About Dexter Southfield
Dexter Southfield is an independent, college-preparatory day school for young men and women in PreK through Class 12, located on a world-class campus just five miles from downtown Boston.
Through time well spent here, students are provided a foundation for excellence as they gain the character, confidence, and compassion to become leaders, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens prepared to achieve their personal best through every stage of life.
Our Mission
Dexter Southfield helps boys and girls develop their individual talents and build an ethical foundation for life. Students learn to lead with confidence, serve with compassion, and live by the motto, "Our Best Today, Better Tomorrow."
Our Campus
Our 36-acre campus combines modern on-campus facilities with close proximity to Boston. The Kraft Fieldhouse and Arena, opened in 2017, is a best-in-class athletic facility where our students learn, play, and compete together. The Clay Center for Science and Technology is home to our research-grade observatory and learning center and provides ready access to experimentation, exploration, and research. In the fall of 2020, Dexter Southfield completed the Building a Better Tomorrow initiative, adding 23,000 square feet of academic space to the School. In the fall of 2021, the School opened the Dexter Southfield Squash Center and "The Garage," an 8,000-square foot Innovation Center for students in Classes 6-8.
Our History
1926: Dexter School for boys opens, occupying a site in Brookline during the headships of Miss Myra Fiske and the Rev. Francis Caswell.
1966: Under Headmaster William F. Phinney, the School purchases the Newton Street property and begins construction of the current campus. Classrooms, athletic facilities, and art studios follow.
1992: Southfield School is established to offer girls the same outstanding education that Dexter boys have long enjoyed. Southfield opens its doors to 81 girls in PreK-Class 4, far exceeding the planned enrollment. Within four years, Southfield numbers 236 girls through Class 8.
2003: The Upper School opens, providing families with another excellent secondary option in the Boston area. The School expands the faculty, facilities, and program to serve the growing student population.
2011: Mr. and Mrs. Phinney retire, having given a combined 93 years of service to the School.
2011: Longtime teacher, administrator, and coach Todd Vincent becomes the fourth Head of School.
2013: Dexter Southfield receives formal accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Head of School Todd Vincent works with faculty, staff, and administration during the 18-month accreditation process, which includes a lengthy self-study. In Summer 2013, Dexter Southfield unveils its re-branded school name to reflect the community identity.
2017: Dexter Southfield celebrates its first co-ed graduation, recognizing the school’s co-ed Upper School.
2017: The Kraft Fieldhouse & Fusco Arena, including 100,000 square feet of indoor space, opens to the Dexter Southfield community. The space includes courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis; a renovated hockey arena, including a multipurpose room and seating; dedicated areas for strength and conditioning and athletic training; and several locker rooms.
2020: The Building a Better Tomorrow project adds 23,000 square feet of academic spaces across the School.
2021: Dexter Southfield announces three new program enhancements for the following school year: The Dexter Southfield Squash Center, The Garage for middle school innovation, and the New Venture Competition and the entrepreneurship program in the Upper School.