Fessenden is the best educational fit for my son, but I still have to get my daughter to school. Wouldn’t it be easier if I was bringing them both to the same place?
We get this question a lot. And, luckily, we have information to help alleviate your concerns.
The Power of an All-Boys Education
First, it’s important for you as a parent to understand why it is so critical to give your son the opportunity to experience the advantages of an all-boys’ education. As young as approximately 4 years old, boys start noticing differences in what’s socially acceptable for girls versus for boys. Most families and children come to pre-K or kindergarten from positive nursery school experiences, and likely haven’t dealt with this concern yet. But at 4 or 5 years old, boys begin to internalize social roles and behaviors. As a result, they may limit themselves or avoid certain activities because “it’s a girl thing.”
In an all-boys environment, teachers are able to work with boys’ natural enthusiasm, channeling it toward activities that feel like play—but that begin to establish a strong academic foundation and a lifelong love of learning. Movement, critical for both physical development and fundamental learning, is balanced with time for rest. There is no shortage of existing information and research that further discusses the differences in how boys and girls learn (even at the pre-K level), and our admissions team is always happy to have a conversation with parents on this topic (contact us to learn more).
Sorting Out the Logistics
If your son has already been accepted at Fessenden, congratulations! You’re likely well aware of the advantages an all-boys’ education will give him, so now it’s about working out the logistical details.
Located just 15 minutes from Boston and equally convenient to Cambridge, Brookline, Belmont, Wellesley, Weston, Newton, and other surrounding towns, Fessenden is easily accessible. Additionally, our school day begins at 7:50 a.m. ‒ 10 minutes earlier than most schools in the area — and students can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. This early start time allows families to manage multiple school schedules and gives many working parents the flexibility to drop their sons off on their way to work. Still, we understand that some parents are transporting multiple children to multiple schools, so we’ve arranged several ways to make the commute easier:
1. Carpooling
The most flexible and customizable option, carpooling can help parents establish a pick-up and drop-off routine that works best for them. Once students are enrolled at Fessenden, parents have access to a carpool map within the “My Fessy” portal. Parents can simply plug in their address and see a labeled map with names and contact info for other Fessy parents and students near them.
2. Bus service
Fessenden offers bus service via Local Motion, a local bus company, for students from Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Dorchester, Lexington, Mattapan, Newton, Wellesley, Winchester and other towns surrounding these communities. Exact routes may vary from year-to-year based on the location of student riders, and options include daily round-trip service as well as morning- or afternoon-only.
While we always welcome parents’ suggestions for new bus routes, ultimately the routes are determined by Fessenden and Local Motion and plotted around central stops that are easily accessible for the greatest number of day students and parents. Safety is also a consideration (and a priority) in planning stops and routes.
Not only is Fessenden’s bus service convenient and safe, it’s also fun.
“It’s amazing to us when the boys say that one of their favorite parts of the day is the bus ride!”
Craig Bouchard, Fessenden Pre-K Teacher
“I like that it has the stop sign on the side — I like to watch it pop out. I like to talk to the bus driver, Mr. Wilkins. I also like to watch out the window on rainy days.”
Luke A., Fessenden Pre-K Student
3. Rideshare Services
There are now convenient and economical rideshare services that allow children to travel unaccompanied by an adult. Many parents use services like Zemcar to ease the challenge of getting their children to-and-from school and other activities.
Learn more about the many options for managing pick-up and drop-off on our Transportation page.
Towns Near Boston on Fessenden’s Bus Route
Arlington
Families in Arlington appreciate Fessenden's blend of academic rigor and joyful learning, just a short ride away. Boys from Arlington thrive in our vibrant all-boys community where curiosity and confidence grow side by side.
Belmont
Belmont families value education—and Fessenden offers that with added structure and opportunities to lead. Our strong math and science programs align with the high expectations Belmont parents often seek.
Boston
Fessenden is a natural fit for Boston families looking for a safe, supportive environment just outside the city. Our diverse community and expansive campus give boys space to explore and grow, both academically and socially.
Brookline
For Brookline parents seeking a more personalized approach to education, Fessenden delivers with small class sizes and attentive faculty. Our proximity means less time commuting and more time immersed in meaningful learning.
Dorchester
Families in Dorchester find value in Fessenden’s inclusive and welcoming environment. Our emphasis on character development and hands-on learning supports boys in becoming confident, capable young men.
Lexington
Lexington boys love Fessenden thanks to our robust STEM curriculum and leadership opportunities. We offer a complementary experience to Lexington’s strong public schools, with more individual attention and extracurricular depth.
Mattapan
Mattapan families seeking academic support and enrichment will find both at Fessenden. Our bus service makes it easy to access the school’s structured environment and outstanding resources.
Newton
Just minutes away, Newton families choose Fessenden for its dynamic mix of challenge and care. Boys benefit from strong academics, athletics, and a close-knit community that fosters growth in all areas.
Wellesley
Wellesley parents trust Fessenden for its proven track record in preparing boys for top secondary schools. The commute is quick, and the results—both personal and academic—are lasting.
Winchester
Winchester families appreciate Fessenden’s emphasis on integrity, respect, and resilience. Our bus service makes the transition from home to campus seamless, giving boys the best of both worlds.
Easy Transportation for Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Dorchester, Lexington, Mattapan, Newton, Wellesley, and Winchester
At Fessenden, we believe that getting your child to school on time should be an easy task, not a daunting one. With plenty of options for students in and around Boston, pick up and drop off have never been easier. Take the first step and learn how to apply today!
