The Park School
General Information
About (Overview)
The Park School is an independent, coeducational day school located in Brookline, Massachusetts, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 8. It was founded in 1888 as “Miss Pierce’s School” and later renamed to honor Julia Park, who served as an early head of school. The school is situated on a 34-acre campus near Jamaica Pond, offering a balance of urban access and natural space.
The Park School seeks to educate the whole child by combining rigorous academics, creative exploration, and social-emotional development. The mission emphasizes nurturing joyful curiosity, intellectual growth, and character, cultivating learners who are confident, empathetic, and prepared for the transition to secondary schools. With small class sizes, integrated arts, athletics, and a community culture, Park emphasizes student voice, inquiry, and connection. Over its long history, the school has evolved while maintaining a commitment to progressive education, diversity, and a sense of belonging.
Contact Information
Address: 171 Goddard Avenue, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-277-2456
Head of School: Scott M. Young
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1888 |
| Grades Served | PreK – Grade 8 |
| Enrollment | ~540 students |
| Average Class Size | 14–16 students |
| Student–Teacher Ratio | 9:1 |
| Campus Size | 34 acres |
| School Colors | Green & White |
| Accreditation | AISNE, NEASC |
| Age Range | ~4 to 14 years |
The Park School Rankings
| Category | Ranking / Recognition |
|---|---|
| Overall Niche Grade | A+ (top private elementary/middle schools) |
| Tuition & Financial Aid | 23% of families receive financial aid |
| Best Private Schools in MA (K-8) | Among top tiers |
The Park School Academics
The Park School Faculties / Departments
- English / Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- World Languages
- Arts (Visual, Music, Theater)
- Physical Education & Health
- Innovation & Technology
- Library & Media
- Student Support & Counseling
The Park School Courses and Programs / Majors
As a K–8 school, Park does not offer majors but provides a broad curriculum: reading and writing workshops, mathematics including problem solving and number theory, inquiry-based science, social studies with project learning, language exposure (often Spanish), arts electives, woodshop or maker studio, integrated technology and coding, physical education and wellness, and advisory or community programs fostering leadership and character.
Online Learning
Park integrates technology into the classroom for assignments, research, and collaboration, but is fundamentally an in-person school. In exceptional circumstances (weather, health issues, etc.), remote instruction is used to maintain continuity. The school’s philosophy prioritizes face-to-face engagement while using digital tools as supplements rather than replacing core instruction.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Performance / Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Standardized Assessments | Students often score well above district averages in mathematics and literacy |
| Assessment Growth | Many students demonstrate year-to-year growth beyond expected grade-level benchmarks |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a PreK–8 institution, the idea of “graduation” applies when students transition to high school; nearly 100% of Park students move on to competitive secondary schools. Retention across grade levels is strong due to the continuity of culture, community, and academic support that encourages families to remain at Park through middle grades.
The Park School Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Park does not require GPA or standardized test results for admission, as many applicants are in elementary or middle grades. Admissions decisions focus more on interviews, assessments, and fit with the school’s learning culture.
The Park School Acceptance Rate
| Year | Acceptance / Admission Mode |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Selective admissions with interview and assessment for upper grades |
The Park School Application Requirements
Prospective families submit an application, transcripts or school reports (for matriculating students), teacher recommendations, and complete an interview or assessment meeting. For lower grades, the process may include parent interviews and classroom visits. The school seeks students whose curiosity, work ethic, and values align with Park’s mission.
Application Process
- Submit application during open enrollment period
- Provide school reports or transcripts (if applicable)
- Complete family interview and student assessment
- Receive admissions decision
- Confirm enrollment and attend orientation
The Park School Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | When |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | Early January |
| Assessment / Interviews | Late January – February |
| Admission Decisions | March |
| Enrollment Confirmation | Early spring |
Essay Prompt
In upper or applying grades, students may be asked to write a brief reflection on a time they were curious, took a risk, or learned through challenge. The prompt encourages insight into the student’s approach to learning and growth.
The Park School Scholarships
Park provides need-based financial assistance to a percentage of families (about 23%). Aid is awarded through evaluation of financial need and aims to make Park accessible to diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Park School Tuition and Fees
| Grade Level | Tuition (2024–2025 approximate) |
|---|---|
| PreK – Grade 8 | $58,070 (for highest grade) |
The Park School Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Students at Park range in age from about 4 to 14. Gender distribution is approximately balanced. The student body includes families from across the Boston metro area, with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, bringing a variety of experiences and perspectives to the community.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Park supports families through financial aid to facilitate socioeconomic diversity. Students with learning differences receive accommodations and differentiated instruction within classroom settings to support success.
Student Body
| Category | Value / Approximation |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~540 |
| International Students | Minimal / dependent on family relocations |
University Diversity
Park embraces diversity as a strength. Its commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging is woven into admissions, curriculum, faculty hiring, and community culture. Students are encouraged to explore multiple viewpoints, develop empathy, and engage in respectful dialogue. The school holds programs and conversations about identity, equity, and justice at age-appropriate levels. By fostering an environment in which children from different backgrounds learn together, Park prepares them for a world where cross-cultural understanding is essential. This diverse community enhances learning by allowing students to see connections across multiple lived experiences, thereby deepening critical thinking and collaboration.
Average Earnings
As a PreK–8 school, Park does not track alumni earnings. However, many graduates proceed to rigorous secondary schools, which often correlate with strong eventual educational and career outcomes. The foundation in inquiry, discipline, and character at Park aims to position students for long-term success and adaptability in the future workforce.
The Park School Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Park employs a strong faculty of dedicated teachers, many of whom hold advanced degrees. The staff includes specialists in arts, technology, learning support, counseling, and library/media. The student–teacher ratio allows for meaningful relationships and personalized learning.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Many faculty members at Park are recognized for their expertise in progressive education, inquiry-based instruction, arts integration, and community engagement. Some have led curriculum innovations, published pedagogical work, or contributed to professional networks in independent schooling. Their achievements support Park’s reputation for excellence in PreK–8 education.
The Park School Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Park is a day school without on-campus housing. Its 34-acre campus includes classrooms, science labs, woodshop/maker spaces, art studios, performance halls, athletic fields, and wooded natural areas. Student life includes athletics, visual arts, performing arts, after-school programs, advisory, service learning, and community events that enrich the school experience beyond academic work.
Transportation
Transportation to Park is managed by families, regional bus providers, or contracted private services. The school provides drop-off and pickup zones and helps facilitate efficient routes. Because Park draws families city-wide, flexibility in commute options is key. The campus design supports safe pedestrian flow and ease of access between buildings, ensuring students can move comfortably between academic, arts, and outdoor spaces.