Fayerweather is known for our unique culture, which helps students connect with their own curiosity to find joy in the learning process. Our vibrant classrooms are filled with passionate teachers and engaged learners. We hope our website inspires you to come see for yourself how we are igniting confidence by truly knowing each child, engaging their intellect, and awakening their imagination.
Want to learn more about the school and our enrollment process?
Commitment to Social Justice
Fayerweather is committed to developing a strong sense of community in which every member feels valued.
Fully Knowing Each Child
Our educators are committed to forging connections with students and are empowered to respond to students’ passions and curiosity in the classroom.
The Potential for Joy in All Learning
Honoring the pace of childhood and nurturing joy is key to a fulfilling educational experience.
Learning in Community is Powerful
Students at Fayerweather learn in collaboration, building their classroom communities by finding commonalities and valuing differences.
Addressing The Themes and Issues of Our Time
The heart of progressive education is imperative to respond to the world around us.
We Are All Global Citizens
Part of being a responsible citizen is taking care of the environment and understanding our behaviors' impact on the earth.
At Fayerweather we are committed to keeping our school affordable to families of different economic means, believing that socio-economic diversity is an important component of our mission. We work closely with each family to do our best to make tuition and a Fayerweather education within reach for as many applicants as possible. Extracurricular activities and extended care are pro-rated at approximately the same level as tuition. In the 2020-2021 school year, Fayerweather allocated more than $1,200,000 to a program of need-based tuition assistance. This year 30% of the student body will receive tuition assistance. The average aid amount is approximately $21,000.
FSS News
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All School Meetings — Building Fayerweather's Community
Read MoreAs some of you know, I’ve worn many hats at Fayerweather Street School: student (Class of ’87), faculty child (’81–’90), parent (’11–’23), and now teacher (’13–present). In each of these roles, All School Meeting has been an integral part of my experience.In the old building on Fayerweather Street, we used to gather on Friday mornings in the Unit classroom, before the third-floor gymnasium was built. I remember singing “Rise and Shine” with Willy Claflin, clapping hands with the neighbors on either side of me, and laughing when we got it wrong. As a teenager, I remember visiting ASMs, to watch Ted the Head (who was also my stepfather) step through the packed sea of children, like a daddy longlegs spider, making his way to the front to welcome us all. The joy was always palpable. -
Recognizing and Honoring the Experiences That Make Us Human
Dear Fayerweather Families,Read More
Over the summer, I read Pachinko, by Min Jin Lee. The book lays out a sweeping, multigenerational story about a Korean family living in Osaka, Japan, during Japan’s occupation of Korea. Without giving away details, the novel traces how culture, power, family, and connection shaped ordinary lives. This story prompted some deep reflection about my family's unwilling journey to the United States, and I often have the feeling of, “How did I get here?” especially in light of what my ancestors suffered and endured. This reflection led to a conversation with Charlie, as over the summer, he read his family’s ancestral story written by his mother, which highlighted his family's migration from Ireland to the United States. He, too, tearfully shared his awe of how he got here, given all of the horribleness that ensued, which led his family to leave Ireland to seek a better life in the United States. I find myself weaving together the threads of irony of his family seeking a better life here, my family being forced to come here to provide free labor, and Min Jin Lee’s characters as they land us in Charlie’s office having this conversation. This reminds me that every person in our community carries a story shaped by place, privilege, power, oppression, and possibility. -
Preparing for a Year of Compassion, Capacity, and Curiosity
Read MoreDear Fayerweather Families,Another school year is upon us, and as always, summer seems to pass far too quickly. I hope you found moments to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. For me, this season has been a time to step back, reflect, and return with renewed gratitude and energy for the year ahead.The 2025–2026 school year will look different in many ways. Schools across the country are facing shifting enrollment and broader political, economic, environmental, and cultural changes that bring new challenges and opportunities. At Fayerweather, we are leaning into these realities with creativity and care, confident that our mission will continue to guide us. -
A Message from Andrew Lee, Director of Middle School (Grades 5-8)
Read MoreDear 5th-8th grade families,Imagine a middle school environment where your child is fully known and valued for who they are, who they are becoming, and the limitless possibilities of who they will become. Fayerweather strives to be that kind of community. One of Fayerweather's greatest strengths has always been its intimate and nurturing school culture, one that honors the natural pace of childhood from PreK all the way through 8th grade. This is a superpower we hold dear, and it will continue to be a cornerstone of our community. But this year, we're taking things to the next level. We're doubling down on shaping an experience for our 5th through 8th graders that not only strengthens their sense of competence but also deepens their connection to others. -
A Message from Lauren Mueller, Director of Lower School (Grades PreK-4)
Read MoreI’m writing to share how honored and excited I am to step into the role of Director of the Lower School (PreK–4). For the past 18 years, Fayerweather has been a central part of my life, professionally as an educator and personally as a parent of a joyful and thriving FSS graduate. I spent 12 of those years in the classroom, guided by a love of learning and a belief that schools should be places of both joy and purpose. Over time, my focus expanded beyond the classroom as I began supporting colleagues as a coach and collaborator, most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning. Through every chapter of my work here, one belief has remained constant: that education is built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to growth.
Coming Up at FSS
List of 5 events.
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Parents/Caregivers Drop-In Time with Lily Thompson
Fayerweather is partnering with Lily Thompson, a strategic consultant, to conduct a strategic positioning survey to help Fayerweather prepare for success in the years ahead. The purpose of this work is to evaluate Fayerweather's identity and reputation and identify areas of strength and growth that we can tap into as we navigate an ever-changing world and educational environment.
Lily will be on campus on Tuesday (September 30) and Wednesday (October 1) to meet with families, staff, students, and community members. Parents and caregivers are invited to join her on Tuesday morning from 8:00 - 9:15 for a facilitated conversation about families' experiences at Fayerweather, from admissions through graduation (and beyond).
The meeting will take place in the Library Conference Room:- 8:00 - 8:30 AM - Drop in time for parents & caregivers to meet Lily and engage in informal conversation.
- 8:30 - 9:15 AM - Facilitated conversation/focus group session
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. If you have questions, please contact Garrett. -
PreK-4th grade Curriculum Night
Families with students in grades PK-4 are invited to visit in their students' classrooms, hear about the curriculum for the year, and meet specialists. Please note: Childcare is at capacity for tomorrow night and cannot accept walk-ins.
Fayerweather Street School | 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 | 617-876-4746
Fayerweather is a private PreK, kindergarten, elementary and middle school. We engage each child’s intellect.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
Fayerweather Street School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin (ancestry), or disability in administration of its educational, admissions, and financial aid policies, as well as, athletic and other school-administered programs.