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.
On Feb 1, fourth graders visited the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston. After touring the facility, they examined a wall inscribed with the name of every person who either built the courthouse or was employed within its walls when it opened. They were listed with no regard as to whether they worked as a bricklayer or a judge, to show that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The Tenacre group also participated in a mock trial, based on the book Jessie Came Across the Sea, and centered around an immigration hearing on whether or not Jessie’s grandmother would be allowed to become a citizen. Students were given roles of judge, clerk, witness, juror, or attorney and were coached by members of the courthouse’s Education Department. It was a dynamic and hand-on learning experience for all.