Since its founding in 1866, Noble & Greenough (often known simply as “Nobles”) has held a reputation for blending rigorous academics, strong character formation, and community engagement. Located in Dedham, Massachusetts just outside Boston, Nobles is a coeducational day and 5‑day boarding school serving grades 7–12. Its mission is to “forge human connections to inspire a lifelong process of discovery and unlock the potential to do good,” emphasizing values like curiosity, respect, generosity, and belonging.

iWhat sets Nobles apart is its commitment to relationship-based education: faculty don’t just teach, they mentor, coach, advise, and live alongside students (many live on campus). The culture prizes intellectual risk, inquiry, and service as much as academic excellence. Students are expected not only to learn, but to contribute to their community, to local and global issues, and to one another.

Campus & Community

Nobles sits on roughly 173 acres along the Charles River, about 10 miles from Boston’s core, giving students easy access to urban resources while preserving a verdant campus ideal for athletic fields, trails, and outdoor learning.

The school enrolls around 630–640 students, with approximately 515 in the Upper School (grades 9–12) and 116 in Middle School (grades 7–8). Nearly half of all students identify as people of color, reflecting intentional diversity efforts. Class sizes average around 12, and the student/faculty ratio is about 6:1. Faculty strength is also a hallmark: about 134 faculty, a third of whom live on campus. 

‍Boarding is limited but meaningful: about 48 Upper School students live on campus five days a week. The dorm, Wiggins Hall, houses students in double rooms, with shared common rooms, faculty apartments, and study lounges built to feel homey. Boarding students leave for weekends, returning Sunday evenings (unless there is a game or event). 

A core feature of Nobles life is All‑School Assembly, held four mornings a week, which reinforces shared values, traditions, and collective voice.

Academics & Curriculum

At its core, Nobles aims to develop curiosity, intellectual discipline, and morally grounded leaders. It describes its academic philosophy as “unequaled,” rooted in relationships between students and faculty, where teachers push students to stretch in a caring environment. 

Upper School Curriculum

Academic structure in the first two years emphasizes foundational skills: critical reading, writing, quantitative reasoning, and exposure to a range of disciplines. As students move into junior and senior years, they choose from a generous slate of electives, AP courses (in subjects like Environmental Science, Photography, Calculus, among others), and other advanced, interdisciplinary electives that challenge beyond traditional tracks. 

Nobles encourages the “aha moments” of discovery: whether in analyzing power dynamics in 20th-century China, designing robotics, or exploring political economy. In all courses, relationships matter: the same teachers often mentor students across classes, serve as advisors or coaches, or guide independent work. 

Extracurriculars, Service, and Student Life

Nobles structures its day so that afternoon programming is integral, not optional. After formal classes, all students participate in arts, athletics, wellness, and community-service based activities. Over 90% of faculty members coach or supervise those same programs, deepening faculty–student connection. The school maintains a graduation service requirement of 80 hours, and annually engages with more than 400 community sites, contributing tens of thousands of service hours.

‍Clubs and organizations cover a wide range—from mental health and wellness groups (Heads Together, The Body Positive) to cultural, STEM, and service organizations. Athletics is robust: Nobles competes in the Independent School League (ISL), and many varsity teams have won ISL titles. Arts are deeply woven into life at Nobles: the Nobles Theatre Collective produces multiple mainstage performances annually, and music ensembles, dance, and visual arts play a significant role. 

Student support is intentionally comprehensive: the counseling and health team, DEI leaders, peer help/tutoring, and advisory systems work together to support wellbeing. 

Tuition & Financial Aid (2025–26)

Nobles is transparent about cost and committed to access. For the 2025–26 academic year, tuition is as follows:

• Day students: ~$65,200
• 5‑day boarding students: ~$71,300

(all supplementary expenses, such as books or equipment, are estimated at an additional ~$1,000)

Importantly, Nobles pledges to meet 100% of each family’s demonstrated financial need. (“Tuition and Financial Aid”) In a recent year, the school awarded over $8.3 million in aid, with average grants around $50,900. 

Financial aid deadlines:

• January 15, 2026: Clarity application deadline for new applicants
• March 10, 2026: Financial aid awards released

Returning families reapply earlier—October 15, 2025. 

Admissions & What the School Seeks

Nobles maintains a selective admissions process, especially for entry into grades 7 and 9, which are principal entry points. (Wikipedia says roughly 16% admission rate historically)

Applicants must usually submit transcripts, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (ISEE/SSAT), essays, and an interview. (Niche lists these components)

For day and boarding candidates alike, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, character, willingness to engage in community life, and alignment with Nobles’ core values is critical. 

Because boarding is limited, many applicants are day students, and those seeking boarding must understand it’s a full 5‑day experience rather than weekly. 

Nobles’ philosophy is that students are well-known—every student is surrounded by dozens of adults who teach, coach, mentor, and guide. The admissions process looks for students who will contribute positively to that relational environment. 

Key Takeaways for Parents & Students

• Strong relationship culture: At Nobles, faculty do more than teach: they mentor, coach, advise, and live alongside students.
• Integrated “whole student” approach: Academics, arts, athletics, service, and wellness are woven into the daily schedule, not tacked on.
• Balance and support: Students are pushed academically, but institutional support (advising, counseling, peer help) is robust.
• Access and inclusion: A significant portion of students receive generous aid; the school is committed to socio-economic diversity.
• Boarding option without full immersion: Boarders live on campus 5 days, offering immersion without full residential isolation from family.

Is Nobles a Good Fit?

Choose Noble & Greenough if your student is seeking a challenging academic environment within a deeply supportive, relational community. It suits learners who want to be known, not anonymous, and who want their school to be a place where intellectual, ethical, and communal growth happen hand in hand.

Want to Explore Further?

At AtomicMind, we specialize in helping families find and gain admission to schools like Noble & Greenough—where academic excellence and strong values go hand in hand. Whether you’re building your school list, preparing for interviews, or crafting compelling application materials, our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way.

Reach out today to learn how we can help you navigate the private school admissions process with strategy, confidence, and clarity.

About the Author: Alexa is a Head Advisor at AtomicMind based in Durham, North Carolina. She graduated from Yale '20 with a B.S. in Psychology and as a member of the Education Studies Scholar program, a cohort focused on the intersection of education practice, policy, and research. She is passionate about helping students tap into intrinsic motivation on their unique educational journeys, empowering them with encouragement and psychological safety.