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![Derby Alum Maggie Driscoll ’25 Featured on Boston 25 News]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780333747/derbyacademyorg/kcoadn0xvwx27cferl5u/IMG_7136.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780333747/derbyacademyorg/kcoadn0xvwx27cferl5u/IMG_7136.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780333747/derbyacademyorg/kcoadn0xvwx27cferl5u/IMG_7136.jpg","width":640}])
![A group of people, including children and adults, stand in front of a backdrop with "GOOD SPORTS" logos, holding sports equipment.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777058244/derbyacademyorg/iv5nkwawuzsi5tcysyb3/Foley-Prize-Good-Sports-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777058244/derbyacademyorg/iv5nkwawuzsi5tcysyb3/Foley-Prize-Good-Sports-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777058244/derbyacademyorg/iv5nkwawuzsi5tcysyb3/Foley-Prize-Good-Sports-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777058244/derbyacademyorg/iv5nkwawuzsi5tcysyb3/Foley-Prize-Good-Sports-1.jpg","width":1200}])
![Three young boys huddle around a table in a classroom, with one boy writing on a piece of paper, while a blue gift bag sits beside them.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776363204/derbyacademyorg/ealhy3wokaaj66bhvghk/20260410_Day_of_Service_48.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776363204/derbyacademyorg/ealhy3wokaaj66bhvghk/20260410_Day_of_Service_48.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776363204/derbyacademyorg/ealhy3wokaaj66bhvghk/20260410_Day_of_Service_48.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776363204/derbyacademyorg/ealhy3wokaaj66bhvghk/20260410_Day_of_Service_48.jpg","width":1000}])
![Four children proudly display their trophies in front of a diorama of a city, with artwork and classroom supplies visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770747081/derbyacademyorg/aksedigyjxt9ur1og1ca/20251219_G6_Future_Cities_33.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770747081/derbyacademyorg/aksedigyjxt9ur1og1ca/20251219_G6_Future_Cities_33.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770747081/derbyacademyorg/aksedigyjxt9ur1og1ca/20251219_G6_Future_Cities_33.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770747081/derbyacademyorg/aksedigyjxt9ur1og1ca/20251219_G6_Future_Cities_33.jpg","width":1200}])
![A hockey coach talks to his young team in their locker room, with the ice rink visible in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778259819/derbyacademyorg/mklfp7ok5srfwqulfgsi/20260206_North_Pole_Hockey_Game_02.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778259819/derbyacademyorg/mklfp7ok5srfwqulfgsi/20260206_North_Pole_Hockey_Game_02.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778259819/derbyacademyorg/mklfp7ok5srfwqulfgsi/20260206_North_Pole_Hockey_Game_02.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778259819/derbyacademyorg/mklfp7ok5srfwqulfgsi/20260206_North_Pole_Hockey_Game_02.jpg","width":1200}])
![A teacher in the foreground faces four students playing violins in a classroom decorated with musical instruments and posters in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1774372199/derbyacademyorg/xqzahkabirs1gcivj5gh/20251202_US_Strings_05.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1774372199/derbyacademyorg/xqzahkabirs1gcivj5gh/20251202_US_Strings_05.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1774372199/derbyacademyorg/xqzahkabirs1gcivj5gh/20251202_US_Strings_05.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1774372199/derbyacademyorg/xqzahkabirs1gcivj5gh/20251202_US_Strings_05.jpg","width":1200}])
![A teacher writes on a whiteboard while students raise their hands in a classroom with colorful decorations in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772826228/derbyacademyorg/clove4pbczygvrsgfbsk/20260302_G2_SEL_Kindness_Buckets_06_1.jpg","width":2200}])
![A large group of children with their hands raised in the air are gathered in front of a building with string lights.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770746595/derbyacademyorg/rqcu6a0zwzj5grssv8gs/summer.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770746595/derbyacademyorg/rqcu6a0zwzj5grssv8gs/summer.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770746595/derbyacademyorg/rqcu6a0zwzj5grssv8gs/summer.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770746595/derbyacademyorg/rqcu6a0zwzj5grssv8gs/summer.jpg","width":1200}])
Curious Learners
Confident Leaders
From Pre-K through eighth grade, students develop strong academic foundations alongside essential skills like empathy, courage, and curiosity. By eighth grade, they stand before audiences and speak with confidence—not because it’s expected, but because their time at Derby, whether that be 1 or 10 years, has guided them toward this culminating experience.
