Advent School

15 Brimmer Street

Boston, MA 02108

28 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-6
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 05, 2024

We have been an Advent family for 7 years now and love the education our children receive. The teachers are warm and knowledgeable and can pivot to meet the needs of each child. Advent families are inviting and excited about the school and building community with each other. There are multiple family gatherings throughout the year and across the city. Our children are well prepared for tomorrow, but more importantly have a love of learning and curiosity.
Submitted by parent on September 09, 2023

Exactly what I was looking for in terms of combining academic rigor with my family's values. Lucky that we have this rare combo executed so well right here in Boston.
Submitted by parent on August 10, 2022

Our daughter adores everything about the Advent School, from her teachers, to her peers, to the way she learns. As parents, we had hoped that the Advent School would inspire her to be a curious and enthusiastic learner, and the school has far exceeded our expectations in those regards. The newer Head of School is outstanding, and we see nothing but a bright future ahead for the institution. We are also thrilled that they seemingly effortlessly blend standard educational areas (math, reading, science, etc) with social-emotional learning. My daughter, at the age of 6, has had far more education on coping skills, persevering, inclusion, and diversity than I have ever had - it's awesome. Additionally, as a parent, the degree of engagement with other parents, teachers, and the head of school has been a real highlight of our time here.
Submitted by other on February 21, 2018

this school is getting slowly worse 2 years ago it was great
Submitted by parent on June 07, 2017

We have been going to the school for 4 years and couldn't be happier. The faculty to student ratio is phenomenal and it shows in the differentiated attention our child gets and thoughtful feedback we as parents receive. The teachers are outstanding and the students really develop strong problem solving and teamwork skills, in addition to the focus on core literacy and math.
Submitted by parent on February 16, 2017

We've sent all 3 of our kids here and couldn't be happier with it. Education is a complicated set of trade offs around rigor and social engagement, local and global, and nurturing and challenging. Advent strikes the perfect balance for us and our Independent minded children.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2017

Advent is a progressive gem of a school in the heart of the city. My husband and I love the personal attention that two certified teachers in every classroom provides, plus lots of specials including science, engineering, Spanish, yoga, art, PE. Advent is a warm, welcoming, inclusive and diverse community from all over the city of Boston. My kids truly love school and are highly engaged in their learning. Sure wish I could have had this kind of experience when I was a kid!
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2014

We looked at every public school in the north zone of Boston and at private schools in Boston and Cambridge. Nothing compared to the caliber of engagement and innovation fostered by the Advent School. In her first year, our daughter studied the science of tools and basic engineering through rebuilding her classroom into parts of a medieval castle complete with a drawbridge. She learns quickly because she has fun and is creatively engaged every day. Her experience is a striking contrast to her friends at other schools who do repetitive worksheets day after day in preparation for standardized tests and are already complaining about going to school. The school's success is evident in our daughter's independently reading three years ahead of her grade level and in the well spoken, poised graduates who leave the school and move on to tremendous success at some of the best middle and high schools in Boston.
Submitted by parent on June 06, 2014

In a world where schools are 'teaching to the test' and churning out students who are seeking right answers, the Advent School is a wonderful example of how to create lifetime learners who are looking for the right questions. The transition last year from a 20+ year veteran head of school to a new head of school was challenging for some families, as many transitions often are. But the school is to as strong as ever, with teachers and kids not missing a beat. There are a few schools where you can find two masters level co-teachers in a room with 16 to 18 children. The numbers alone make for an amazing and individualized educational experience for every child. The progressive curriculum allows the children to voice their interests and follow those interests through student and teacher led inquiries, creating a level of student engagement and innovation not found in most schools. We couldn't be more pleased with our school choice for our daughter - who's now in second grade.
Submitted by parent on April 17, 2014

Advent is a school with innovative, motivated teachers; sound, invested leadership; and an involved, fun parent community. When you walk through the doors, you feel the energy and see the enthusiasm for learning. The science, art, and music programs are phenomenal! The school's greatest strength lies in its development of leaders. From ECC onward, the children are given opportunities to present their ideas, debate, collaborate, and offer critique in a supportive manner. The quality of student graduating from Advent shows that its curriculum and its main areas of concentration - leadership and social justice - produce well-rounded, high-achieving leaders.
Submitted by parent on April 16, 2014

My family has been at this school for 4 years. And while I understand the angst during the transition from a head of school who had been there for 18 years to a new one, I disagree with those who feel it has lost its way or is not rigorous enough. What I love - that the school teaches kids to think critically not learn by rote or teach to a test. I also love the way kids are expected to treat each other and the adults at the school. It builds respect, character, empathy and understanding within the entire community. No school is perfect for every kid, but this one works wonderfully for us and I look forward to the rest of our time at Advent, as does my daughter.
Submitted by parent on April 03, 2014

I have two children at this school, currently one in the fourth grade and one in the first grade. Both entered in the ECC (pre-K) year. We have had an extremely positive experience throughout. The two teacher model plus specialists in science, art, music, Spanish, yoga and PE mean kids get an unprecedented amount of teaching and attention. The school did go through a change of leadership which, understandably, caused some angst amongst the school community. Happy to say that I feel confident in the new Head of School as well as our experienced and very impressive Assistant Head of School. One element of the school that I find extremely rewarding is the total school community. Naturally my children have developed wonderful friendships, but so have my husband and I. It s an open and fun group of people.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

