You've been accepted!
Congratulations on your acceptance to Cushing Academy!
We can't wait to welcome you onto campus and into our community as the newest member of #PenguinNation.
We are excited about what you'll bring to the Cushing community:
- You're CREATIVE
- You're COMPETITIVE
- You're CURIOUS
Ready to join the waddle?
Next Steps
1 - Review Materials
Your enrollment contract and financial information is available for review in the parent portal at MyCushing.
In addition, here are some links that you may find helpful:
2 - Enroll at Cushing
When you've made your decision to come to Cushing (or, sadly, to attend another institution) we'd love to know! Please complete our Enrollment Decision Form at the bottom of this page.
Enrollment deadline: April 10, 2026
To complete enrollment at Cushing, a parent/guardian will need to log in to MyCushing and:
- Approve the enrollment contract
- Pay the enrollment deposit
- Choose a tuition payment plan
Here is a PDF guide and Enrollment FAQ that you may find helpful in navigating the enrollment process:
2026-2027
Course Catalog
Our 2026-27 Course catalog includes all Cushing offerings — including 21 AP courses, 19 honors courses, and 16 seminars — as well as details on everything from graduation requirements to how to add/drop/change a course level.
Soon after you enroll at Cushing, you'll meet with an academic advisor who will help you go over everything, listen to your interests and goals, and work with you to create a schedule for the 2026-27 academic year that best meets your needs.
Afternoon Programming
Cushing Academy's afternoon programming gives students a chance to explore their interests, stay fit and active, and tap into curiosity and teamwork through a variety of opportunities in the arts, athletics, and other activities.
You will enroll in three afternoon options each year, one for each afternoon term (fall, winter, spring). All students are required to participate in at least one season of athletics each year and in at least one term of a visual or performing arts.
Cushing Academy:
An Insider's Guide
Our Insider's Guide covers everything that happens OUTSIDE of the classroom. From the history of the penguin mascot to which dorm Bette Davis ’26 lived in, the guide is packed full of interesting tidbits that will give you a sense of life on campus, including:
- Cushing traditions (like the All School Handshake and Community Lunch)
- The location of Ms. Fay's candy drawer
- Afternoon activities and weekend trip options
- Student clubs and organizations
- And much, much more!
“I’ve been learning to throw clay here at Cushing and I feel like it’s really representative of my journey. I’ve had to learn patience, I’ve had to learn delicacy — you can’t put too much pressure on the clay or else it will fold and crumble — and Cushing does a great job of applying the right kind of pressure to help you become your best self. ”
— Lauren W., Senior
"Cushing was the right place for me, and I loved it. I was challenged academically and athletically; I grew as a person and a hockey player tremendously."
— Meghan Duggan ’06
USA Women's Olympic Hockey Team
2018 Gold medalist and team captain
2014 Silver medalist and team captain
2010 Silver Medalist
"Cushing students love being here and embracing new experiences. Every student brings a unique perspective to campus. By fully engaging in our community, students learn how to express themselves, develop self-awareness, and have meaningful conversations."
— Edward Buggie
Director of Inclusion + Community Life
Dance Instructor
Experience what it's like to be a Penguin
Friday, April 3 or Monday, April 6
9 am - 2 pm
At Cushing Academy's Revisit Day, you get to experience what it's like to be a Penguin. You'll visit live classes, meet students, faculty, and coaches, sample the food in the dining hall, and get a first-hand sense of Cushing's tremendous community spirit.
- Attend classes with current students
- Meet with incoming students and their families
- Participate in an all-school assembly
- Have lunch in the Fisher Watkins Dining Commons
- Participate in roundtable and panel discussions with faculty and students
Need a Place to Stay for Revisit Day?
These are our recommended local hotels should you need to stay overnight:
My time at Cushing was a launchpad to becoming who I am today — and I know it can be a similar launchpad for you.
We asked Cushing alum John Cena ’95 to walk us through his his Top 5 Reasons for Coming to Cushing Academy. We hope you enjoy this fun and heartfelt countdown and — particularly concerning Reason #5 — that you're looking forward to some adventure in Ashburnham next year!
What will be your Top 5 reasons for coming to Cushing Academy?
