Explore CSW
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.
The Cambridge School of Weston's longstanding dedication to—and leadership in—progressive education is what sets us apart. Here are some of the highlights of our program...
UNIQUE MODEL
Our academic program, known as “The Mod System,” offers breadth, depth, and intensity you won’t find at any other school. Creative thinking and the willingness to take risks are essential to our course of study. Students take three immersive, inquiry-based academic courses at a time so they can truly dive in and get the most out of each class. Each mod is six weeks long, and there are six mods across the school year.
Commitment to Social Justice
CSW has always been known for its enduring commitment to social justice. In fact, we were the first high school in the country to introduce a social justice graduation requirement. PACE, our co-curricular program, expands that commitment, delivering a comprehensive, integrated approach to social justice, service learning, and leadership and character development.
Dynamic Curriculum
With over 250 courses to choose from, our dynamic curriculum offers an engaging combination of challenge and choice. Students balance engaging foundational courses with exploration and in-depth study as they choose from offerings like: "Propositional Calculus and Logic," "The Biology of Cancer," "Wearable Art," "Japanese Women Writers," and "Dissent in World History."
Vibrant Community
Our vibrant community is made up of accomplished students and faculty, all deeply motivated to learn, teach, and lead. We recognize the potential of every human being, and are committed to helping each student cultivate their unique voice and perspective. Values like diversity, equity, empathy, and inclusion are core to who we are. At CSW, you can be who you want to be.
Intentional Boarding/Day Ratio
The intentional size of our Residential Life program offers substantial benefits for day and boarding students alike. With close access to Boston and Cambridge, boarding students enjoy a culturally rich learning experience while also having the opportunity to build close-knit relationships with their roommates and dorm parents; this is a community where every student is seen and known. Extended access to campus buildings and faculty and a non-existent commute time allow more time for the things that matter.
At the same time, our day students get to experience a level of diversity you just can't find at a day school, with classmates and friends from around the world. With our open campus, it's easy to pop by school and grab that textbook you forgot, meet your advisor for breakfast before class, or stay for dinner after your soccer game. On top of that, we offer over 150 weekend activities each year that are open to both day and boarding students and are included in tuition.
At the same time, our day students get to experience a level of diversity you just can't find at a day school, with classmates and friends from around the world. With our open campus, it's easy to pop by school and grab that textbook you forgot, meet your advisor for breakfast before class, or stay for dinner after your soccer game. On top of that, we offer over 150 weekend activities each year that are open to both day and boarding students and are included in tuition.
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.