasonal highlights. Visit the landmark Japanese House exhibit to stand on a Kyoto street, peer into an authentic 100-year-old silk merchant’s home, transported piece by piece from Japan, and learn about Otsukimi Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing. Boston, MA bostonchildrensmuseum.org continued next page >>> October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

17

binoculars, go on a bird hike and create some seed and fruit art for the birds to enjoy. Registration required.

Youth, $7. 617-983-8500; massaudubon.org.

Registration recommended. $12 per pair or trio.

413-658-1100; carlemuseum.org.

29 Sunday

#4 Cape Cod Rail Trail

Matias Latelier, 10:30am, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford St., Arlington. An hour of magic and surprises from a Chilean magician and mentalist. Adults, $10; youth, $8.

781-646-4849; regenttheatre.com.

#5 USS Constitution Ship and Museum

The Enchanted Forest, 10:30am, Coolidge Corner Theatre, 290 Harvard St., Brookline. Artbarn, a youth community theater company, presents the tale of a family vacation gone wrong. Adults, $13; youth, $10.

617-734-2501; coolidge.org.

SOUTH Tracking the Winter Wild Thing, Francis William All9am, aboard…the rail trail that is!

NORTH Bird Park, 251 Washington St., Walpole. See Jan. 14 listing.

Hop on the easy, 25-mile paved Ward Winter Fest, noon to 3pm, Ward Reservation, Winter Warm Up, 2-6pm, World’s End, Hingham. Get Andover.

Explore the property on a guided hike, or Cape Cod Rail Trail and watch outdoors for hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, owl prowls bring your snowshoes and sled to play. Then warm up and tales around the campfire. Adults, $10; youth, free. the scenery roll by along the with refreshments by the fire. $10 per car. 978-886-5297; 781-740-7233; ttor.org. former rail line constructed ttor.org. by Family Owl Prowl, 7pm, Blue Hills Trailside Museum, theowlCape Cod Central Railroad 1904 Canton Ave., Milton. Practice calls and meet some of the museum’s resident owls before going on acentury. Ride in the mid-19th night hike to search for them. Registration required. $10. past salt marshes, fields, WEST 617-983-8500; massaudon.org.

Backwards bogs, forest, a state park, and Storytime, 10am, The Discovery Museums, Stargazing: Jewels of the Night, 7pm, North River 177 Main St., Acton. Celebrate National Backwards Day Wildlife Sanctuary, 2000 Main St., Marshfi eld. Jointowns all with six different with silly stories and activities. Free with admission.

Visit Boston’s treasured USS astronomy enthusiast Peter Reed as he guides you 978-264-4200; discoverymuseums.org. frequent off-trail opportunities through the constellations. Registration required. $13.

Constitution Ship, “Old Ironsides.”

781-837-9400; massaudubon.org.to explore, picnic, or even visit

31 Tuesday

a specialty shop or restaurant.

Meet the active duty sailors, then

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100% Private Birthday Parties Open Bounce & Family Fun Field Trip Programs Glow & Rock Star Parties

TM

2019 TOP 10

D e d h a m H e a l t h K i d s . c o m / B i r t h d a y - Pa r t i e s

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617-713-4349

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Peabody, MA 978-532-5868 BostonBounceParty.com

PHOTOS: CAPE COD RAIL BY KENNETH ZERKLE; CAPE COD RAIL SIGN GROOVE3; USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM TOP RIGHT

Rosalita's Puppets

www.rosalitaspuppets.com 617-633-2832

kind abound! Good to know: ents Celebrate Par Chatham end in shares trail everything ice Award Chowith er ner nne inn Win Wi local2017 roads. atMain trailheadsW are in South Dennis and South Wellfleet.Cape Cod, MA Online Ordering Available mass.gov

Up for an extreme family challenge? Head to Marini Farm’s 8-acre corn maze cut through thousands of living cornstalks and see if you can find the Yeti at this year’s “Conquer Everest” themed maze. Find your way out by stopping at 18 strategically placed interactive, educational stations with answers to the game sheet you receive upon entering. Track your progress along the way—a completed game sheet is a completed maze! Take things up (another) notch and head out to Flashlight Nights on Fridays and Saturdays for some nighttime adventure. Visit the fully-stocked farm stand before you leave, and delight your littlest ones with the 1-acre, 20 minute “mini maze.”

