Is Newton Country Day School Right for Your Family? A Closer Look

Founded in 1880, Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart is one of New England’s oldest and most respected Catholic independent schools for girls in grades 5 through 12. Located just outside Boston, this all-girls preparatory day school is part of the international Sacred Heart Network, committed to academic excellence, faith formation, global awareness, and social justice.

The school’s mission is grounded in five foundational goals that guide every aspect of student life and education:

Goal I: A personal and active faith in God
Goal II: A deep respect for intellectual values
Goal III: A social awareness which impels to action
Goal IV: The building of community as a Christian value
Goal V: Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom

These principles shape a dynamic academic environment that encourages students to act with integrity, think critically, and lead with purpose.

Academics

With a college-preparatory curriculum and an average class size of 12, Newton Country Day offers individualized attention. Students benefit from a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and 82% of faculty members hold advanced degrees. Students are known by their teachers academically and personally, allowing for support throughout their education.

The school offers 20 Advanced Placement courses, 18 Honors courses, and 8 Advanced courses across disciplines. Students regularly achieve strong results on standardized tests:

Test	Mean Score	Percentile
ACT	30	93rd
SAT Reading & Writing	650	85th
SAT Math	638	83rd
SAT Composite	1288	85th

In 2024 alone, 83% of AP exam scores were 3 or higher. The school celebrated 23 AP Scholars with Distinction, 14 AP Scholars, and 12 AP Scholars with Honor.

Students also have access to unique academic and experiential learning opportunities, including:

Independent Research in Science and Engineering – Students design, execute, and present original research, often earning recognition at local and international science fairs.
Global Studies Program (Grade 10) – A humanities-based interdisciplinary course examining global culture, history, and literature.
Hesed Program (Grade 11) – 40+ hours of direct community service grounded in reflection, encouraging spiritual and emotional maturity.
Senior Project (Grade 12) – A month-long externship or creative endeavor culminating in a symposium presentation.

Global Opportunities

Newton Country Day belongs to a global network of Sacred Heart schools in 41 countries. Through the Sacred Heart Exchange Program, students participate in six-week international exchanges that immerse them in other cultures. Recent exchange destinations include France, Ireland, Japan, Chile, Taiwan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

Community and Student Life

Newton students are deeply engaged in academics, service, and leadership. The school fosters a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. With 372 students from over 50 communities, the school is diverse and welcoming.

Technology is integrated into the curriculum, and Upper School students are required to bring laptops or equivalent devices to class. Teachers serve not only as instructors but also as mentors, supporting students in academic pursuits, extracurriculars, and life beyond school.

College Matriculation

Newton Country Day graduates consistently matriculate at top-tier universities. Between 2020 and 2024, students went on to attend:

Harvard University
Princeton University
Brown University
Columbia University
Dartmouth College
Cornell University
Johns Hopkins University
University of Notre Dame
Boston College
Tufts University
McGill University (Canada)
Trinity College Dublin (Ireland)

Students also receive competitive awards in academics, science research, and the arts. Over the past five years, Newton students earned 31 regional and 11 state-level science fair awards, with several students receiving national honors and developing patents.

Admissions Process and Timeline

Newton Country Day uses Ravenna for all applications. Interviews are required, and applicants must submit standardized test scores. The school accepts the ISEE, MAP Growth, or SSAT for Middle School applicants and the SSAT, HSPT, or PSAT/SAT/ACT for Upper School applicants.

Application Timeline:

Details	Deadline
Application, Essay, Transcripts, Recommendations	January 15, 2026
Interview and Tour	By January 31, 2026
Standardized Test Scores	By January 15, 2026 (Tests taken through Jan 31 will be accepted)
Tuition Assistance (Tax Documents)	February 15, 2026
Admission Decisions Released	March 10, 2026

The school provides I-20 forms for F-1 visa applicants, but requires all international students to live with immediate family. Since there is no ESL support, strong English proficiency is essential for admission.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition for 2025-26	$66,000
Student Activity Fee	$1,000

Tuition Payment Plans:

One Pay: Full tuition due by July 8
Two Pay: Half by July 8, balance by December 5
Ten Pay (5th or 20th): Monthly payments begin June 5 or June 20
Enrollment Fee for Payment Plans: $50

The school is committed to making education accessible and offers need-based financial aid. Approximately 60 seniors each year receive financial assistance.

A Commitment to Service, Scholarship, and Faith

Newton Country Day School offers a distinctive environment where academic rigor is matched by a deep commitment to personal and spiritual growth. The Sacred Heart Goals are not simply ideals but part of the lived experience on campus. Students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully in their studies, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and explore the values that guide their decisions. Through programs in research, global exchange, and service, they develop the discipline, perspective, and integrity that prepare them for leadership in college and beyond.

To receive personalized guidance when applying to Newton Country Day School, please contact Ivy Talent. Our team provides comprehensive support throughout the admissions process, including strategic planning, interview preparation, and essay development, to help you present your strengths with clarity and confidence.