Since 1963, Kennedy Day School (KDS) has earned a reputation for excellence in special education. Located on the Franciscan Children’s campus, KDS is uniquely designed to serve students, ages 3-21, with extensive support needs, complex medical, physical, communication and cognitive needs and those who are on the autism spectrum. Our school creates a sense of belonging with student photos and artwork throughout, active slide shows of current events and daily student morning announcements on the message boards in the school and the hospital. Our spacious classrooms, wide hallways, extensive adaptive equipment, augmentative alternative communication supports, and additional accessible features encourage and promote independence, engagement and access to all that the facility has to offer. Our campus includes a fully accessible athletic field and playground inclusive of everyone.
Admissions
Kennedy Day School has an open admissions policy throughout the school year. Students may be referred by a Local Education Agency (LEA), with support as appropriate from clinics/hospitals and human service agencies.
For more information contact Kaylyn Makins-Bigelow, Admissions for Kennedy Day School, at 617-779-1581, kbigelow@franciscanchildrens.org.
About Kennedy Day School
Student and Family-Focused
Students receive the individualized attention and education they need to participate, learn and grow in a space that is designed to support all abilities with guided pacing that is responsive to each student’s needs.
We provide a robust curriculum with specially designed instruction, therapeutic and transitional services, and adapted recreational opportunities.
Comprehensive Services
Kennedy Day School is dedicated to serving each student as an individual, with specifically tailored, comprehensive, and integrated services. Weekly team meetings focus on planned collaboration to maximize positive, student-centered outcomes.
Designed for Success
Our classrooms are equipped with the latest adaptations and assistive technologies to support student learning needs.
Students thrive in our wide variety of specialized activity areas and therapy rooms, which include an adaptive kitchen, sensory/motor room, transitional service center, gym and more.
With an extended school year, Kennedy Day School provides continuity in a safe and caring learning environment.
Franciscan Children's
As part of Franciscan Children’s, students can also choose to utilize additional services available on campus, including: pediatric dentistry, pediatric rehabilitation, or specialty clinics.
Message from the Executive Director
A Message from Patty Mason, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Kennedy Day School
Welcome to Kennedy Day School! Here you’ll find a brief overview of our program and information about the services offered to our students, families and districts.
Kennedy Day School serves individuals ages 3 – 21 with intensive support needs. We strive to help our students achieve their goals through:
- Evidenced-based practices
- State-of-the-art assistive technologies
- Robust therapies
- Modified academic content based on the Massachusetts curriculum requirements
Our school is fully accessible, with classrooms that are equipped with the latest adaptations and assistive technologies to support your child’s learning needs.
Your child will thrive in our wide variety of specialized activity areas and therapy rooms, including an adapted library, music room, fully accessible teaching kitchen, vocational space, treatment rooms and a wonderful multi-sensory motor space. Please take a look at our virtual tour video to see some of our other educational and supportive spaces!
In 2025, Kennedy Day School launched a partnership and affiliation with the Campus School at Boston College. Our partnership supports students at both schools through shared resources, activities, spaces, and professional development, while maintaining each school’s independent culture, and physical location. We currently share several positions, expanding our partnership to support the students and families we serve.
I encourage you to take a few moments to view this page, as well as explore the extensive resources Franciscan Children’s has to offer. I welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and look forward to speaking with you further about our incredible school.
Patricia (Patty) Mason, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Kennedy Day School
Executive Director of the Campus School at Boston College
Certifications
Massachusetts DESE Certification
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
Click here to view our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan