International School of Boston vs The Newman School

	I International School of Boston Boston, United States	T The Newman School Boston, United States
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year $29,500 - 51,260	Fees / year $44,500 - 78,500
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 12 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum, French Curriculum	Curriculum IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 575	Pupils 265
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language French, English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1962	Opened 1945
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location ISB is located at 45 Matignon Road, Cambridge, MA 02140. The historic Cambridge campus sits at the Cambridge–Somerville–Arlington border, minutes from downtown Boston. MBTA bus stops are within walking distance and two nearby Red Line stations (Alewife and Davis Square) are accessible on foot. ISB provides two bus options: its Private Bus Service and Cambridge Public Schools bus service for Cambridge residents.	Location 247 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA 02116.
Stages	Stages Preschool through Grade 12	Stages Grades 7-12
School type	School type Independent, non-profit private day school	School type Independent boarding school (private) for grades 7-12
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Total nationalities represented: 32. Nationality breakdown: United States 68%, France 23%, other nationalities 9%.	Pupil nationality mix 40 countries represented; 18% international students; 23 languages spoken.
Additional learning support	Additional learning support ISB provides Inclusive Learning and related student support services, including guidance, advisory programs, and access to health and wellness resources.	Additional learning support Student Success Center
Country affiliation	Country affiliation France (French Baccalaureate program homologué by the French Ministry of Education; ISB is connected to AEFE and related French education networks)	Country affiliation United States
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Upper School schedules start at 8:00 AM and end between 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on course selection.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details ISB offers two private bus routes via a transportation partner; Cambridge Public Schools bus service is available for Cambridge residents; campus is served by MBTA bus lines 87, 88, and 89 and is near Alewife and Davis Square stations.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Annual tuition by grade (2026–2027 academic year) - Half-Day Preschool (Toute Petite Section and Pre-K only, mornings only): USD 29,500. - Preschool (TPS, Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: USD 36,880. - Lower School (Grades 1–5): USD 40,770. - Middle School (Grades 6–8): USD 43,000. - Upper School (Grades 9–12): USD 51,260. Application / admission charges - Matriculation fee (one-time, non-refundable, not applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 for the first new student; USD 1,500 for the second child; USD 1,000 for any additional children. - Annual re-enrollment deposit (non-refundable, applied toward tuition): USD 2,000 per student. Tuition payment schedule and payment terms (dates shown are the stated due dates for the 2026–2027 cycle) - Option 1: Payment of tuition in full by June 5, 2026. - Option 2: Two installments — 60% of the annual tuition due by June 5, 2026, and the remaining 40% due by November 5, 2026. Example amounts by grade under Option 2: - Half-Day Preschool: 60% = USD 17,700; 40% = USD 11,800. - Preschool & K: 60% = USD 22,128; 40% = USD 14,752. - Lower School: 60% = USD 24,462; 40% = USD 16,308. - Middle School: 60% = USD 25,800; 40% = USD 17,200. - Upper School: 60% = USD 30,756; 40% = USD 20,504. - Option 3: Ten monthly installments (June 2026 through March 2027). Monthly payment examples (annual tuition divided by 10) plus a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed by Veracross: - Half-Day Preschool: USD 2,950 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Preschool & K: USD 3,688 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Lower School: USD 4,077 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Middle School: USD 4,300 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - Upper School: USD 5,126 per month (plus USD 40 annual Veracross fee). - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are completed through the school's Veracross billing system. Methods of payment accepted include checking/savings accounts drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, and credit cards. Additional and recurring charges (typical items billed separately or based on participation) - Textbooks / media (Grades 6–12) and examination fees (Grades 11–12) are billed separately. Typical estimates: Grades 6–10 average ~USD 350 per year; Grades 11–12 (French Baccalaureate) ~USD 500 per year; International Baccalaureate fees up to ~USD 1,000 covering two years. - Examination fee estimates: Grade 11 (French program) registration ~USD 280; Grade 12 (French program) registration ~USD 340 plus ~USD 270 for the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI); Grade 12 (IB DP) ~USD 750 total. - Global Learning Program (overnight and curriculum trips) anticipated fees (cover transportation and accommodations when applicable): Grades 