St. Sebastian's School
St. Sebastian's School is an independent Catholic day school for boys in grades 7-12 in Needham, Massachusetts, enrolling ~380 students on a classical college-preparatory curriculum with 100% four-year college placement and $66,800 tuition.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1941
- HeadquartersNeedham, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What St. Sebastian's School does
St. Sebastian's School is an independent Catholic day school for boys in grades 7-12, located in Needham, Massachusetts. Founded in 1941 by Cardinal William O'Connell, Archbishop of Boston, the school currently enrolls approximately 380 students drawn from 68 Massachusetts communities and operates with 215 employees, including 108 faculty/staff, 27 of whom have served for 20+ years. It is the only Catholic school in the Independent School League (ISL) and is ranked the #1 independent Catholic high school in Massachusetts by Niche.com. The school is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by the Archbishop of Boston but operates with an almost entirely lay faculty and administration, having transitioned away from priest-led governance beginning in the 1970s.
The school's core product is a traditional, classical college-preparatory curriculum spanning Classics, English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Spanish, supplemented by 21 AP courses, a signature Freshman Writing course, a Chapel Speaking Program (each student delivers an annual speech), an Innovation Lab with 3D printers and laser cutters, and a mandatory five-week Senior Service immersion. Co-curricular programming includes 13 ISL interscholastic sports, visual/music/theater arts, daily Mass, and tiered retreat programming from grades 7-12. Supporting technology consists of standard school-sector SaaS—Finalsite for the website, Ravenna for admissions, and Clarity for financial aid—rather than proprietary platforms.
The business model is tuition-driven nonprofit operations with auxiliary fundraising. Full tuition for 2026-27 is $66,800 per student; 34% of students receive need-based financial aid (awards range from $500 to $63,600), and 100% of demonstrated need is funded. There are no fees for lunch, athletics, or extracurriculars; book costs are approximately $400 annually. Revenue is supplemented by an Annual Fund with tiered giving societies (Quiver $1,000–$1,499 up to Platinum $100,000+), Capital Giving campaigns for facilities, and Planned Giving. Distribution is direct via admissions events (Open House, Curriculum Night, Athletics Night), the Ravenna application platform, ISL and BISC fairs, and a five-bus transportation network. 100% of graduates gain admission to four-year colleges; 31% of the Class of 2026 entered U.S. News Top 25 institutions.
St. Sebastian's School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- St. Sebastian's School
- Legal name
- St. Sebastian's School
- Website
- https://stsebs.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1941
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- St. Sebastian's School is an independent Catholic day school for boys in grades 7-12 in Needham, Massachusetts, enrolling ~380 students on a classical college-preparatory curriculum with 100% four-year college placement and $66,800 tuition.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
St. Sebastian's School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Independent Secondary Education
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools (EDAJABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Classical Education K–12 Schools (EDAJABAF)
Keywords
Where St. Sebastian's School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Needham
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
St. Sebastian's School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Tuition: Primary revenue stream from tuition payments for 380 students. Full tuition for 2026-27 academic year is $66,800. Students receive customized schedules, financial aid is need-based only.
- Annual Fund: Annual giving campaign where gifts support classrooms, fields, arts, and technology. Multiple giving societies from Quiver Society ($1,000-$1,499) to Platinum Society ($100,000+). Single gifts, pledges, and recurring monthly/quarterly/annual options available.
- Capital Giving: Capital campaigns for facilities improvements and expansion, separate from annual fund.
- Planned Giving: Deferred giving options through gift plans for long-term endowment support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Full Tuition 2026-27 |
| Subscription | Annual | Need-Based Financial Aid Range |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Fund Giving Levels |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
St. Sebastian's School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
St. Sebastian's School is an independent Catholic day school providing college preparatory education for approximately 380 young men in grades seven through twelve at its Needham, Massachusetts campus. The school delivers a classical liberal arts curriculum spanning Classics, English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Spanish, complemented by signature programs in writing, public speaking (Chapel Speaking Program), STEAM/Innovation, athletics (13 ISL sports), arts, spiritual life with daily Mass, and dedicated college counseling. Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year is $66,800 with 34% of students receiving need-based financial aid.
