Tower at a Glance

Founded in 1912, Tower is the oldest independent elementary school on Boston's North Shore.

Originally located in Salem, Tower moved to its current location in Marblehead in 1941.

Accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE)

School day: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Students

2011-2012 enrollment: approximately 300 students

Small classes are a hallmark of Tower and provide our students with true teacher attention. In pre-kindergarten through grade 3 the ideal class size is 16 students; in grades 4 and 5, it is 18. In the Upper School, class size can range from 10-18 depending on the section and subject being taught.

A low teacher student ratio is a key part of the success of the program at Tower.

Students live in the towns of Beverly, Danvers, Gloucester, Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Revere, Salem, Saugus, South Hamilton, Swampscott.

Faculty

Average faculty tenure: 8 years

64% of teaching faculty hold master's and/or doctoral degrees

Number of full-time teaching faculty: 50

96% of Tower faculty supported the Annual Fund in 2011-12

Financial Aid

Tower is able to reduce the tuition for approximately 26% of our students

Number of financial aid awards: 78

Average award: $13,313

Total aid: $1,038,425

Range of awards: $1,000-$23,000

Admission

Each year, Tower admits and enrolls 16 students in pre-kindergarten and 16 students in kindergarten.

Additionally, Tower can enroll students in the grades 4, 5, and 6, increasing enrollment in those classes to 36 students.

While Tower fills most of its available spots in the youngest grades, generally 1-2 openings occur in other grades each year.

Facilities

Three new state-of-the-art science labs

New performing arts center with full stage and retractable seating

Two soundproof music rooms and two practice chambers

75 computers and 6 SMART boards available for daily use

Two art studios, one woodshop, clay studio, and a kiln

Library of 11,000 books

Finances

2011-2012 Tuition
Pre-K: $18,000
Kindergarten-Grade 5: $21,950
Grades 6-8: $24,800

Endowment: $5.1 million

$5.36 million raised during recent Beacon of Excellence Campaign

2010-2011 Operating Income: $6,234,873
Tuition and fees: $5,383,101
Annual Fund: $370,907
Summer Programs: $146,000
Investment Income: $234,313
Other: $100,552

2010-2011 Operating Expenses: $6,215,480
Salaries and Benefits: $4,713,741
Instructional: $473,000
Physical Plant: $540,000
Administration: $310,800
Other: $10,700
Debt Service: $167,239