1–2: USD 300; Grades 3–4: USD 500; Grade 5: USD 1,200; Grades 6–8: USD 1,000. Grade 9 and Grade 12 GLP costs are covered by the school; Grades 10–11 GLP fee: USD 400. - Extended day / after-school: Garderie (TPS through Grade 5) USD 14.00 per hour; Middle School study hall USD 15.00 per hour or an annual flat fee of USD 900. - Extracurricular activities and overnight trips are billed based on participation; Upper School varsity teams carry no participation cost. - Private ISB bus service and the hot lunch program are optional and billed upon participation. The hot lunch program is provided by an external catering company and is billed separately. Boarding / homestay (where offered by the school) - ISB Housing Program (host-family room and board, supervised by ISB) for Upper School international and domestic students: USD 25,000 for room and board from August 25, 2026 to June 30, 2027. This fee includes day field trips, the ISB lunch program, a monthly public transportation pass, the yearbook, and, if applicable, the new student orientation program in August. Uniforms and other school supplies - Preschool (Pre-K, Mid-K) and Kindergarten: supplies included in the listed tuition. - Lower School: all supplies included in the listed tuition. - Textbooks and media for Grades 6–12 are billed separately (see textbook estimates above). Uniform costs (where applicable) and personal supplies vary and are generally family-paid; extracurricular equipment, travel clothing, and optional program materials are billed separately when required. Refunds and non-refundable items - The matriculation fee is one-time and non-refundable. - The annual re-enrollment deposit is non-refundable but is applied toward tuition. - Other refund specifics for tuition installments or program fees are not listed in the school's tuition summary document; the only explicitly stated non-refundable items are the matriculation fee and the re-enrollment deposit. Fee payment channels and administrative notes - All matriculation fees, re-enrollment deposits, and tuition payments are processed through Veracross. - Accepted payment methods: checking/savings account drawn on a U.S. bank, wire transfer, or credit card. - The ten-month payment plan carries a yearly flat administrative fee of USD 40 billed via Veracross.	Fee details Application fees - The school does not publish a separate, school-specific application fee on its admissions pages; applications are submitted through Ravenna or SAO. Deposit - Enrollment deposit: USD 3,000 due upon signing the enrollment contract for new families; for returning families the deposit is due no later than March 1 for the following school year. The deposit is deducted from total tuition and is non-refundable. Tuition fees (annual) by student type and year group - Domestic day students (Grades 7–Postgraduate): USD 36,000 per year. - International day students (F‑1 applicants, must live with parent(s)): USD 44,000 per year, plus an International Fee of USD 8,000 for F‑1 visa holders. - Boarding (Grades 9–Postgraduate) — U.S. residency: USD 72,000 per year. - Boarding (Grades 9–Postgraduate) — International residency (F‑1): USD 72,000 per year plus an International Fee of USD 8,000. - Student Success Center (Tier 3 support, where applicable): USD 8,000 (additional). Fees and recurring charges (other mandatory and common costs) - Activity fee: USD 500 per year. - Student debit account / incidentals: USD 500 required on enrollment (this account covers field trips, sports charges, and other incidental charges); families are also charged a USD 500 fee at the start of each school year for incidentals accrued throughout the year. - 11th Grade IB resources (Year 1): USD 350 (one-time). - 12th Grade IB resources, testing and graduation fees (Year 2): USD 750 (one-time). - Books and course materials: approximately USD 500 per year (students must supply a personal computer; computers are not included in tuition). - Optional costs not included in tuition: international or optional field trips, some athletic equipment, optional sports fees, and optional club fees. - International students are required to maintain health insurance; boarding includes enrollment in TeleHealth with One Medical as part of boarding services. Billing schedule and payment terms - Deposit: USD 3,000 due at contract signing for new families and no later than March 1 for returning families; deducted from tuition and non-refundable. - Domestic families (U.S. citizens or holders of non‑F‑1 visas/Green Cards) have two standard payment options: - One Payment Plan: pay 100% of tuition no later than May 1. - Multiple Payment Plan: equal-percentage installments spread up to September 1; available installment start dates include April 1, May 1, June 1, July 1, August 1, and September 1 (number of payments depends on enrollment date). - International families (F‑1 visa holders) must pay 100% of tuition upon contract signing and enrollment; I‑20 issuance is completed after payment, passport photo and proof of health insurance are submitted. Boarding-specific notes - Boarding tuition includes dormitory services; TeleHealth with One Medical is included in boarding costs. International boarding students must have health insurance in addition to any coverage included in boarding. Expected boarding capacity and dormitory locations are published in school materials. Refund information - The enrollment deposit (USD 3,000) is explicitly non-refundable and is applied toward the total tuition. Other refund terms for tuition or fees are governed by the enrollment contract and school billing policies. Payment methods and billing contact - The school accepts bank/wire transfers for tuition and deposits (Flywire is provided as a payment channel for tuition/deposit wires). Families should coordinate billing and payment details with the School Business Manager. Billing questions may be directed to the School Business Manager, Marta O'Malley, at 617‑267‑4530 x113. Summary of what tuition does not include - Personal computer, annual books (~USD 500), optional international/extra field trips, select athletic equipment, optional sports fees, and optional club fees.