More Cena Videos
Conversation with John Cena
Head of School Dr. Randy Bertin recently sat down with legendary pro-wrestler, successful Hollywood actor, and best-selling author John Cena ’95 to discuss the impact Cushing Academy has had on his life. #PoweredByConnection
Head of School Holiday
In addition to the sit-down interview, John Cena also helped Dr. Bertin make a special announcement for last year's Head of School Holiday. #PoweredByTraditions
Videos
See all of our videos on the Cushing Academy YouTube page.
#PoweredByCuriosity
During your journey at Cushing, you will be inspired to pursue your curiosity and creativity, take risks, push yourself, and grow. You will also have a lot of fun along the way! Our supportive community of teachers, advisors, and coaches will meet you where you are at and help you set your sights on where you want to go. Where will your journey at Cushing take you?
# PoweredByTheJourney
#PoweredByPeople
At Cushing Academy, you will find a community that will embrace and support you for who you are! From outstanding academics, competitive athletics, and renowned performing and visual arts, Cushing is a community where you will thrive!
#ChooseCushing
#PoweredByPenguins
Only a lucky few get the chance to see penguins in their natural habitat. But even fewer people are lucky enough to also BE a penguin....You're one of the lucky few. We hope you'll take the plunge!
#TakeThePlunge
#PoweredByMountainDay
Mountain Day is one of the many traditions that define the Cushing experience. Every fall, the entire school hikes Mount Monadnock to reflect on the journey that lies ahead during the coming year.
#AcceptTheChallenge
Strategic Priorities for Cushing Academy, 2025-2030
Over the past 10 years, Cushing’s campus has been transformed, with more than $100 million in capital improvements, including six new dorms and a new health and wellness center. Our endowment has grown from $29 million to over $84 million, and we have greatly expanded academic and student support services, especially those related to mental and physical well-being.
Our Common Journey builds on these milestones and successes. As a strategic document, it reflects the heart and soul of Cushing Academy, and is anchored by six key pillars:
- Strengthening Community and Belonging
- Developing Curious Learners
- Developing Confident Leaders
- Promoting Student Health and Well-Being
- Ensuring Long-term Sustainability
- Celebrating School Culture and Legacy
Community Life Instagram
See more reels and highlights of Cushing student life on our Cushing Community Life INSTAGRAM.
#GirlsDormTour
Marella ‘26 takes us through Lee House and shows us why she loves being Lee Bee.
#PoweredByDormTours
#BoysDormTour
Tour Price Hall with Tim ’27 as a part of our Dorm Tour Series. Thanks for the hospitality Price!
#PoweredByDormTours
#DormOlympics
Friendly competition while building bonds makes for the most fun at Cushing. Check out the opening ceremonies of our Dorm Olympics.
#PoweredByDormOlympics
#DayInTheLife
Join Trey for his busy Tuesday — psychology, English seminar, a pep rally, physical science, kinesiology, Powersource, study hall, and hanging out in the hall.
#PoweredByAnkleWraps
#DayInTheLife
Join Coco for her active Thursday — yoga, AP computer science principles, senior English seminar, voice lessons, AP psychology, college counseling check-in, health and wellness, and study hall.
#PoweredByMorningYoga
#DayInTheLife
Join Matea for her packed Tuesday — calculus, advisory, art portfolio, AP US government and politics, a visit to college counseling, philosophy, advanced acting and directing, fall play, tennis practice, a dorm meeting, and study hall
#PoweredByFastLaundry
Our Admissions team is eager to hear from you and help your family in any way we can throughout the enrollment process.
Don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact us at admissions@cushing.org or (978) 827-7300.
Mark your calendars! New international students and preseason athletes arrive on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for Registration.
All other new and returning students arrive on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with Orientation on September 6!
As a reminder, here's a link to 2026-27 Calendar, as well as a list of what you should pack for Cushing. We can't wait to get you on campus!
If you know you're coming to Cushing, let us know so we can celebrate with you!
If you know you're NOT coming to Cushing, we'd love to know that as well. We'll be disappointed — but letting us know your plans allows us to potentially offer your space to another deserving Penguin.