Ipswich, MA marinifarm.com

#7 Peabody Essex Museum

SALEM WITCH TRIALS IMAGE WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

COURTESY OF MARINIFARM

#6 Marini Farm’s Corn Maze

Visit the world class Peabody Essex Museum just north of Boston for an enriching art experience in downtown Salem that everyone will enjoy. Embark on a family treasure hunt using a complimentary Gallery Discovery Kit, browse the vast collection of Maritime art, and explore The Salem Witch Trials 1692 exhibit just in time for New England’s witchiest month.

Salem, MA pem.org

#8 Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Trails

Public trail access to the popular family field walks across the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Trails gives kids the perfect dose of fresh air and exercise in any season. Explore the easy one-mile Lee Baldwin Trail that winds across museum land through Stony Brook Valley. Bridges, tree etchings, and an observation deck make this a kid-favorite ramble. Want to stay a little longer? Head onto the John Wing Trail and cross coastal woodlands and a salt marsh to the tide pools of Cape Cod Bay. Trail access from continued next page >>> Drummer Boy parking lot. Brewster, MA ccmnh.org October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

19

#10 Dowse Orchards In the mood for some fresh-pressed apple cider? Head to Dowse Orchards where you can stock up at the noted 1853 Sherborn cider mill and “pick your own” without ever climbing a ladder! Fun fact: today’s apple presses have been in operation since 1947 at this 200-yearold family farm. Head back in December for a Choose ‘N’ Cut Christmas tree! Sherborn, MA dowseorchards.com

20

#11 Hancock Shaker Village Take a day to unwind in the Berkshires and find out why the Shakers called their village the “City of Peace” at Hancock Shaker Village—voted Best Historical Experience in Massachusetts by Yankee Magazine. Explore a variety of hands-on activities with the costumed interpreters across the Village engaging children in a variety of activities including spinning wool, constructing a Shaker chair, or even taking a 19th-century school lesson!

Pittsfield, MA hancockshakervillage.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWSE ORCHARDS; PHOTO COURTESY OF HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE

Looking for a little inspiration for this year’s pumpkin carving?

Start a spooktacular new family tradition at Roger Williams: Jack-O-lantern Spectacular Drive-through Experience and immerse yourself in the Halloween season without ever leaving your car! Roll down the windows, admire thousands of intricately-carved, glowing pumpkins, and spy your favorite depictions of familiar people and places as you roll along the trail. Kids receive a trick or treat bag at the zoo entrance on October 31st and November1st.

Providence,RI rwpzoo.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGER WILLIAMS ZOO

#9 Roger Williams Zoo

continued next page 22 >>> Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Learn Piano Today!

Virtual Lessons • In-Home Lessons Lessons on site Small Group • Private Fun • Creative • Piano Lessons

Contact Molly at

617-999-8794 www.pianoplaytime.com

TM

2020 WINNER

Exxcel Gymnastics and Climbing Ongoing Fall Enrollment GYMNASTICS, CLIMBING & NINJA CLASSES COLUMBUS AND VETERAN’S DAY CAMPS

• Small Classes/Camp Groups • Activities designed to adhere to MA and CDC social distancing guidelines • Frequent disinfecting of facility and equipment • MASKS REQUIRED

Where Kids Matter Most!

88 Wells Avenue • Newton • 617 244-3300 • www.exxcel.net

Bay State Skating School

The safety of our customers and staff is our #1 priority!

LEARN TO SKATE CLASSES for Recreational • Figure • Hockey Skating Skills

As featured on Chronicle

TM

Over 50 Years Experience Children (4-18 years)

2020

Cambridge, Brookline, Cleveland Circle, Medford, Newton-Brighton, Quincy, Somerville, Waltham, West Roxbury, Weymouth

TOP 5

781-890-8480 • www.BayStateSkatingSchool.org

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

21

If Science, Nature, and Play are popular household words, head to the Discovery Museum and Discovery Woods for immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits and new STEAM experiences for all ages. Parents: don’t miss the virtual Discovery Museum Speaker Series events! Acton, MA discoveryacton.org

#16 Monomoy Island Excursions

Head to the plantation and museum commemorating 400 years with special events for the whole family at Plimoth Patuxet.

Plymouth, MA plimoth.org October 10 Join the Wampanoag Homesite for Indigenous People’s Weekend and celebrate the Wampanoag Peoples’ traditions through song, dance, and craft!

October 11 Take a seat at a 17th century table for an authentic meal and taste of America’s past at the New England Harvest Feast event. Want to know what’s for dinner? Check out the Bill of Fare online!

October 31 Wear your Scout uniform and receive a discount at Scout Days: A Tale of Two Cultures where kids can compare the daily lives of 17th century Wampanoag and English people to their own and work together to earn the “Tale of Two Cultures” patch!