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements Homestay Program for international students in Grades 9 through 12; students stay with local families for the duration of their enrollment; fee-for-service arrangement.	Boarding arrangements Urban boarding is offered at The Newman School. Boarding students live in Keefe House, a restored townhouse on Newbury Street in Back Bay, two blocks from the main academic building. Residential faculty provide 24/7 supervision and support, creating a safe, welcoming home away from home for a globally diverse community within walking distance to museums, universities, and cultural life.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Students do not have to wear uniforms, but each division has its own dress code.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options Lunch is provided by an outside food vendor; all students have a full hour for lunch and recess every day; students may bring their own lunch; families are responsible for providing snacks.	Food options The Newman School Cafe is located in the dorm hall. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided Monday through Friday; brunch and dinner are provided on weekends. Meals are prepared with health, nutrition, and dietary restrictions in mind, and food is available at night in dorm common areas.
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Governance is by a Board of Trustees.	Governance and ownership The Newman School is an independent private school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Head of School is an ex officio member of the board. The Board includes roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details ISB is a bilingual French-English school. From Maternelle through Upper School, the curriculum offers two internationally recognized diplomas: the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) taught in English. The Elementary/Maternelle program teaches in French and English; in Maternelle the French Ministry of Education curriculum is combined with Massachusetts Common Core Preschool and Kindergarten standards; Lower School has accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize either language and to pursue IB or French Baccalaureate tracks. In Upper School, students choose between the French Baccalaureate or IB, with additional language options including Spanish, German, and Mandarin.	Curriculum details The International Baccalaureate pedagogy is at the core of The Newman School's curriculum. The program begins in Grade 7 and continues through Grade 12, with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 7–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. By Grade 11, students choose one of three academic paths, all leading to the Newman High School Diploma. Newman Diploma: students take a minimum of five classes in 11th and 12th grades, which can be IB DP courses or a mix of IB DP and non-IB electives, and may include the IB Core. IB Diploma: six DP courses over two years, with 3–4 at Higher Level (HL) and the remainder at Standard Level (SL); the DP Core comprises Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS); Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Course groups include Studies in Language and Literature (English), Language Acquisition (French, Latin, Spanish), Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio 6:1
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression ISB's College Counseling Office supports students with higher education planning across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and parts of the Middle East and Asia. ISB students matriculate to many of the nation's and the world's top colleges and universities, with geographically diverse matriculation the most in New England.	Higher education progression The Newman School offers a robust college counseling program with experienced counselors and extensive college resources. The program includes 65+ American and international college representative visits to Newman. Recent college acceptances span many leading universities, including Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Tufts University, University of Michigan, University of Toronto, Princeton University, and other global institutions.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning Learning is a dynamic and holistic process that develops social-emotional skills, study skills, and learning habits.	Social & emotional learning The Newman School emphasizes a community where students develop a sense of belonging and personal growth through a supportive environment.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) The Newman School provides services to support student success (SEN-related supports are integrated into the school program).
