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 (2025)
- 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:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1784
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
342 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 29%
Students 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
Total Sports Offered
11 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
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 ).
School Reviews
Endorse Derby Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

A Roadmap For Starting A Private School
Use this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.

December 31, 2024
The Spectrum of Islamic Education: From Secular to OrthodoxThis article explores the importance of Islamic K-12 education in today's secular society, providing a roadmap for parents to nurture their children's faith and academic success. Through a question-and-answer format between a parent and an imam, it addresses key aspects such as the types of Islamic education available, when to start, and how to balance religious and secular learning. The essay emphasizes the spiritual and moral benefits of instilling Islamic values in young people, offering practical advice and inspiration for families seeking to raise well-rounded and faithful individuals.