Schools for Children

Operating five thriving schools and programs in Massachusetts

Dearborn Academy

A program of Schools for Children

Lesley Ellis School

A program of Schools for Children

Seaport Academy

A program of Schools for Children

Dearborn STEP

A program of Schools for Children

Winn Brook Extended Learning

A program of Schools for Children

Every student deserves the chance to accomplish ambitious learning goals, develop social-emotional literacy, and be supported by caring adults. Schools for Children’s five programs – each serving a unique student population – help students define and achieve success.

We operate three thriving schools, a before and after school program in a public school, and a specialized educational support program.

Support the COVID-19 Special Appeal and help us keep safety and security the #1 priority for our students and staff during these unprecedented times!

Dearborn Academy

Newton, Mass.

Dearborn Academy is one of New England’s premiere state-approved day schools for students with special needs in Grades 3–12.

Seaport Academy

Chelsea, Mass.

Seaport Academy is a small specialized school that offers a flexible, “learning-by-doing” program for young men in Grades 8-12.

Lesley Ellis

Arlington, Mass.

Lesley Ellis School is a nationally-recognized independent school providing a challenging, student-centered and anti-bias curriculum for preschool-Grade 8.

The STEP Program

Newton, Mass.

Dearborn STEP (Short Term Educational Placement) provides intensive clinical, therapeutic assessment to students in Grades 5-12 for up to 40 school days.

Winn Brook Extended Learning

Belmont, Mass.

Winn Brook Extended Learning (WBExL) is a before and after school program for children in the Winn Brook School kindergarten-Grade 4 population.

What’s New

A School Year Like No Other

read more

From Our Board: Black Lives Matter

read more

Transition Planning During COVID-19

read more