Newton Public School Information

There are 15 elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools in Newton. For families with infants to five year olds, the city is home to more than 30 preschools and daycares including the city run Early Education Program (NECP). In addition, there are at least eight private schools in Newton.

Newton public schools have an excellent reputation. Roughly 11,632 students attend the public schools. Elementary schools start in kindergarten and go through fifth grade while middle school teaches children in sixth through eighth grade.

Students attend their neighborhood school as determined by the district. Some neighborhoods fall into buffer zones, which means a child may be placed in one of two or more schools.

Elementary and middle school hours vary depending on the school with start and end times within 30 minutes of each other.

Each elementary school has an after-school program for children between 5-12 years of age. The program is separate from the Newton Public School System, but enjoys a congenial, working relationship with the school system and rents space in the elementary schools.

Two of the middle schools, Bigelow and Day, and one high school, Newton North, are located in the Northern part of Newton (north of Commonwealth Avenue) while the other two middle schools, Brown and Oak Hill are located in the south not far from Newton South High School.

Bus transportation to and from school is provided by the town. Students in K-6 that live less than 2 miles from school pay $465 per year, but if you live more than 2 miles from your assigned school, you ride for free; and 7th-12th graders pay $465 with a $930 family cap regardless of how far away they live.

The list of bus stops is large with buses transporting students to 14 of the 15 elementary schools. There are no buses to Lincoln-Eliot. View the bus stops and route.

A school committee consisting of 9 elected members is responsible for evaluating the superintendent, reviewing and approving budgets for public education in the district, and to establish educational goals and policies for the schools in the district.