John F Kennedy Middle School, 655 Lexington St, Waltham, MA 02452, US

Set on an expansive property just outside Porter Square, this PK-8 school's stated mission is to provide "students of all levels with the tools to learn at their own pace and in their own style" while "striving to nurture the innate excitement of learning within each student to become an independent, self-directed, creative, responsible/responsive learner." The school is home to over 450 students, and tots who just can't wait to enroll can attend the parent/toddler group that meets at the school three times a week. Notable aspects include a National History Day Contest team that consistently makes nationals, and an indoor pool. An extensive program of afterschool activities also includes programs ranging from tutoring to Math League, yoga and school news reporting. Outdoor facilities include basketball courts, playground equipment, plenty of blacktop space and a school garden. The PTA is active and involved and plans are in the works for 2011 to establish a parent room at the school and engage a parent liaison. Kennedy is also an international demonstration site for the Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations, a nonprofit program that aims to help students set goals and achieve them. The social-emotional curriculum, Second Step, is also taught to students in grades K-6. Principal Dr. Anne L. Foley leads the school. Test scores are available on the school website and at www.doe.mass.edu.