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 Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 342 students
- Yearly Tuition: $49,455
- 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
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
Campus Size
27 acres
Student Body
Total Students
342 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
11%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
62 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
% 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
Yearly Tuition Cost
$49,455
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
Application URL
Endowment Size
$12.1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClubModel UN
World Awareness Group
Arts and Music Programs:
Various bands and choruses
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Dance ClubRowing Club
Rugby ClubTennis Club
Yoga Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Improve Both Mind and Heart
- 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.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Lesley Visser, Hall of Fame Broadcaster -
- Ryan McPherson, Owner, Glidden Point Farm -
- Max '20, Environmental Economist, EPA鈥檚 Atlantic Ecology Division -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Derby Academy cost?
Derby Academy's tuition is approximately $49,455 for private students.
Who are famous alumni from Derby Academy?
Derby Academy famous alumni include: Lesley Visser, Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Ryan McPherson, Owner, Glidden Point Farm and Max '20, Environmental Economist, EPA鈥檚 Atlantic Ecology Division.
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 ).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Derby Academy also viewed these schools: Milton Academy, Thayer Academy, Tabor Academy, Archbishop Williams High School and Bay Farm Montessori Academy.
The nearest high school to Derby Academy is Lindamood - Bell Academy (0.5 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is St. Paul Elementary School (0.1 miles away)
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Location
Miles
Quick Facts
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Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
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(617) 898-1798
9 miles
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(781) 664-2201
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(508) 291-8300
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(781) 535-6051
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(781) 535-6051
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(781) 934-7101
Duxbury, MA 02332
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School Reviews
5
Derby Academy has created an incredible community and school environment for my two kids. I have a smaller third one and will 100% send her to Derby. The small class size and the INCREDIBLE teaching staff is unparalleled. We live in Hingham and the public school system is really great, but Derby is different. It creates an place for students to feel loved, cared for, find their sense of self, and be VERY prepared for Highschool. It is "cool" to be smart and to be kind. It is "cool" to be athletic AND be artsy" I have one girl and one boy and they get excited to go to school every day. They've made amazing friends in a short period of time. The kids that graduate from Derby go to the best schools and are VERY prepared for highschool.
5
I have two children at Derby. The school has helped define them as leaders, learners and good citizens. Derby puts an emphasis on confidence and making kids comfortable learning. We have never even once wondered if this was the right spot for them.
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