Lower School
pre-k - grade 4
Middle School
grade 5-8
The Derby Equation
Derby Academy’s commitment to improve both mind and heart has given students the capability and compassion to navigate a complex world with confidence since 1784.
mind + heart
Confidence
At Derby, every child is seen, heard, and celebrated as we foster the self-assurance to speak up, take risks, and try new things. This unique approach, combined with a challenging curriculum and diverse experiences, builds a resilient self-confidence that empowers students for future success.
Curiosity
Derby ignites curiosity through an interdisciplinary curriculum that values "how to think" over "what to think." From the playground to the classroom, we embrace the power of play and active learning to build essential critical thinking skills. We empower our students to face every challenge with joy, turning their innate curiosity into a lifelong drive for success.
Character
Character is the foundation of a Derby education. We meet students where they are, providing a safe space to tackle challenges and grow from their experiences. Our faculty guides children to navigate the world with an inclusive mindset, fostering the integrity and personal responsibility needed to lead. A Derby graduate is defined by their courage to act on their values and their commitment to improving the world around them.
Community
Community is the cornerstone of Derby. For over 250 years, our culture of belonging has been defined by meaningful relationships between students and the faculty who truly know them. Through programs like Advisory and Pals, we create lifelong bonds that build character and confidence. These connections don't end at graduation; they form a lifelong support system that carries our students to the finest high schools and universities in the nation.
The Portrait of a Graduate
Derby Academy’s Portrait of a Graduate is a visionary framework that defines the five core competencies—empathetic upstander, resilient problem solver, confident critical thinker, creative innovator, and authentic leader—every student develops by the end of Grade 8. It moves beyond academic scores to focus on the development of the whole child, equipping them to lead with both mind and heart.
Hear about each characteristic from our faculty and administrators:
Portrait of a Graduate
Anif McDonald
Empathetic Upstander
Mary Beth Murphy
Resilient Problem Solver
Will Boericke
Confident Critical Thinker
Elizabeth Erbafina
Creative Innovator
Madison Pratt
Authentic Leader
Matt Magoon
27
The Derby Difference
27
Acre Campus
Our expansive campus sits along the shore of Broad Cove and features outdoor walking paths, four outdoor playing fields, a covered pavilion for outdoor learning, three playgrounds, an outdoor basketball court, Gaga Pit, multiple buildings that house a 200 seat theater, two full sized gymnasiums, an Innovation Center, two libraries, a wood shop, a sewing room, two visual art studios, music and chorus spaces, and much more.
74
The Derby Difference
74
specials & electives
Our students are immersed in innovative and creative specials and electives from arts, sewing, woodworking, library, world languages, engineering and design, and programs like Winter Term and GOALS.
100%
The Derby Difference
100%
Public Speaking
All students have numerous opportunities to experience our public speaking program that begins in Pre-K and builds through to Grade 8.
15
The Derby Difference
15
Average Class Size
Small class sizes allow teachers to develop meaningful connections with students. Classes are capped at 10 in Pre-K, 14 in Kindergarten, and 16 in Grades 1–8.
2
The Derby Difference
2
Recess Breaks
All students in grades Pre-K to Grade 8 have outdoor recess time at least twice a day.
55%
The Derby Difference
55%
Advanced Degrees
More than half of Derby’s faculty and staff hold advanced degrees from respected colleges and universities.
17
The Derby Difference
17
Communities
Our inclusive community is comprised of families from 17 cities and towns throughout the South Shore and into Boston.
33%
The Derby Difference
33%
Bus Riders
Nearly ⅓ of our students take advantage of our bus program, which includes stops in Boston, Milton, Quincy, Braintree, Randolph, Weymouth, Duxbury, Marshfield, Scituate, Cohasset, and Hingham.
3
The Derby Difference
3
Weekly PE/Athletics
All students in Pre-K to Grade 4 have PE 3 times per week and all students in Grades 5-8 have athletics 4 times per week.
$2M
The Derby Difference
$2M
Tuition Assistance Awards
Over $2 million in tuition assistance is awarded to 100% of eligible accepted students each year.
340+/-
The Derby Difference
340+/-
Students
Our student body is comprised of around 340 children in Pre-K to Grade 8.
3
The Derby Difference
3
Weekly Art Classes
Students attend between 3 and 4 arts classes every week.