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school teaches bilingual instruction in English and French; Preschool through Kindergarten explore both languages, and Middle School courses are offered in French or English with schedules that emphasize one language to support bilingual proficiency.	English as an additional language The Newman School includes students from many countries, reflecting an international community and language diversity.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is embedded in the school's mission and culture, with emphasis on empathy, respect, open-mindedness, and resilience; inclusive community and service activities further support student wellbeing.	Mental wellbeing The Newman School fosters student well-being through its community culture and student support structures.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding The Newman School maintains safeguarding and child protection policies as part of its student welfare commitments.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview An historic Cambridge campus anchors the International School of Boston's facilities. The campus features dedicated Libraries for each division, a large gymnasium and a Media Center, two playgrounds, shared outdoor athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for the visual and performing arts. The Media Center for Middle & Upper Schools is on the 4th floor of Building 3, the Lower School Library is on the 1st floor of Building 3, and the Maternelle Library is in Building 4. Middle School science labs support hands‑on learning as part of a bilingual program. The campus is accessible by foot or bike, with MBTA stops and school transportation options nearby.	Facilities overview The Newman School uses Boston as its campus, with access to athletic facilities throughout the city. The main campus is in Back Bay at 247 Marlborough Street in Boston. The City is Our Campus approach means learning happens beyond the classroom through partnerships with city venues and community organizations. The school leverages a network of athletic facilities across Boston to support its programs, including EBERSOL FIELD (Lederman Park), Huntington YMCA, The Track at New Balance, Community Rowing, Community Boating, The Edge Sports Center, and Winchester Indoor Tennis Club.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities ISB has a large gymnasium on campus used by students across divisions. There are shared outdoor athletic fields available for team practices and games. ISB offers interscholastic teams in soccer and volleyball in the fall, fencing and basketball in the winter, and volleyball and ultimate frisbee in the spring, for both Middle and Upper School students. Club sports provide exposure to additional activities including archery, badminton, fencing, flag football, indoor soccer, running, table tennis, and more. Through a partnership with AEFE, students compete in AEFE‑sponsored tournaments in volleyball, basketball, and soccer.	Sports facilities Newman students train and compete across multiple city venues. Athletic facilities include EBERSOL FIELD (Lederman Park) in Boston, Huntington YMCA, The Track at New Balance, Community Rowing, Community Boating, The Edge Sports Center, and Winchester Indoor Tennis Club, enabling participation in a range of sports and activities.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities ISB provides three on‑campus libraries to support academic work: the Media Center for Middle & Upper School on Building 3's 4th floor, the Lower School Library on Building 3's 1st floor, and the Maternelle Library in Building 4. Middle School science classes include regular time in the school's science labs for hands‑on activities. Middle School language of instruction is bilingual, with classes taught in French or English. The libraries offer Follett Destiny catalog, ebooks through Sora, and Gale databases including The Boston Globe and The New York Times. There are dedicated spaces for the visual and performing arts to support academic and creative work.	Academic facilities The Newman School offers a Newman Diploma and an International Baccalaureate Diploma. The IB Diploma features six DP courses with the Core of Creativity, Activity, Service; Theory of Knowledge; and the Extended Essay. Language offerings include French, Latin, and Spanish as part of the DP course selection. The Newman curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning within IB pedagogy, supported by a robust library program that connects with the Boston Public Library system to provide extensive research resources.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Preschool through Grade 5 participate in seasonal arts clubs such as Charcoal Drawing, Dance, Digital Arts, Discovery of Music, and Violin/Viola Ensemble, with Open Chorus and private music lessons available. Middle School offers Drama Club and Rock Band, plus seasonal clubs in Photography, Digital Art, Makerspace/Crochet, and Guitar. Upper School provides opportunities in Rock Band, Theater, and Studio Art, with continued access to private lessons. ISB Radio, a web‑based program launched in 2021, gives students a platform to produce content, practice language skills, and share projects. Arts events and traditions include Arts & Design Night and the MaMA (Maternelle Museum of Art).	