Cushing Academy
39 School Street, Ashburnham, MA 01430
(978) 827-7000
Cushing Academy exists for students and develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders.
Cushing Academy, founded in 1865, is an independent, coeducational college preparatory boarding school located 60 miles northwest of Boston. The school serves a wide range of students in grades 9-12 and offers a post-graduate year. Cushing Academy is recognized as a unique educational setting whose faculty, staff, and facilities nurture the optimal growth of students with a range of talents, abilities, and interests. Our community-oriented environment is supportive and diverse, promoting and valuing intellectual challenges and emphasizing the arts, athletics, and cultural competence.
FAST FACTS
Head of School:
Randy R. Bertin
Director of Admissions:
Kevin Smith
Gender:
Co-ed
Religious Affiliation:
Nondenominational
Total Enrollment:
385
Percent Boarders:
92%
Percent International:
30%
Application Platorm(s):
Gateway and SAO
Testing Plan:
Optional
Curriculum
Cushing Academy offers students unique learning opportunities that fit them. Faculty members develop deep, intentional connections, encouraging students to challenge themselves. This builds a transformative academic atmosphere that bolsters confidence, fosters curiosity, and nurtures a love of learning.
Programming
Open seven days a week, the Student Center is a popular place to hang out. With air hockey, ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, two large-screen TVs, and a gaming lounge, there’s no shortage of ways to relax. The Student Center is also home to the Campus Store, where students can pick up snacks and new Cushing gear.
Activity/Sports Requirements
Featuring 36 teams in 13 different sports, Cushing Athletics has the perfect team to match your level of play. At Cushing Academy, your coaches are also your teachers, advisors, and dorm parents. Your teammates feel like family. The lessons our athletes learn through robust competition—about healthy habits, strength of mind, and character—extend into every arena of life.
Dress Code
Special academic dress is required for certain dinners and other gatherings as announced. Students are expected to choose attire that shows respect for these events. Clothing should be clean, modest, and respectful.
Seated Meals
Does not specify
Study Hall
Academic Support classes meet four days every week, so students don’t have to wait until next Tuesday to talk through how to approach the homework that is due tomorrow. They can get the support they need in a timely way to tackle both short- and long-term assignments. Our Academic Support faculty are in close communication with classroom teachers to further promote student success.
Saturday Programming
Students have a big say in what happens on the weekends at Cushing. Our Student Weekend Activity Team meets weekly with the Director of Student Activities to plan fun things to do, special events, and trips, and they are always open to suggestions and requests! Just head down to the Student Activities Office to share your ideas.
Residential Life
Residential life also includes plenty of opportunities for fun. Outside of academics, students participate in various activities, events, and trips, organized both by the school and students. On any day you can find students playing frisbee, soccer, or other sports outside, while the Academy sponsors movies, trips, dances, contests, and themed events every weekend. Add in theater performances, club activities, impromptu games, and trips to Boston and local malls, and the fun at Cushing is endless.