- Public Schools
- Private Schools and Religious Schools
- After-School Programs
- Summer Camps and School Vacation Programs
Public Schools
All cities and towns in Massachusetts must provide public education starting with kindergarten, and the age for admittance to kindergarten varies by community. You can find that information along with links to the websites for several of the public schools systems that are closest to Harvard's campuses by downloading this information sheet.
Some communities participate in the Massachusetts School Choice Program, which allows you to choose a school outside of your immediate school district.
For more information, contact your town’s public school system or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education at 781-338-3000 or doe.mass.edu.
Private and Religious Schools
Independent private schools determine their own mission and curriculum. Learn more at the Association of Independent Schools in New England.
Parochial and other religious schools provide some religious instruction in addition to a secular curriculum. You can access a list of the state’s private schools by religious affiliation at Private School Review.
After-school Programs
If you need child care after the school day ends, an after-school program may be a good solution. Available through schools, local community centers (such as the YMCA), child care centers, and licensed family child care homes, these programs often feature arts, crafts, games, and sports, as well as time to do homework.
The following resources can help with your search:
- Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program offers a dependent-care resource and referral service and can provide you with a customized list of after-school options.
- The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care provides lists of licensed after-school programs.
Summer Camps and School Vacation Programs
For information on summer camps and school-vacation programs, please visit this page.