Have you ever heard the chorus of hundreds of seals singing in unison? Seal watching on the Cape is a reason all on its own to visit the local sandbars and jetties teeming with resident gray and harbor seals out in full view basking in the sun. Get a closer look at these puppies of the sea and climb on board with a Naturalist at Monomoy Island Excursions to say hello to the seals of Monomoy wup close from a watch vessel...and dare we say it, sometimes even catch the shadow of a great white shark passing by! Harwich Port, MA monomoysealcruise.com 22

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISCOVERY MUSEUM; PHOTO PLIMOTH, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

#12 Discovery Museum

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONOMOY ISLAND EXCURSIONS

#13, 14 & 15 Plimoth Patuxet

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

#17 Boston Museum of Science Book advance reservations and a timed ticket for The Science Behind Pixar exhibition at Boston’s Museum of Science for a journey that takes you behind the scenes of some owf Pixar’s most beloved, awardwinning films to see how art and science come together to create magic. Celebrate all things animation and favorite characters such as WALL*E, Buzz Lightyear, and Dory while learning about the different steps in the filmmaking process throughout eight sections with over 50 interactive elements.

Boston, MA mos.org

PHOTO BY KATJA SCHULZ, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS

#18 The Springfield Museums

Daytrip to The Springfield Museums to visit 5 world-class museums with just a single admission!

Explore collections and exhibits in art, history, science, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum for an unforgettable, jam-packed day of fun and inspiration. Want to get creative? Head to the three interactive maker spaces: Invent and problem-solve at the Spark!Lab, try on costumes and armor at the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center, and imagine an original piece of artwork at The Cat’s Corner. Springfield, MA springfieldmuseums.org

A mystical swamp near the Atlantic that you can hike across? Plan an offseason daytrip and zip down to the Cape for a walk to remember through the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail.

Your kids will love being transported to this Tolkienesque woodland. The trailhead at Marconi Station Site in Wellfleet descends into a rare wooded wetland of Atlantic white cedars for a perfectly unusual and otherworldly 1.2 mile, one-hour loop that will let everyone’s imagination soar. Bonus: Breathtaking ocean views of Marconi Beach.

#19 Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail

continued next page >>> October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

23

#20 Connors Farm

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNONS FARM

Order apple bags online for a day of orchard picking and fun down on the farm since 1904 at Connors farm. When your bags are full, pick up your mums and hot apple cider doughnuts at the farm stand, test your skills in the corn maze, and relax at the farm-themed play areas.

Danvers, MA connorsfarm.com ď &#x2122;

Fall Virtual Open Houses Early Childhood 7 p.m.

Preschool, PK, & TK

Wednesday, October 7 Elementary

7 p.m.

Kindergarten - Grade 4

Wednesday, October 14 Middle School

7 p.m.

Grade 5 - Grade 8

Wednesday, October 28 To receive a Zoom link to these virtual open houses, email admission director Tricia Moran and a link will be sent to you.

tmoran@lesleyellis.org 34 Winter St. | Arlington, MA 02476 | lesleyellis.org

24

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

2020 -2021

Find the Right Educational Experience for your Child

THE PUBLISHERS OF BOSTON PARENTS PAPER TAKE THE GUESSWORK OUT OF FINDING THE RIGHT PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, FROM START TO FINISH. The following are excepts from the 2020/21 Annual Private School Guide, covering "Why Consider a Private School" and the "Private School Search Timeline" from the award winning guide. The complete 2020/21 Annual Private School Guide leads parents chronologically along the school-selection path, beginning with the value of private education and how to start the process with an emphasis on the all-important application process, including interviewing, testing, and essay writing as well as the ins-and-outs of financial aid. There’s also school profiles and a comprehensive list of regional private schools. Your road to the ideal school just got simpler!

Download your copy today of this free resource at BostonParentsPaper.com/our-magazines.html

Why Consider a Private School?

M

any parents feel that their children will thrive better in what they believe is a smaller, safer environment with more room for personal attention. And while public schools must follow a curriculum heavily influenced by state standards, private schools have more freedom to customize lessons to students’ individual ways of learning.

Private schools can also point to low studentteacher ratios, freedom from state standards and testing, and lots of extras like music, foreign languages, and art that are underfunded or nonexistent in public schools. Private schools are often well-equipped with current educational

technology to facilitate in class and virtual instruction. Rest assured, promise school experts, there is a school out there to suit every child.

