Faced with the certainty of a rapidly changing world, Webb recognizes its responsibility as a college preparatory school to provide an intellectual, moral, physical, and social framework that will serve students both in college and in the years that follow. The faculty, administration, and board of trustees agree that a strong liberal arts education best prepares students to respond constructively and imaginatively to the challenge of change. Students are, therefore, encouraged in all courses to think and communicate critically, as well as creatively. Webb endeavors to take full advantage of the freedoms afforded by an independent school. Instructors are given considerable latitude within the classroom, provided that thoroughness is not sacrificed and that care is taken to establish an atmosphere in which ideas can be freely expressed and tested.

In both the academic and the co-curricular sphere, the Webb School attempts to meet individual needs in a variety of ways. A dedicated faculty and a low ratio of students to teachers ensure that each student receives thorough instruction. Although Webb seeks out students of varying backgrounds, a sense of community is encouraged both during and after the academic day. Webb students are taught to live harmoniously in a student body that reflects global variety in socio-economic status, race, and religion.

Webb's faculty are outstanding, committed educators, who come from a wide range of colleges and universities; most of whom possess advanced degrees. While a few teachers are fresh out of college, the average faculty member has 13 years in the profession and 11 years experience at Webb. Throughout the year, Webb encourages the faculty's continuing education by funding graduate courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars.

Webb's average class size is 12, but some classes are as small as 5 students. In that type of environment it is very easy to see that topics are being grasped and concepts mastered.

I have been amazed at how prepared I am for college. I am able to study effectively and manage my time efficiently, two invaluable assets in a college atmosphere. The close relationships I had with my Webb teachers showed me that they are people too and gave me the courage to seek help from my college professors."

- Elizabeth Moss, Class of 2009, Boston University

Webb offers College Preparatory and College Preparatory-Honors courses in most disciplines. This "two-track" system allows students to take accelerated courses in their areas of particular academic strength.

The Public Performance Program is a separate class, unique to Webb, that is designed to foster the emerging voice and academic passions of Webb students. Each student performs a public performance each year: a declamation in the freshman year (recitation of a memorized text that complements one of the disciplines studied); an original oration in the sophomore year; a performance/creation in the junior year; and a formal presentation of the senior project in the final year. These exhibitions are developed and completed under the mentorship of the student’s advisor and other community members as appropriate.  Be sure to view the video to the left to see a compilation of junior performances.

Each year, Webb’s upper school dedicates several days to its field studies program. This program is designed to enhance the authenticity of the curriculum and to broaden the experiences of each student.The field studies program includes an outdoor trip for the 9th grade, a service learning project for the 10th grade, college visits for the 11th grade, and a job shadowing program for the 12th grade.

Webb, despite its small size, offers a range of Advanced Placement classes, by means of which students can earn college credit and/or advanced placement in college courses. These include Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English III Language and Composition, English IV Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, Government and Politics, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Modern European History, Statistics, Studio Art: 2D Design, Studio Art: Drawing, Physics: Electromagnetism, Physics: Mechanics, U.S. History, and World History. 

In 2012, 71 of our students took 179 AP examinations, earning scores of 3 or above on 85% of those.