Extra curricular facilities The Newman School offers a broad range of clubs and activities, including Acapella/Music, American Sign Language, Anime/Manga/Digital Art, Book Discussion, Chess, Creative Writing, Computer Programming, Debate, Environmental, Film and Media, Gender Equity, Junior Achievement, Makers, Math, Math and Science, Model UN, NASA, Newsman (Newspaper), Peer Tutoring, Photography, Robotics, Social Justice, and Yearbook. Clubs and activities reflect student interests and may meet daily or weekly, with students encouraged to propose and develop new initiatives.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History ISB began in 1962 as a French bilingual kindergarten in a house basement and quickly expanded into a bilingual elementary school. In 1983, the school moved to the Parmenter School building in Arlington. A Middle School opened in 1997 in the Almshouse in Cambridge through a partnership with the Archdiocese of Boston, and the Upper School began in 1999, with the first graduating class earning the French Baccalaureate in 2001. ISB purchased the Almshouse in 2005, and in 2019 expanded Cambridge's campus footprint to include Maternelle, previously located in Arlington, through a long-term lease with the Archdiocese of Boston. Since 2005 the historic building at 45 Matignon Road in Cambridge has been ISB's campus home.	History The Newman School was founded in 1945 by the late Dr. J. Harry Lynch and a group of colleagues, all alumni of Boston College. Naming the school after John Henry Cardinal Newman, the founders started out by educating young men returning from military service at the end of World War II, and gradually expanded to serve young men and women in their high school years. The school is located in Boston's Back Bay and offers a liberal arts education with an International Baccalaureate option alongside a traditional high school diploma. The Newman School celebrates over 75 years of operation in the heart of Back Bay, Boston.
Community	Community ISB serves nearly 600 students from more than 425 families, reflecting a diverse, global community. Community is central to ISB's identity, with families connected through bilingual, international education, traditions, and relationships that make ISB a sense of home. The school's community highlights include the OneISB Parent Network, school-wide Events & Traditions, and connections to Boston's French cultural networks, enriching the bilingual environment for families. ISB's community fosters engagement across divisions and backgrounds through parent involvement and partnerships within Boston's Francophone landscape.	Community 265 students (grades 7-12) attend Newman. The school draws students from 40 countries, with 18% international students and 23 languages spoken at home. There are 30 clubs and activities and a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Cultural events include Lunar New Year celebrations and the Festival of Light.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association OneISB Parent Network, ISB's parent association, aims to build a sense of community among ISB's nearly 800 parents. The network operates on three pillars—Community Events, Parent Connect, and Volunteer Opportunities—to keep families connected, informed, and involved throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities span weekly Bread Sales (a school tradition supporting OneISB events), the Gala Planning Committee (a major fundraiser for the Annual Fund), and the Spring International Picnic Planning Committee, among others. Additional roles include handling the Best of Boston Guide for relocating families, Admissions Ambassador activities, and room parent support across divisions. ISB provides contact channels and details for involvement through the network's dedicated pages and staff contacts.	Parent teacher association There is a Parents' Association for Newman families. Joining is done via the Parents' Association registration, with New Student & Parent Orientation part of the process. Admissions events include Open Houses and Coffee Talks where current families meet with the admissions team. Parent volunteers participate in Newman events and engagement opportunities.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual Career exploration is available through the Grade 10 Work Observation Program, and an Upper School Career Fair connects students with parents and alumni to explore paths after high school. The Global Learning Program provides travel opportunities via Academic Exchange Programs and Culture & Curriculum Trips. Student-led clubs span many subjects, including Ambassadors, Advanced German, Astronomy, BioBuilder, Chess, Creative Writing, Film, Finance, Model UN, and more. Weekly Assembly and the Student Council support leadership development and community engagement beyond the classroom.	Academic & intellectual International Baccalaureate pedagogy is at the core of The Newman School's curriculum. Interdisciplinary learning fosters agency, a strong sense of self, and a global mindset. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and international-mindedness across middle and upper school.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Art is introduced across all grades through age-appropriate visual and performing arts courses, with seasonal or year-long clubs and private lessons in Visual and Performing Arts. Middle School offers Drama Club, Rock Band, French Theater Company, and Studio Art. Performance & Club opportunities for Preschool–Grade 5 include Seasonal Clubs and Open Chorus, with private music lessons available. Arts events include Arts & Design Night, MaMA (Musée d'Art de la Maternelle), and the Grade 12 Art Exhibition as part of IB Visual Arts.	