There are two primary sorts of private schools— independent schools and parochial schools.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS are defined as nonprofit private schools with their own governing board of trustees. While most people commonly refer to independent schools as private, lumping them in with parochial and for-profit schools, they are distinct because they are nonprofit and self-governing.

PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS, where tuition is typically one-third that of independent schools, offer continued on page 28 >>> October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

25

Featured Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Arlington Arlington Catholic High School 16 Medford St Arlington • (781) 646-7770 www.achssas.org

Lesley Ellis School 34 Winter St. Arlington • (781) 642-1052 www.lesleyellis.org

9-12 Co-Ed 18:1 435

Catholic Spanish, French, Italian, Latin

$13,750 FA Available

NEASC

PS - 8 Co-Ed 8:1 211

NonDenominational Spanish

$10,000 - $36,000 FA Available

NAIS AISNE

7-12 Boys Only 7:1 460

NonDenominational Boys Only French, Latin, Mandarin, Spanish

$52,000 FA Available

PK - 8 Co-Ed 7:1 185

NonDenominational Latin, Spanish

$16,400 - $36,600 FA Available

AISNE

PK - 8 Co-Ed 9:1 180

Catholic Spanish

$7,990 FA Available

NEASC

Belmont Belmont Hill School 350 Prospect Street Belmont • (617) 993-5220 www.belmonthill.org

Beverly Glen Urquhart School 74 Hart Street Beverly • (978) 927-1064 www.gus.org

The Saints Academy 111 New Balch Street Beverly • (978) 922-0048 www.saintsacademy.org

Our Vision Nuestra Visión

To create a truly significant and lifelong impact on the lives and passions of the children who will shape the future of our society.

What We Do Lo Que Hacemos

Pine Village educates and nurtures each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse bilingual community, so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.

The Results Los Resultados Pine Village launches children on a path to global citizenship and offers parents of toddlers and preschoolers a modern approach to child development where the seeds of creativity, acceptance, and inclusion are planted and encouraged to grow.

TM

TM

2016 WINNER

2017 WINNER

2018 WINNER

TM

TM

TM

2019 WINNER

2020 WINNER

Our Neighborhood Schools

• Brighton • Brookline • JP - Revere St • JP - South St • Kendall Square

• Needham • Newton Highlands • West Newton • Porter Square • South End

enrollment@pinevillagepreschool.com

617-416-7763 www.PineVillagePreschool.com 26

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

TM

2020 WINNER

Featured Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Boston Boston Trinity Academy 17 Hale Street Boston • (617) 364-3700 www.bostontrinity.org

British International School of Boston 416 Pond Street Boston • (617) 522-2261 www.bisboston.org

German International School Boston 57 Holton Street Boston • (617) 783-2600 www.gisbos.org

Kingsley Montessori School 30 Fairfield Street 26 Exeter Street Boston • (617) 226-4900 www.kingsley.org

The Advent School 15 Brimmer Street Boston • (617) 742-0520 www.adventschool.org

6-12 Co-Ed 7:1 240

NonDenominational Latin,French, Spanish

$20,700 - $32-500 FA Available

NEASC NAIS AISNE

PK-12 Co-Ed 8:1 440

NonDenominational French, Spanish

$18,600 - $37,400 FA Available

NAEYC CIS

PK-12 Co-Ed 12:1 250

German Schools Abroad German, French, Spanish

$21,400 - $25,875 FA Available

DAS AINSE MINT

PS-6 Co-Ed 5:1 Toddler; 9:1 PS 8:1 Lower Elem; 12.1 Upper Elem 639

NonDenominational Spanish, Mandarin

$23,000 - $33,200 FA Available

AMS AISNE

PS-6 Co-Ed 7:1 200

NonDenominational Spanish

$30,880 FA Available

NAIS AISNE PEN

5-12 Co-Ed 6:1 695

Latin, Spanish, French, and Chinese

$51,800 FA Available

NEASC

PS, K-12 Co-Ed Varies 550

Modern Orthodox Jewish Schoool Hebrew - ; PS-12 Spanish - 8-12

$22,280 - $33,383 FA Available

PreK-8 Co-Ed 15:1 260

Catholic Spanish, Mandarin (Afterschool Club)

$7,200-$10,125 FA Available

NEASC

$27,580-35,990 FA Available

AISNE

Spanish

PreK-8 Co-Ed 4:1 Toddler 10:1 Primary and above 185

Non Denominational Spanish

$23,000 - $34,000 FA Available

AMS, AISNE, MSM, NAIS

PS-12 Co-Ed 6:1 520

NonDenominational French, English, Spanish, German and Chinese

$21,200-$37,300 FA Available

Ministère de l’éducation nationale, CIS, NEASC and IBO

3-22 years Co-Ed 2:1 48

Catholic Spanish

Call for Info.