Product overview
St. Sebastian's School is an all-boys Catholic independent day school offering a unified educational program for 380 young men in grades seven through twelve. The core offering is its traditional, focused, classical academic curriculum spanning Classics, English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Spanish. This is complemented by signature programs including the Writing Program, Chapel Speaking Program, and STEAM & Innovation with its Innovation Lab. The school provides a well-balanced experience through Athletics (13 ISL sports), Arts (visual, music, theater), Spiritual Life (retreats, service, daily Mass), and diverse Clubs & Activities. College Counseling and Academic Support Services ensure students are prepared for and supported through college placement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Arrows: School mascot and nickname for students/athletics teams
Products and services
- Academic Programs Traditional, focused, classical academic program spanning core disciplines including Classics, English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Spanish, with AP courses and honors-level offerings, for enrolled students in grades 7-12.
- Writing Program Signature program developing clear, confident writers through a Freshman Writing course for all ninth graders, daily writing instruction in grades 7-8, and cross-curricular writing expectations, with classes typically capped at no more than 10 students.
- Chapel Speaking Program Cornerstone curriculum where each student in grades 7-11 writes and delivers a speech to classmates during weekly Chapel services, with faculty advisors providing one-on-one instruction, building public speaking skills and confidence.
- STEAM and Innovation Program Integrated STEAM education from Grade 7 Innovative Design through AP courses, featuring the Innovation Lab with 3D printers, laser cutters, and milling equipment for hands-on design thinking projects.
- College Counseling Comprehensive guidance program supporting students through the college search and application process, with dedicated counselors helping students identify institutions that fit their strengths and interests.
- Athletics Program Member of the Independent School League (ISL) offering 13 sports including football, soccer, cross country, hockey, basketball, wrestling, skiing, squash, lacrosse, tennis, baseball, golf, and ultimate, with no additional participation fees.
- Arts Program Rich array of artistic offerings including visual arts, music, theater, and film with after-school opportunities in drama, musical performance, painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and film editing.
- Spiritual Life Program Catholic faith formation including daily Mass, retreats from grades 7-12, prayer groups, and mandatory Service Program culminating in Senior Service five-week immersion.
- Academic Support Services Advisor program, extra help from teachers, Math Lab, homework club, executive function skills instruction, and accommodations for students with documented learning needs.
- Summer Programs Summer reading program with grade-specific assignments and assessments, plus summer camps offered by the school.
- Clubs and Activities Student-organized clubs including Math Madness, Robotics Team, MEDScience Program, Men with Positive Attitudes, International Club, Finance Academy, Garden Club, and more.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% college acceptance rate
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use St. Sebastian's School
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
St. Sebastian's School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature3 records
St. Sebastian's School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- San Miguel School (Providence, RI)coreStrong partnership with San Miguel School in Providence, RI. Students participate in basketball, board games, and pizza visits. St. Sebastian's students present summer activity bags to San Miguel students. The school also uses San Miguel for joint service activities and cultural exchange.
- Saint Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy (Dorchester)corePartnership with Saint Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy in Dorchester for after-school tutoring and field day programs. Students assist with tutoring and mentoring inner city youth.
- Museum of Leo's Art (MOLA)minor17 St. Sebastian's seniors partnered with MOLA's Peer Mentorship Program as part of Senior Service projects. Seniors spent time with local children with autism and neurodivergent differences, participating in sports, games, art activities, and social connection.
- Miracle League of MassachusettsminorStudents participate in Miracle League programs supporting individuals with disabilities in sports activities.
- Cradles to CrayonsminorAnnual clothing drive participation. Class of 2030 delivered donated clothing to Cradles to Crayons after learning about clothing insecurity and its impact on children's education.
- Father Bill's Food PantryminorStudents volunteer at Father Bill's Food Pantry as part of service program, including sandwich-making for the homeless.
- Glastonbury AbbeyminorSophomore retreat partner where half the class helps Benedictine monks with gardening and grounds cleaning, followed by Holy Mass at the abbey chapel.
- Sunset Point Camp (Hull)minorSophomore retreat partner where students help Catholic Charities prepare summer camp facilities for families from Greater Boston and South Shore.