Arts & creative The Newman School offers arts across visual arts, music, film, and theater. The Arts at Newman include Visual Arts, Music, Film, and Theater; Let Yourself Shine showcases videos created by Newman students.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The Global Learning Program is the cornerstone of student life, combining local, national, and international experiences and strengthening language skills. Travel opportunities fall into Curriculum & Culture trips, Academic Exchanges, and AEFE Partnerships. AEFE Partnerships enable participation in AEFE-sponsored tournaments and events, and ISB hosts AEFE events. Middle School SEP topics include Japanese Culture, and language-focused clubs such as Advanced German are offered.	Cultural & language American Sign Language is among the clubs offered. The Newman School serves students from 40 countries and 23 languages are spoken among the student body; 265 students (Grades 7-12) participate in a diverse, global community.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies ISB Middle School offers after-school clubs and athletics, expanding opportunities for social and intellectual engagement. Clubs include Archery, Art, Chess, Chorus and Select Singers, Jazz/Rock Band, Model United Nations, Movie Making, Private Music Lessons, Sailing, Soccer, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Yearbook, and more. Clubs run after school Monday through Friday, with some Saturday options, and are supervised by ISB faculty or approved partners. Interscholastic and club sports are offered across fall, winter, and spring.	Social & hobbies Clubs and activities reflect current student interests; they may meet daily or weekly, and students are encouraged to propose, create, and develop their passions. Clubs include Acapella/Music Practice, American Sign Language, Anime/Manga/Digital Art, Book Discussion, Chess, Creative Writing, Computer Programming, Debate, Environmental, Film and Media, Gender Equity, Junior Achievement, Makers, Math, Math and Science, Model UN, Music Creation, NASA, Newsman, Peer Tutoring, Photography, Robotics, Social Justice, and Yearbook.
Community & service	Community & service Upper School has an active Community Service Club that engages with the local community through service projects and fundraising. IB students participate in service-learning and partner with organizations such as Groundwork Somerville, Alewife Biodiversity and Pollinator Garden, Mystic River Watershed Association, Food for Free, Food Link, and Cradles to Crayons. Middle School's Community Service Day involves students and faculty delivering services to the community, with projects and presentations about partner organizations.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Upper School features a Student Council with student-elected officers. Grade 10 offers a Work Observation Program and an Upper School Career Fair to help students explore futures. ISB encourages student leadership through a wide range of student-led clubs, created by students and supported by faculty. Clubs include Ambassadors, Advanced German, Model UN, and other leadership-focused activities.	Leadership & professional Model UN and Junior Achievement are among the clubs that provide leadership and entrepreneurship experiences. The Newman School emphasizes student-led clubs and mentors, and students are encouraged to take initiative, lead projects, and develop professional skills.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The athletics program promotes sportsmanship, competition, physical fitness, and lifelong wellness. Upper and Middle School students participate in interscholastic teams and club sports across fall, winter, and spring, including soccer, basketball, fencing, volleyball, and more. Club sports provide exposure to new activities in a non-competitive environment. Traditions such as the Cambridge Cup and International Cup highlight ISB's athletic culture.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics are an integral part of Newman life; teams compete in the Massachusetts Bay Independent League and the Girls' Independent League. Athletics foster teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. The neighborhood around Newman provides a wealth of activities for students to enjoy and explore in Boston.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision ISB teaches French and English as core languages across all grades; Spanish, German, and Mandarin are available as electives. In Maternelle, about 75% of the day is in French, with English interwoven. Lower School is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with options to emphasize one language and to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin; Upper School offers the French Baccalaureate or the IB Diploma, with continued access to Spanish, German, or Mandarin alongside French.	Language provision French, Latin, and Spanish offered in Language Acquisition. The Newman School emphasizes language learning within the IB framework, with the IB Learner Profile highlighting Communicators who express themselves in more than one language. The Newman community is linguistically diverse, with 23 languages spoken among students.