FA Available

PS-6 Co-Ed 5:1 230

NonDenominational Spanish

$24,700- $41,600 FA Available

Braintree Thayer Academy 745 Washington Street Braintree • (781) 843-3580 www.thayer.org

Brookline Maimonides School 34 Philbrick Road Brookline • (617) 232-4452 www.maimonides.org

St. Mary of the Assumption School 67 Harvard Street Brookline • (617) 566-7184 www.stmarys-brookline.org

Cambridge Cambridge Friends School 5 Cadbury Road Cambridge • (617) 354-3880 www.cfsmass.org

Cambridge Montessori School 161 Garden Street Cambridge • (617) 492-3410 www.cambridgemontessori.org

International School of Boston 45 Matignon Road Cambridge • (617) 499-1451 www.isbos.org

PreK-8 Co-Ed Varies 150

Chestnut Hill The Campus School at Boston College 235 Beacon St Chestnut Hill • (617) 552-3460

The Chestnut Hill School 428 Hammond Street Cambridge • (617) 566-4394 www.tchs.org

AISNE

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

27

Featured Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Dedham Noble and Greenough School 10 Campus Drive Dedham • (781) 326-3700 www.nobles.edu

The Rashi School 8000 Great Meadow Road Dedham • (617) 969-4444 www.rashi.org

7-12 Co-Ed 6:1 630

NonDenominational Spanish, Chinese, French, Latin

$52,300-58,100

AISNE, ISL

K-8 Co-Ed 5.2:1 310

Reform Jewish English, Hebrew, Spanish

$28,900 - $36,225 FA Available

AISNE

PK-6th grade Co-Ed 14:1 210

Catholic

$5,600 - $8,000 FA Available

NCEA, NEASC

K-8 Co-Ed 4:1 65

NonDenominational

$60,100 FA Available

MAAPS, ISM

PS-8th Co-Ed 6:1 155

Spanish

$30,000 FA Available

Toddler-6th grade Co-Ed Varies by Level 91

NonDenominational English, Spanish

$15,200-$22,500 FA Available

Infant -6th Grade Co-Ed Varies 195

NonDenominational Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, English

Varies FA Available

6-12 Co-Ed 5:1 75

NonDenominational Spanish, French

$50 - $32,000 FA Available

6-12 Co-Ed 10:1 300

NonDenominational French, Spanish

$27,800 (Middle School Day) to $62,800 (Traditional Boarding) FA Available

SSATB, NEASC, NAIS, AISNE

Toddler - 8th grade Co-Ed Varies 194

NonDenominational Spanish

$21,225 - $33,615 FA Available

AISNE AMS

6-12 Girls Only 8:1 205

Catholic Latin, Spanish, French

$31,386 FA Available

National School of Character NEASC, NAIS AISNE

Dorchester Saint Brendan School 29 Rita Rd Dorchester • (617) 282-3388 www.stbrendanschool.org

East Providence, RI The Wolf School 215 Ferris Avenue East Providence, RI • (401) 432-9940 www.thewolfschool.org

Foxboro The Sage School 171 Mechanic Street Foxboro • (508) 543-9619 www.sageschool.org

Framingham Summit Montessori School 283 Pleasant St. Framingham • (508) 872-3630 www.summitmontessori.org

AISNE

Hingham SELA: The International Private School 75 Sgt William B Terry Drive Hingham • (781) 741-5454 www.suescuela.com

Jamaica Plain Meridian Academy 54 Brookside Avenue Jamaica Plain • (617) 277-1118 www.meridianacademy.org

Lexington Lexington Christian Academy 48 Bartlett Avenue Lexington • (781) 862-7850 www.lca.edu

Lexington Montessori School 130 Pleasant Street Lexington • (781) 862-8571 www.lexmontessori.org

Medfield Montrose School 29 North Street Medfield • (508) 359-2423 www.montroseschool.org/

28

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

<<< continued from page 25

traditional instruction and have solid reputations.

Families who are “in-parish,” that is, who live within the schools’ official parish boundaries or volunteer and participate regularly in the parish, get first priority. Otherwise the application procedures are similar to independent schools.