- Craigville Conference Center (Cape Cod)minorOptional senior retreat venue for two-night, three-day spiritual retreat in November featuring group reflection, silent time, prayer, Mass, and recreation.
- Connors Family Retreat and Conference Center (Dover)minorVenue for 7th-9th grade single-day retreats focused on personal growth and community building.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
St. Sebastian's School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Thayer Academy: Independent co-ed day school in Braintree, MA and ISL member serving grades 5-12. Comparable peer in the same athletic conference and Boston-area independent school market with overlapping applicant families.
- Xaverian Brothers High School: Catholic all-boys college-preparatory high school in Westwood, MA serving grades 9-12. Direct competitor for Catholic families seeking single-sex boys' secondary education in the Greater Boston market.
- Boston College High School: Catholic all-boys college-preparatory high school in Boston, MA serving grades 9-12 with rigorous academics and competitive athletics. Comparable Catholic boys' school competing for the same Boston-area Catholic families.
- Middlesex School: Elite independent boarding and day school in Concord, MA serving grades 9-12 with a traditional college-prep curriculum. Comparable peer at the top end of Massachusetts independent school market with similar selectivity and outcome metrics.
- Roxbury Latin School: All-boys independent day school in West Roxbury, MA and ISL member offering grades 7-12 with a classical curriculum. Comparable in mission, single-sex format, and Boston-area draw to families seeking boys' college-prep education.
- Belmont Hill School: All-boys independent day school in Belmont, MA and fellow Independent School League member serving grades 7-12 with a similar college-prep focus. Direct competitor in the Greater Boston family market for boys' secondary education.
- St. Mark's School: Independent ISL school in Southborough, MA serving grades 9-12 with a similar college-preparatory liberal arts model. Comparable peer in the Massachusetts independent school market with overlapping applicant families and similar tuition tier.
Broad incumbents
- Groton School: Elite independent boarding school in Groton, MA serving grades 8-12 with a traditional college-prep curriculum and Episcopal heritage. Comparable in selectivity and outcome metrics though broader scope (boarding) and religious affiliation overlap.
- Lawrenceville School: Elite independent co-ed boarding school in Lawrenceville, NJ serving grades 9-12 with a house system and rigorous college-prep curriculum. Comparable in outcome metrics and elite independent school positioning though regional rather than Boston-area.
- Phillips Academy Andover: Elite co-ed independent boarding school in Andover, MA serving grades 9-12 with PG year. Comparable at the top tier of Massachusetts independent school outcomes and college placement, though broader in scope and includes boarding.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
St. Sebastian's School social profiles
Digital presenceSt. Sebastian's School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
St. Sebastian's School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles20 records
St. Sebastian's School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
St. Sebastian's School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about St. Sebastian's School
What does St. Sebastian's School do?
St. Sebastian's School is an independent Catholic day school providing college preparatory education for approximately 380 young men in grades seven through twelve at its Needham, Massachusetts campus. The school delivers a classical liberal arts curriculum spanning Classics, English, Fine Arts, History, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Spanish, complemented by signature programs in writing, public speaking (Chapel Speaking Program), STEAM/Innovation, athletics (13 ISL sports), arts, spiritual life with daily Mass, and dedicated college counseling. Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year is $66,800 with 34% of students receiving need-based financial aid.
Is St. Sebastian's School a public or private company?
St. Sebastian's School is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was St. Sebastian's School founded?
St. Sebastian's School was founded in 1941. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is St. Sebastian's School based?
St. Sebastian's School is headquartered in Needham, United States, in the North America region.
How does St. Sebastian's School make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Tuition is the primary driver. The others are annual Fund, capital Giving and planned Giving.
Who are St. Sebastian's School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Thayer Academy, Xaverian Brothers High School, Boston College High School, Middlesex School, Roxbury Latin School, Belmont Hill School and St. Mark's School. Broad incumbents are Groton School, Lawrenceville School and Phillips Academy Andover.
Does St. Sebastian's School have an API?
No public API is recorded for St. Sebastian's School.
What industry is St. Sebastian's School in?
St. Sebastian's School's product category is Independent Secondary Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJABAC, Faith-Based (Religious) K–12 Schools, with a secondary code of EDAJABAF, Classical Education K–12 Schools. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.