Since 1963, Kennedy Day School has earned a reputation for excellence and innovation in special education. Located on-site at Franciscan Children’s, in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, our facility is fully accessible and includes a fully adaptive playground and athletic field. Our spacious state-of-the-art school building reflects thoughtful, student-centered design with specialized equipment, resources, and technologies to help each child reach their full potential, so every kid can learn.
With a staff to student ratio of 1:2, our students receive the individualized attention and special education they need, so every kid can learn at their ability and pace.
We provide a robust education with specially designed instruction, therapeutic and transitional services, and adapted recreational opportunities to students ages 3 to 21.
Kennedy Day School is dedicated to serving each student as an individual, with specifically tailored, comprehensive, and integrated services. Our weekly team meetings focus on planned collaboration to maximize positive, student-centered outcomes.
Our school is fully accessible, with classrooms that are equipped with the latest adaptations and assistive technologies to support your child’s learning needs.
Your child will thrive in our wide variety of specialized activity areas and therapy rooms, which include an adaptive kitchen, sensory/motor room, vocational service center, gym and more.
With an extended school year, Kennedy Day School provides continuity in a safe and caring learning environment.
Ongoing and fully transparent communication is key to your child’s success. We work diligently to maintain effective communication with districts, families, and other stakeholders.
With a longstanding inter-relationship with Franciscan Children’s, Kennedy Day School is uniquely designed to serve students with acute and chronic multifaceted health care needs, including but not limited to: behavioral health challenges, seizure disorders, respiratory impairments (including severe asthma, tracheostomy, and ventilator dependence), orthopedic concerns, metabolic/nutritional issues or neurological concerns.
Students can also choose to utilize additional services available on Franciscan Children’s campus, including: pediatric dentistry, pediatric rehabilitation, interpreter services or specialty clinics.
Kennedy Day School has an open admissions policy throughout the school year. Students may be referred by a Local Education Agency (LEA), with support as appropriate from clinics/hospitals and human service agencies.
For more information contact Kaylyn Makins-Bigelow, admissions for Kennedy Day School, at 617-779-1581 or email KBigelow@franciscanchildrens.org.
Welcome to Kennedy Day School (KDS)! Here you’ll find a brief overview of our program and information about the services offered to our students, families and districts.
Kennedy Day School serves individuals ages 3 – 21 with intensive support needs. We strive to help our students achieve their goals through:
Our school is fully accessible, with classrooms that are equipped with the latest adaptations and assistive technologies to support your child’s learning needs.
Your child will thrive in our wide variety of specialized activity areas and therapy rooms, including an adapted library, music room, fully accessible teaching kitchen, vocational space, treatment rooms and a wonderful multi-sensory motor space. Please take a look at our virtual tour video to see some of our other educational and supportive spaces!
Kennedy Day School also has a strong and collaborative relationship with the Campus School at Boston College. Our partnership supports students at both schools through shared resources, activities, spaces, and professional development, while maintaining each school’s own culture, staffing and physical location.
I encourage you to take a few moments to view this page, as well as explore the extensive resources Franciscan Children’s has to offer. I welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and look forward to speaking with you further about our incredible school.
Dr. Patricia (Patty) Mason
Executive Director, Kennedy Day School
Liaison to the Campus School at Boston College
We are excited for another wonderful year of learning with you! Have a Question? Contact Jeanne Micheli, Administrative Manager Email: JMicheli@franciscanchildrens.org Phone: 617-254-3800 ...
Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s combines 60 years of experience and proven expertise with an updated facility that reflects our reputation for excellence and innovation. Each day, we provide fully collaborative spe...
We are excited to welcome your students to our school! To learn more about Kennedy Day School and our referral process, please contact Patty Mason, Executive Director, at 617-254-3800 ext. 6042 or email PaMason@franciscanchild...
“As a parent it is so comforting to know your child is receiving the best educational and therapeutic care from some of the most incredibly compassionate, patient and dedicated staff.”
Bella’s mom
“Every child that attends KDS will be with teachers and staff that will never give up on them and will make sure every child can be the best that they can be…KDS is not just a school but a community of belonging, understanding and support.”
Colin’s mom
“My son has learned how to be his best self at Kennedy Day School. His services are met. His teachers have been fantastic with him. It has been an all-around wonderful experience for us both.”
Christian’s mom
“When my daughter came to Kennedy Day School, I felt it was a place where she finally belonged.”
Alexandra’s mom
We are here to help. Visit us at 30 Warren Street, Brighton, MA, minutes from the Mass Pike, Commonwealth Avenue, and the Longwood Medical Area.
We want to hear from you! Reach us by calling 617-254-3800 or fill out our contact form. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.
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