When considering private school education, think about these benefits as outlined by the Independent Schools of the San Francisco Bay Area (www.issfba. org): High academic standards. Independent schools nurture intellectual curiosity, stimulate personal growth, and encourage critical thinking. A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.

Small classes and individual attention.

Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools in 2019/20 was 8.5 students to 1 teacher.

Excellent teachers. Educators usually teach in their areas of expertise and are passionate about what they do. With more autonomy within the classroom, teachers are able to develop a full

understanding of how each student learns and what motivates and inspires each child.

Greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual ability and curiosity but also their personal and social growth and civic conscience. Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits, and school leadership experiences.

Education for the whole child. Independent schools nurture not just students’ intellectual curiosity but also their personal/ social growth and civic purpose.

Opportunities extend well beyond the classroom to athletic competitions, artistic pursuits and school leadership offerings.

Inclusiveness. Schools maintain diverse and vibrant student communities and welcome and respect each family. In 2019/20, students of color were 33 percent of total independent school enrollment nationally.

A community of parents who actively participate in their children’s education. Independent schools promote regular communication among students, parents, and teachers to ensure everyone is working toward the same goals for the student.

The opportunity to choose a school with a mission.

You can select a school whose philosophy, values, and teaching approach is right for your child. 

DISCOVER A SCHOOL AS UNIQUE AS YOUR CHILD

Excellence in Autism Education DAY AND RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS THREE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS BASED ON EACH CHILD'S AGE AND ABILITY

To Learn More Contact

ON-CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY BASED

Lynne Goyuk,

VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Admissions Coordinator

AN EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK BASED

508-850-3900

ON SCERTS MODEL

lgoyuk@leagueschool.com

www.leagueschool.org the Wolf School

Private K-8 Special Education School | Open House October 25th | thewolfschool.org

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

29

Featured Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Milton Delphi Academy of Boston 564 Blue Hill Avenue Milton • (617) 333-9610 www.delphiboston.org

Milton Academy 170 Centre Street Milton • (617) 898-2509 www.milton.edu/k8

K-8 Co-Ed 5:1 125

NonDenominational Spanish

$13,900

AISNE

K-12 Co-Ed 14:1 1047

NonDenominational Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, Latin and Classical Greek

$32,000 K $61,920 Upper Boarding

7-12 Boys Only 7:1 375

Independent School League English, Spanish, Latin

$50,570 FA Available

AISNE, ISL, IBSC, NAIS, RCAB, SSATB, College Entrance Examination, Board Education Records Bureau

Toddler-8th Co-Ed 15:1 400

Jewish English, Hebrew, Spanish

$20,000-$30,000 FA Available

AISNE

Toddler-8th Co-Ed Varies 260

NonDenominational Spanish

$26,200 – $30,600 FA Available

AISNE, AMS

Needham St. Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham • (781) 449-5200 https://www.stsebs.org

Newton Solomon Schechter Day School 60 Stein Circle Newton • (617) 964-7765 www.ssdsboston.org

Newton Centre Wellan Montessori School 80 Crescent Avenue Newton Centre • (617) 969-4488 www.wellan.org

Austin Preparatory School Experience Excellence • Average Class Size: 15

• More than 60 Clubs & Activities

• 1:1 iPad Program

• Advisory Program

• Rotating Block Schedule

• 10:1 Student to Faculty Ratio

• Bus Transportation Available

• 21 Advanced Placement Courses

• Newly Renovated Dining Hall

• State-of-the-Art Athletic Facilities

Visit our website for a virtual tour of campus, or contact the Office of Admissions at

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON

ADMISSIONS@AUSTINPREP.ORG

A NORD ANGLIA EDUCATION SCHOOL

to arrange for an in-person tour this fall.

An independent, Augustinian Catholic school serving young men & women in grades 6 through 12.

READING, MA | 781.944.4900 | AUSTINPREP.ORG

INSPIRE. CHALLENGE. EMPOWER. Toddler through Grade 8 Financial Assistance Available TM

2020 WINNER

30

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

Join us and find out why your child will love learning at BISB.

