October 29, 2025 by Derby Academy
Join us for an upcoming event to hear how we cultivate confidence, curiosity, character, and community in our students.
Mind + Heart = DERBY. The most important thing a child learns at school is their true potential. Since 1784, parents have trusted Derby Academy to bring out the best in their children as students—and as people. Raising a child often feels like complex calculus in today’s world. One simple formula—Mind + Heart = Derby—has offered the right answers for loving families for generations.
Mind + Heart = CONFIDENCE. Derby’s Pre-K through Grade 8 curriculum builds self-confidence through achievement and emphasizing the strong work ethic needed for long term success. Students are inspired by an exceptional faculty and a challenging curriculum that engages them in active learning. Required participation in the arts, including woodworking, sewing, drama, chorus, band and coding, sparks curiosity and a can-do spirit. Our unique focus on public speaking and our commitment to small class sizes have one purpose: to ensure every child is seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. This ultimately gives students the self-assurance needed to take risks and try new things, and see the best in themselves and others.
Mind + Heart = CURIOSITY. Derby students face new intellectual challenges with joyful curiosity. We understand the power of play to accelerate self-directed learning and social-emotional growth. In every classroom and on playgrounds and fields, you can feel the unbounded joy of childhood. Our creative and interdisciplinary curriculum inspires our students to approach learning with enthusiasm. Derby’s engaging teachers foster learning by doing and encourage mastery throughout our rigorous and innovative academic curriculum. Our commitment to teaching students how to think rather than what to think further ignites curiosity. The essential skills of critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving become second nature to our students and ultimately develop into a lifelong passion for learning.
Mind + Heart = CHARACTER. For generations, parents have trusted Derby to build character and bring out the best in their children. Determined to improve both mind and heart, we meet students where they are and show them just how far they can go. We create a safe space for them to tackle big challenges and learn from taking risks and stretching themselves outside their comfort zones. Our dedicated faculty are mindful of the influence they have in guiding children to navigate the world with an inclusive mindset. Weekly research-based and Derby-created Social Emotional Learning curricula sets the foundation for each child to develop a strong moral compass and a sense of personal responsibility.
Mind + Heart = COMMUNITY. Close, meaningful relationships between students and the faculty who know and care about them are a cornerstone of our Derby community. Our graduates are well prepared to lead with mind and heart. For over 250 years, children have found caring mentors and friends on our campus through our Advisory and Pals programs, small class sizes, school gatherings, and celebrations. These bonds last long after graduation. With Derby in their minds and hearts, our graduates go on to study at some of the finest high schools, colleges, and universities in the country.
There are many more examples that demonstrate how we put equal emphasis on both mind and heart at Derby, and we invite prospective families to join us at an upcoming event to learn more.
Discover Derby: The Middle School Years (Grades 5-8) | Tuesday, November 4 at 10:00 AM
Prospective 5th–8th grade students and parents/caregivers are invited to an engaging event to learn more about what sets us apart from other middle schools. Join us to learn more about Derby Academy’s Grades 5-8 programs and how we make the tween and teen years a time of positive growth and change.
While adults will hear from several administrators, prospective students will attend a student panel and engage in a STEM activity. Families will then take a campus tour to see teaching and learning in action!
Pre-K through Grade 8 Open House | Wednesday, November 12 at 9:30 AM
We invite prospective parents/caregivers to join us for a program to hear from students, teachers, and administrators and then take a tour to see the teaching and learning in action!
Learn more about Derby by tuning in to our Derby Difference Podcast!
Register for an event by visiting our website at https://www.derbyacademy.org/admission/admission-events or contact us at admission@derbyacademy.org or 781-749-0746, x146.
Derby at a Glance:
- PK-8 Private/Independent School in Hingham, MA
- Enrollment: +/- 340 students
- Over $2 Million Awarded in Tuition Assistance Each Year
- Safe and Welcoming Community
- Small Class Sizes and Low Student-Teacher Ratios
- Meaningful Student-Teacher-Parent Relationships
- Challenging and Innovative Academics
- After Care and Enrichment Programs
- Emphasis on Public Speaking in PK-8
- Robust Arts and Athletics Programs
- Buses with Central Stops North and South of Hingham