Derby Academy Photo #6 - State-of-the-art facilities, like the Healey Family Center for Innovation, provide an open, flexible, richly equipped space for critical thinking, creative production and analytical experiences that integrate with studies and enhance classroom activities at all grade levels.

Derby Academy

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Derby Academy Photo #1 - Founded in 1784, Derby Academy is a coeducational, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each student.
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Derby Academy Photo #1 - Founded in 1784, Derby Academy is a coeducational, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8 school that nurtures the development of the child by providing opportunities for the maximum intellectual, emotional and physical growth of each student.
Derby Academy Photo #2 - Derby Academy is a unique learning community that is steeped in traditional values and committed to integrating effective and proven teaching methods with the most innovative approaches to learning. The school's educational philosophy is as valid for the rigors of the 21st century as it was at its founding in the 1700's: Improve both mind and heart.
Derby Academy Photo #3 - Derby Academy prides itself on offering a well-balanced program. Athletics, along with academics and arts, are a vital component of daily life. Derby has 21 interscholastic teams encompassing 11 sports. In the winter, Derby also offers Sports Training and Yoga/Pilates; two non-competitive alternatives.
Derby Academy Photo #4 - Our dedicated faculty inspires students to discover the joy of intellectual curiosity, mastery of learning skills and service to the community. Students are also guided toward an awakening sense of personal responsibility in order to prepare them to make ethical and mindful contributions in an increasingly interdependent world.
Derby Academy Photo #5 - Derby Academy places equal emphasis on building a strong academic foundation for success and on developing strength of character. Derby graduates are notable for their readiness to do well in secondary school and college and for the personal character strengths they take with them into adult life.
Derby Academy Photo #6 - Performing Arts at Derby help children build essential aptitudes including collaboration, self-confidence, poise, teamwork, patience, and dedication. Students benefit from performance opportunities, as well as expert instruction in choreography and technical areas.
Derby Academy Photo #7 - State-of-the-art facilities, like the Healey Family Center for Innovation, provide an open, flexible, richly equipped space for critical thinking, creative production and analytical experiences that integrate with studies and enhance classroom activities at all grade levels.
Derby Academy Photo #8 - Derby Academy is a school in which strong interpersonal relationships and rigorous programs work together to ensure that children flourish. We value personal responsibility, civility, collaboration and good sportsmanship while fostering diverse relationships between teachers and students, and the partnership between the School and parents.
Derby is well-established and well-recognized as a leader in independent school education on the South Shore.
Our priority is a well-balanced education and our approach is traditional.
Our small class sizes allow us to personalize each student's education. Teachers get to know their students well, not just in the classroom but also as they engage in the arts, in athletics, and in a wide range of activities where every child is encouraged and expected to participate.
The faculty views each student as an individual with special talents, interests, learning style, and developmental needs.
Teachers strive to recognize and reinforce each child's accomplishments and to help them learn from both successes and disappointments inherent in the total school experience.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 342 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 5 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Derby Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1784

Student Body

Total Students
342 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Derby Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
65%
Average Class Size
15 students
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Feb. 5 / rolling
Tuition Notes
Comprehensive tuition is by grade level. The range is $30,750 for Prekindergarten to $46,775 for Grade 8.
% on Financial Aid
12%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$17,000
Admissions Director
Nicole Carnes
Admissions Associate
Julie McOsker
Endowment Size
$12.1 million

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Model UN, World Awareness Group

Arts and Music Programs:
Various bands and choruses

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Dance Club, Rowing Club, Rugby Club, Tennis Club, Yoga Club

School Notes

  • Since 1784, Derby Academy has remained true to its motto, "Improve Both Mind and Heart." Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty, innovative curriculum, inspired arts, competitive athletics, and an array of community and leadership opportunities ensure students are challenged to learn and supported in their development.Upon this foundation, our school builds a learning community with an "all-in" spirit. By exploring the amazing array ofopportunitieswe offer, students discover hidden talents, unexpected interests, and build the confidence to face the future with boldness and curiosity.
  • Following the PK-8thgrade model, we focus on the critical foundational years and build confidence in children as they expand their minds and hearts to take on life both during and after their Derby years.We truly believe that to prepare the global, productive citizens that we all want our children to become, we must focus on both the mind through academics, innovation and creativity and the heart through service, kindness and character building. Our program is age-specific and geared to develop all of these areas in each of our students.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

What sports does Derby Academy offer?
Derby Academy offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Weightlifting.
What is Derby Academy's ranking?
Derby Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Derby Academy?
The application deadline for Derby Academy is Feb. 5 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 5 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked MA School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 342 students
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 5 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Plymouth County, MA is $13,228 for elementary schools and $26,654 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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