Learn more: wellan.org

416 Pond Street Boston, MA 02130 617.522.2261 www.bisboston.org

• Wed., October 21 • Sun., November 8 • Wed., January 13 For Toddlers through High School Register: admissions@bisboston.org 617.522.2261 | bisboston.org

Featured Private Schools

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

Norwood Norwood Montessori School 462 Walpole St Norwood • (818) 497-1698 www.NorwoodMontessoriSchool.com

Saint Catherine of Siena School 249 Nahatan Street Norwood • (781) 769-5354 www.scsnorwood.org

PK-12th Co-Ed 8:1 85

NonDenominational French, Spanish

$5,650 - $16,700

MSM, AMS

PS-8 Co-Ed 15:1 275

Catholic Spanish

$7,750-$10,500 FA Available

NEASC

$9,000 - $17,000

AMI, AISNE, MSM

NEASC, NAIS, AISNE, AMLE, NELMS, NCEA

Quincy Adams Montessori School

Toddler-6th Co-Ed Varies 120

310 Adams Street Quincy • (617) 773-8200 www.adamsmontessori.org

Spanish

Reading Austin Preparatory School 101 Willow Street Reading • (781) 944-4900 www.austinprep.org

6-12 Co-Ed 10:1 730

Catholic Latin, French, Mandarin and Spanish

$24,100 FA Available

K-8 Co-Ed 14:1 197

Catholic Spanish, Mandarin, Latin

K-8: $7,400, Preschool: $700 Bi-weekly FA Available

Roslindale Sacred Heart STEM School 1035 Canterbury Street Roslindale • (617) 323-2500 www.sacredheart-boston.org

Fall Virtual Open Houses Middle School

Early Childhood

Elementary

Wednesday, October 7

Wednesday, October 14 Wednesday, October 28

Kindergarten - Grade 4

Preschool, PK, & TK

7 p.m.

KINGSLEY ENGAGES THE MIND, HANDS, AND HEART OF EACH CHILD TO NURTURE RESILIENT EXPLORERS, CONFIDENT LEARNERS, AND EMPATHETIC CITIZENS.

Grade 5 - Grade 8

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

To receive a Zoom link to these virtual open houses, email admission director Tricia Moran and a link will be sent to you. tmoran@lesleyellis.org 34 Winter St. | Arlington, MA 02476 | lesleyellis.org

TODDLER–GRADE 6 TO LEARN MORE, VISIT KINGSLEY.ORG

Infant (1 month) through PreK Open Year Round Mon–Fri • 7am-5:30pm

Now enrolling children age 3+ We offer a pleasant mix of fun & education to develop young minds!

• Breakfast, lunch & snack served daily • Two age appropriate playgrounds & large indoor play space • Individual classrooms with well-rounded curriculum including: fieldtrips, computers & music class

The Village Pre-School

25 Cummins Highway, Roslindale

617-323-5141 October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

31

Featured Private Schools Village PreSchool 25 Cummins Highway Roslindale • (617) 323-5141 www.vpsroslindale.com

Grades Gender Stud-Fac Ratio Enrollment

Affiliation / Notes Languages

Tuition Range Tuition Assistance

Accreditation/ Associations

PS Co-Ed 10:1 80

NonDenominational

$14,300 - $22,100 FA Available

PS-6th Co-Ed 8:1 70

NonDenominational Spanish

$10,500-$11,000 FA Available

K-8 Co-Ed 6:1 25

Spanish

$25,000 - $27,000 FA Available

AISNE NAIS ISM

K-9 Co-Ed 6:1 475

NonDenominational

$26,200 - $44,630 FA Available

AISNE

PreK-12 Co-Ed 14:1 384

Catholic French, Spanish

$6,100 $15,800 FA Available

NCEA, NEASC, NAIS, NACAC

3-22 Years Co-Ed 4:1 105

NonDenominational

Call for Info.

DESE, DEEC, MAAPS, NAPSEC

5-12 Girls Only 6:1 461

NonDenominational Spanish, French, Mandarin, Latin

$51,500 FA Available

NEASC, NCGS, NAIS, AISNE, TABS

K-9 Co-Ed 9:1 140

NonDenominational

$26,000-$28,000 FA Available

Royalston The Village School 253 S. Royalston Road Royalston • (978) 249-3505 www.villageschoolma.org

Salem The Phoenix School 89 Margin Street Salem • (978) 741-0870 www.phoenixschool.org

Southborough Fay School 48 Main Street Southborough • (508) 490-8201 www.fayschool.org

Tyngsboro Academy of Notre Dame Tyngsboro 180 Middlesex Road Tyngsboro • (978) 649-7611 www.ndatyngsboro.org

Walpole League School of Boston 300 Boston Providence Highway Walpole • (508) 850-3900 www.leagueschool.org

Wellesley Dana Hall School 45 Dana Road Wellesley • (781) 235-3010 www.danahall.org

Winchester Acera: The Massachusetts School of Science, Creativity and Leadership 5 Lowell Avenue Winchester • (781) 729-3489 www.aceraschool.org

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Virtual

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Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

cambridgemontessori.org

Financial Aid:

BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

E

very private school has its own policies about who receives financial aid, what types of aid are awarded, and how much aid a particular family will receive. In most cases, the financial aid office cannot tell you if your family will qualify for financial aid until you submit an application that allows the school to evaluate your unique situation.