This school is really one of a kind. There is an energy and excitement. Students learn how to link their passion to content. The teachers are thoughtful and energetic and know my kid. The new Head Of School is just as vibrant and is bringing a sense of calmness and transparency after three years of transition. The schools mission is imbedded in what they do and their new leader has really shown she has what it takes to open the doors to show Boston and the Nation what we all have parents have known, it is the best kept secret in Boston doing things that national schools would only dream of. I am sad that a disgruntled parent would post here. This is not a place for everyone, students understand fully the content, they are not just regurgitating information. Just saw the AISNE report, no mention of lacking in academics. High praise on mission driven school. Their ERB ranking is median to high on independent school norms. I wish someone would research before they start blasting. Three kids and seven years later, we could not be happier.
Submitted by parent on August 02, 2013

This will be our fourth year at the school and I can't imagine a better fit for my child. No school is perfect, but Advent comes pretty close. My child is thriving and is excited to go to school everyday thanks to dedicated teachers and a close-knit community of learners. The teachers make learning fun! After reading the other recent reviews I admit I am concerned about the upper grades. Advent needs to work on living its mission of social justice and provide equal opportunities for every child. We should not have to hire private tutors to guarantee placement in an exam school or private school. I feel strongly that the next Head is well prepared to fundraise which has been the main challenge. Currently not every family can afford Advent's summer programs and afterschool even with financial aid. This needs to change if the school is truly committed to diversity and inclusion. Otherwise, the lower grades have been amazing and I look forward to Advent's growth for a stronger future.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2013

I respectfully disagree with assessments that suggest the school was far stronger under the previous head of school. In fact, the previous head was a poor leader - no transparency, grew the school with no strategic plan or vision, drove good teachers away. The interim head (2012-2013)was a lovely person who made some minor positive changes, but also was not a leader of any caliber - not a strong administrator, avoids conflict, no ability to fund raise. The Board is a real mess (no transparency or strategic plan) Curriculum not progressive (many children see ERB test scores drop one year to the next) nor child centric (no supports available that other independent "progressive' schools have incorporated into their core academic supports). Some teachers are excellent - others not. There doesn't seem to be any paring of experienced and new teachers. Rules change from classroom to classroom and between specialists - i.e. no consistency in terms of what's expected. I have great hopes for the next head of school - she has a lot of challenges ahead but seems to be entering "eyes wide open". Our first child completed gr 6 but I regret that decision and have moved our other child.
Submitted by parent on June 25, 2013

It is worth noting that many of the more positive comments here are from parents of younger children. Especially as children progress through the school, it is very clear that academically, the program lacks the rigor needed to meet standards and excel. The teachers are overly involved with social aspects of the students, but as an educational institution, the Advent is inferior.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2013

Don't send your child here. Everything on the website USED to be true. The school is a shadow of its former self. Do not expect your child to get as good an education as they would receive at advanced BPS schools, or some parochial schools. Most comments here are referring to the school under the former head, who left in 2012. The school has fallen apart without strong leadership.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2013

The Advent School was a huge disappointment. The school has lost it's way and lost its mission, and doubled in size over the past few years without fully planning for it. This school caters to wealthy families, and the scholastic program is marginal. If you have any intention of sending your child to a school that requires ISEE scores, plan to get your child tutored. The Advent's report card and grading is very poor, but will hold your child back in the end. You will not find this out until after scores have been submitted to next year schools! At a cost of $25,000 plus, with after school, plan on being pressured to donate, donate, donate. If you care about scholastic achievement, send your child elsewhere. Some teachers are good, but have not been given the proper leadership. The interim head of school, who was very very weak, is being replaced by a new head. Things at the school could improve, but I would stay away until progress is made.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2013

I completely agree with the parent below regarding the anti-bullying policy. My child has experienced a clear case of bullying. Unfortunately, Advent has handled the matter quite poorly - often making excuses for the bully or accusing the victim of doing something to agitate the bully. While I respect that Advent investigates these matters before rushing to judgement, there needs to be clear policy which describes bullying in details and the consequences of such acts. Besides the anti-bullying or lack thereof, Advent has been a great place for my child - providing a creative and non-traditional learning environment where children learn so much more than an A-B-C curriculum. However, I don't believe that Advent caters to all types of learners - have seen some children who are really advance, but not challenged and some children who find the basics challenging, but don't receive enough support. However, I think that it's very important for the parents to acknowledge their child's abilities and either discuss with Advent or switch schools. All in all, Advent is a pretty good school - if you're looking for diversity and "out of the box" learning, it's the place for your child.
Submitted by parent on December 30, 2012

The school may say it has an not tolerance policy about bullying, cyber or otherwise, but they have been generally slow to act on consequences or handle situations effectively in this realm. There are open discussions and class gatherings weekly, but resolutions is not often timely. It is a cozy creative place best suited for precocious girls and quiet boys. It makes great use of resources the city of Boston has to offer such as the Esplanade, museum of Science and the various art museums. My children's classes are truly diverse- from socio-economic levels to ethnicity and same gender parents.This school can be accommodating , but is not able to or fully committed to supporting all types of learners. Most teachers love what they do and participate with gusto. There are too many board members for a school this size. The Reggio-Emilio approach really only applies to the ECC grade. Yoga has been enjoyed by my kids and for the most part they do well here.