Derby Academy offers contemporary techniques and over two centuries of educational excellence

Derby Academy is widely recognized as a leader in independent school education on the South Shore. Founded in 1784, it is the oldest co-educational day school in New England. Located about a half-hour outside of Boston on a beautiful 27-seven acre campus adjacent to Broad Cove in Hingham, Mass., the academy’s community is composed of 330 students from pre-kindergarten through grade eight, as well as 70 faculty and staff members who work together to realize the goals of the school’s motto: “Improve both mind and soul.”

A small school community like Derby’s is an ideal environment in which to foster a child’s love of learning, natural curiosity and active participation. It is impossible for children to hide from challenges or to be overlooked in the kind of intimate classrooms found at the school. The close relationships between teachers and students allow for even subtle indicators of progress or difficulty to be noticed, meaning that teachers can adjust the level of challenge they offer each child to ensure that all students are guided toward high achievement in preparation for secondary school and beyond.

All students are required to engage in co-curricular activities to help them discover their talents. Athletics, plays, music, field trips, group projects and community service all help students learn the value of cooperation and the importance of reaching beyond themselves to build relationships with others, while at the same time honoring the intrinsic worth of all people. While appreciating individual talent and results, the school places the highest value on teamwork, fair play, respect and persistence.

Derby provides daily van service to and from Boston. The van driver, John McClain, a local artist and framer, has extensive experience working with youth through programs such as the Boston Neighborhood Basketball League, Project RISE and Derby’s own Summer Arts program, in which he teaches sports and visual art.

To learn more about Derby Academy, please call 781-749-0746, ext. 46 or visit www.derbyacademy.org.