Every day at Tenacre begins with a handshake as the head of school greets arriving students. This act of trust and personal attention sets the tone for all that follows. At Tenacre, we embrace the elementary years. As a Pre-K through Grade 6 coed school, we offer a dynamic and exciting environment in which children progressively develop critical thinking skills, become confident and joyful learners, and move forward into higher education and life as caring citizens.
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the critical need to balance nurture and challenge. Nurture, particularly in the younger years, allows children to grow, feel safe, and develop an empowering sense of confidence--"I can do it." Challenge takes on a greater role as students welcome the opportunity to prove themselves in many difficult learning situations.
Every child at Tenace is a full participant, a valued contributor to our vibrant community. In classrooms, on our playing fields, in art, music, and drama, our students are actively engaged in their own education. It is our belief that when every child has multiple opportunities to succeed, every child can and will succeed.
Our proudest tradition is that of valuing every student. We are a small school where everyone knows each other, where academics, creativity, and good citizenship are high achievements to strive toward, and where children learn firsthand the rewards and responsibilities of being part of a community.
Our focus is on the total child. The goal is to respond to the academic, emotional, physical, social, and moral dimensions of each child with a unique philosophy that creatively combines traditional and innovative elements of elementary education.
Open House and registration for events will be posted in August.
Tenacre Student Reflections
Tenacre Virtual Tour
Welcome to Tenacre!
Tenacre Country Day School, located in Wellesley, is a small, coeducational, independent school for children in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6.
Come "explore" our campus.
Tenacre values the importance of co-teaching, the strong partnership between parents and staff, and the meaningful participation of each child in daily school life. We expect each sixth grader to leave Tenacre as a confident learner, critical thinker, and caring citizen. As a community of children and adults, we strive to work hard, to find joy and to be kind.
Starting the day with a handshake and hello.
Every day at Tenacre begins with a handshake as the head of school greets arriving students.
The Rendell Library
All Tenacre students attend library class 1-2 times a week.
TAG (Tenacre Art Gallery)
The mission of the Tenacre Art Gallery (TAG) is to inspire, enrich and fuel the creative spirit of our students, staff, and parents by presenting thought-provoking artwork and welcoming exceptional artists to the Tenacre Community. When artists exhibit their work at Tenacre, they also agree to work with students in art class. This has been a wonderful opportunity for Tenacre students, who have learned from painters, photographers, illustrators and other artists.
The Schoolhouse: Home to PK, K, and Grade 1
The Schoolhouse is home to students in PK, K, and Grade 1. The Schoolhouse motto is “Kind Thoughts, Kind Words, Kind Actions.” A weekly Schoolhouse meeting is held each week for Schoolhouse students.
Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
In PK students work on building classroom community and living their class motto: Kind Words, Kind Thoughts, Kind Actions.
Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Teachers promote a love of school while nurturing social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Students are encouraged to explore and discover while building independence and self-advocacy.
P.E. in the Dareshori Gymnasium
In the younger grades, P.E. class focuses on basic movement skills, space awareness, and learning to ice skate. In Grades 1 and 2, students practice creative movement, cooperative games, understanding fitness and fair play. In Grades 3 and 4, students develop sports skills; and in Grades 5 and 6, students participate in interscholastic team sports, as well as fitness activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.
Kindergarten Classroom
In Kindergarten students build on the social and academic skills of PK, develop skills through small group instruction, center work, and self-discovery. Students engage in a year-long community study and examine the roles of community members, community helpers, and community leaders.
Grade 1 Classroom
Students start to see themselves as readers, writers, and mathematicians. Students enjoy Morning Meeting and bond with their class mascot, Skallywag the Dog, in school and at home. Students listen to one another’s stories at Author Parties and appreciate the culture, traditions, and geography of Mexico. They use mapping skills to create a map of Tenacre and become experts on monarch butterflies.
Tenacre's Playground
Small group reading class
Tenacre offers plenty of opportunities for small group instruction. For reading, Grades 1 and 2 have four teachers (about 6 students per group), and Grades 3 and 4 have three teachers (about 8-9 students per group). In math, Grades 1-6 have three groups per class, with approximately 7-9 students per group.Through small group instruction and individualized attention, teachers meet the needs of individuals while keeping expectations high for all students.
Grade 2 Classroom
Implementing a Social Thinking curriculum helps teach students how to handle social and communication difficulties, using a language they can understand. Students participate in an in-depth study of ocean animals, and engage in an integrated Iditarod curriculum throughout. Second graders enjoy studying the country and culture of China.
Tenacre's Science Center
Grade 3 Classroom
Lower Science: PK to Grade 3
Upper Science: Grades 4-6
Music
Grade 4 Classroom
After-School Fun
Spring Musical: "Singin' in the Rain"
Fifth and sixth graders perform a spring musical every May. Sixth graders take on the lead roles, and fifth graders play the supporting roles.
Class Play in the PAC
Throughout the year, students in grades PK-4 perform a play for classmates and parents. In keeping with Tenacre's belief that elementary school is too early to identify stars, all students have significant roles in the performances.
Lunch!
Tenacre offers a healthy lunch to children in Grades K-6, Monday through Thursday. Tables have mixed grades with an adult at each table. Fifth and sixth graders take on leadership roles, helping serve the food and clear the table. During the pandemic, pre-packaged meals are delivered to students.
Grade 5 Classroom
Art
Grade 6 Classroom
Grade 5 and 6 Interscholastic Sports
In Grades 5 and 6, students participate in interscholastic team sports, as well as fitness activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.
Pre-Kindergarten P.E. Class in the Dareshori Gymnasium
Assembly in the Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Tenacre hosts all-school assemblies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings in the Performing Arts Center.
Tenacre's playground and Christian B. Elliot Community Center
Tenacre's playground and Christian B. Elliot Community Center
P.E. class on Centennial Field
Tenacre nurtures and challenges each child, every day.