We believe in the power of our approach to be transformative.
The Cambridge School of Weston has been at the forefront of educational innovation since our founding in 1886. Our progressive pedagogy is rooted in the student-centered philosophy of John Dewey, who advocated active, experiential learning within a curriculum designed to accommodate the interests of individual students. In his eyes—and ours—education is not simply the acquisition of content and proficiency. It’s also a way for students to develop and refine the skills required to become informed, engaged, and effective participants in a democratic society. We believe that the world needs such citizens—individuals who not only have technical competence and skill, but who are also awake to their unique talents and who have developed ways to bring their distinctive skills and perspectives to what the world will ask of them.
Our program develops students’ abilities to explore and engage with curiosity, courage, self-awareness, discipline, open-mindedness, and a sense of personal responsibility. Purposeful classroom experiences and assessments allow students to develop and practice independent thinking, critical analysis, imaginative problem-solving, productive collaboration, and constructive risk-taking. Our curriculum uses primary resources and multiple perspectives, and emphasizes our commitment to human rights and social justice. We value creative process and challenge our students to push beyond perceived limitations and to make their work personally meaningful.
CSW Quick Facts
310 students in grades 9-12, with approximately 70% day students and 30% boarding students.
Students come from 65 Massachusetts communities, from 15 states, and 15 countries outside of the United States.
Average class size is 12 to 15.
Student to Teacher ratio is 7 to 1.
40% of our teaching faculty and 28% of our students identify as people of color.
40% of our teaching faculty and 28% of our students identify as people of color.
We offer more than 250 courses through our innovative Module System.
80% of our teaching faculty hold advanced degrees. They are published authors, accomplished artists and musicians, and respected scholars in their field of study.
CSW is located on 65 acres of wooded campus, about 12 miles outside of Boston.
I have learned the value of thoughtful connection.
"My time at CSW has put me on a journey to become a conscientious global citizen. With classes that delve into some of the most pertinent issues of our time, I have learned the value of thoughtful connection, and how to interact and connect with people whose identities may be different from my own."
— James, Cambridge, MA
Meet CSW Students
Accreditation and Affiliations
The Cambridge School of Weston is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and its affiliations include:
- The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- The Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE)
- The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
- A Better Chance
- Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools (ACCIS)
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC)
- The College Board
- Secondary School Admission Test Board (SSATB)
The Cambridge School of Weston welcomes the perspectives of different ethnicities, races, classes, religions, and sexual orientations that enhance our mutual understanding. Our respect for the unique gifts of each community member provides a safe environment where all can grow.
The Cambridge School of Weston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.