HOW SCHOOLS DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

To determine your eligibility for financial aid, you must submit an application form and financial statements. There is no income limit that automatically makes your family ineligible for financial aid. Financial aid officers take into account your income, assets, and expenses, including educational costs for other children.

Bottom line: If you feel your family cannot afford to pay the full cost, regardless of your income, it’s worth the effort to submit a financial aid application.

WHEN TO APPLY

Every school has its own financial aid schedule, and the deadlines are different for schools with rolling admissions.

In general, most financial aid applications are due in January or February. Check with your school of choice for the deadline. You will receive a financial aid deci-

sion shortly after your child is admitted to a particular school.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

Grants are the most common

type of financial aid offered by private schools. They are awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, and students must reapply each year. Grant money comes from the school’s budget and does not have to be paid back.

Merit scholarships awarded by the school are rare and are usually reserved for students who have a special talent that the school is seeking, such as art, music, or academics. Generally, scholarships are based on financial need. They may be awarded once, annually, or as long as the student meets the scholarship criteria.

Scholarships from outside organizations are also rare, and often awarded by local chapters of national groups like the Ro-

tary Club. Ask the school for a list of organizations that have provided scholarships to their students in the past, and check the list on parents.nais.org.

Each scholarship program will have its own eligibility rules, application, and deadlines.

Tuition loans are personal loans provided by a private lender. You must apply directly to the lender, and your loan amount and interest rate will depend on the lender’s credit requirements. Some use loans to pay for expenses not covered by a grant.

Tuition Payment Plans allow you to make monthly payments rather than writing one or two large checks each year. Schools offer payment plans through a third-party financial services company, which charges a relatively small fee.

Sibling discounts are designed to help families with more than one child enrolled in the same school. Many schools are shrinking these discounts, or phasing them out altogether. Even so, it’s worth asking if this situation applies to you.

Most families pay for tuition through a combination of these options. The school’s financial aid officer can help you create a financing plan that fits your family’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and explore all the options available to you.

Reprinted with the permission from National Association of Independent Schools, nais.org.

October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

33

Basic Timeline FOR APPLYING TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL While each school follows its own schedule, here is a typical admissions timeline. Many schools are transitioning to virtual admission events and individual tours.

August

October

January

• Continue scheduling tours, • Pay attention to deadinterviews, class visits, and lines: Most applications are standardized or school-based due in January or Febru• Define your ideal school tests ary, along with test scores, • Find schools that match your • Visit schools, virtually if necreferences, transcripts, and child’s needs financial aid forms essary, during open houses, • Research and ask questions attend information sessions, of schools on your preliminary and take tours list • Finalize the list of schools to • Don’t miss deadlines: Most schools’ applications are due which you will apply in February at the latest • Take required standardized • Browse schools’ websites • Visit schools and/or have admission tests to learn more about their your child participate in a programs and philosophies student shadow day • Request admissions and • Continue scheduling tours, financial aid material by phone interviews, class visits, and or online standardized or school-based • Watch for school decisions • Review admissions materials starting in mid-March tests to determine which schools to • Continue to watch for open • Watch for financial aid visit decisions houses you may want to • Create a calendar of pertiattend • If your student is accepted nent admission and financial • Request teacher recommenby multiple schools, decide aid deadlines for the schools which school your child will dations from your child’s curto which you are considering attend rent school applying • Start working on applications, • Ask elementary schools about financial aid forms, student their test schedules and make • Sign and return enrollment questionnaires, and essays appointments contracts and send deposits • Register for any standardized tests required for admission • Continue to watch for any • Review the test websites to open house or school events learn about procedures and • Attend events and activities of interest test dates, see sample quesfor new parents and • Request transcripts at the end tions, and purchase test-prepstudents of your child’s first aration books semester • Call schools to schedule • Complete applications, ques- Reprinted with permission from the individual tours, class visits, National Association of Independent tionnaires, and essays interviews, and “shadow days” Schools, www.nais.org • Note application deadlines. if available Some schools have December

deadlines. (of the year before you want your child to attend)

February

September

November

March

April

December

34

Boston Parents Paper | October 2020

May to September

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October 2020 | BostonParentsPaper.com

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