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching ISB provides bilingual instruction in French and English across all grade levels. Maternelle and Lower School teach in both languages, with Lower School holding accreditation from the French Ministry of Education. In Middle School, classes are taught in French and English, with students able to emphasize one language and to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin. In Upper School, students may pursue the French Baccalaureate or the International Baccalaureate (IB), with additional language study in Spanish, German, or Mandarin alongside French.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs ISB uses a bilingual immersion model from Maternelle through Upper School. Maternelle has about 75% of the day taught in French. Lower School maintains bilingual instruction in French and English and is accredited by the French Ministry of Education. Middle School and Upper School continue bilingual delivery, with options to add Spanish, German, or Mandarin.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS; NAIS; NEASC; IB; AISNE; AFSA; HDMFS; MLF; AEFE	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions ISB has four steps in its admissions process: Inquire, Visit, Apply, Enroll. Step 1 Inquire: complete a brief inquiry form to join the mailing list and hear about upcoming ISB events. Step 2 Visit: ISB offers campus tours, on-campus and virtual Open House events, Secondary School Shadow Days, and virtual campus visits; local families are encouraged to participate in on-campus programming. Step 3 Apply: applications are submitted online through Ravenna with no application fee; priority review is given to applications received by January 15; siblings of current students receive priority if their application is submitted by December 15; January 15 is the application deadline for priority review and the financial aid deadline. Step 4 Enroll: decisions are released by March 10; enrollment confirmations are due by April 10; ISB accepts applications year-round depending on space and student qualifications; applicants admitted after April 10 will have one week to respond to an offer of admission. Application materials vary by grade (Preschool & Kindergarten, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School) with language considerations and testing requirements as described.	Admissions Step 1: Two diploma options are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB DP) and The Newman Diploma. The Newman Diploma mixes high-level and standard-level courses with requirements outside of coursework, including the extended essay and creativity, action and service. The IB pedagogy informs the curriculum, and students strive to embody the IB learner profile (inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, reflective). Step 2: AP courses are not offered, but students may take AP exams alongside their IB work. All applicants must submit results from a standardized test; accepted options include the HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, PSAT, ACT, or SAT. Candidates whose primary language is not English may also submit English proficiency test results; the Duolingo English Test is preferred, though TOEFL and IELTS are also accepted. Step 3: Applications have two deadlines: Priority Applications due December 5, 2025; Standard Applications due January 31, 2026; Financial Aid Applications due January 15, 2026. Decision release dates are December 12, 2025 for Priority and March 10, 2026 for Standard and Financial Aid. To apply, click the Apply button at the bottom of any page; inquiries, visits, and applications are handled through the My Newman Ravenna hub (Inquire, Visit, Apply). Step 4: The Newman School has 260 students in grades 7–12/PG; 25–30 students in grades 7–8 and 45–60 students in grades 9–12/PG. Boarding is available; the school announced the purchase of 300 Newbury St. for a dormitory for the 2025–2026 year, with an anticipated 50–60 boarding students, offering both 5-day and 7-day options, and two dorms on Beacon Street with live-in dorm parents.
Scholarships	Scholarships ISB offers financial aid based on demonstrated need. The financial aid application is separate from the admission application and uses Clarity; deadlines are returning families December 15, 2025 and new families January 15, 2026. Awards are grants (not loans) and are based on demonstrated need and available funding; awards may cover tuition and other costs such as books, transportation, clubs, and exam fees. Returning families' aid is typically released with reenrollment in February 2026; new families' aid is released with the admissions decision and enrollment contract on March 10, 2026. Financial aid awards are renewable with annual reapplication. Financial aid is not available for students requiring an I-20 or who participate in ISB's homestay program. ISB may offer French government scholarships (Bourses Scolaires Françaises) for eligible French citizens, and the ISB Financial Aid Program may supplement government funding. The school also offers a ten-month payment plan for families in the financial aid program.	Scholarships The Newman School provides financial aid; approximately 40% of students receive financial aid. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated financial need, with families completing the Clarity application via The Family Application Guide. Financial aid decisions are made in tandem with admissions, with renewal grants prioritized; families must reapply annually using Clarity. Financial aid funds come from the school's operating budget, foundation grants, and major donors.
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