Governor’s At A Glance
15%
identify as international students
33
miles north of Boston and 5 miles south of Newburyport
25
varsity sports teams
456
acre
campus bordered by the Parker River
406
students
52
Scholastic Art Awards in 2024
29%
of students receive financial aid
$6 M
financial aid awarded annually
11
student average class size
25
Scholastic Writing Awards in 2024
14
year average faculty tenure
18
states represented in our student body
Governor's People
Govs has given me the opportunity to pursue new interests both in academics and outside of the classroom. Spaces that provide support and encourage you to find your voice are truly invaluable, and I have been lucky to engage with those spaces at Govs. Whether it is developing my passion for ceramics in the studio, finding new interests in academics, or engaging with DEI work on campus, Govs has pushed me to take initiative and pursue what I am passionate about.
Laya ’24 is a day student at Govs. From developing a passion for art through a ceramics class, to taking on a leadership role as both a Community Facilitator and leader of Asian and Asian American Affinity Group 4A, Laya’s involvement on campus goes beyond just the classroom!
- North Andover, MA
Having recently finished fifteen years at Govs, I often find myself thinking about why I have chosen this life. There are countless enriching aspects to living in this community, but what consistently comes to the forefront of my mind is, simply, the students I have taught through the years.
Jake teaches Spanish, is the head coach of varsity boys tennis in the spring, and teaches instructional tennis in the winter. In his over a decade of teaching at Governor’s, he has led several student trips including ones to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Spain. He lives on campus with his wife, son (a Govs graduate), and daughter (current Govs student).
- Spanish Teacher
I see teaching as a chance to connect with my students and for us to create a unique learning community. Together we don't just learn science, we create, we problem solve, we debate, and we compete - all as a way to push each other, support each other, and learn. For me, teaching a class is about curating a space that allows this community to thrive, to have fun, to be challenged, and to challenge each other. That's what a Govs education is all about.
Dr. Allen serves as the Science Department Chair and teaches physics. She coaches girls JV lacrosse and serves as the advisor to student affinity group SWAGA. Before Governor's, Emily taught at the collegiate level at Boston University and Babson College, and she also taught at The Pomfret School. When she’s not busy at Governor’s, she enjoys practicing yoga and hiking with her husband and very energetic puppy!
- Science Department Chair
Being a student at Govs is so special. Arriving as a new junior was such a smooth transition because of how close-knit and welcoming the Govs community is. The faculty are always present on campus and eager to help their students that they care so much about. The connections I have made with my advisor, dorm parents, coaches, and teachers are genuine and deep. The connections I have made in Byfield will last a lifetime and always keep me coming back after I graduate.
Alec is a boarding student from Lafayette, Colorado who loves spending his afternoons and weekends at the hockey rink and on the golf course. In addition to his classes, he enjoys studying with friends in the library, movie nights in the dorm, and cheering on his friends in their athletic and artistic performances. He says there is nothing like striking up a conversation with his Economics teacher and his son over a meal in the dining hall or running into his advisor on the walk to practice in the afternoon.
- Lafayette, CO
The first time I arrived on this campus it was evident how connected and caring this community is. We see this in the every day interactions between students to students, adults to adults, and students to adults. Our dorms are truly the homes away from home for our boarding students. It's the place they can rest, laugh, and rejuvenate for their days. I am thrilled to be able to help build intentional communities within all our dorms with the support of incredible student proctors and dedicated dorm parents.
Faith oversees all aspects of the residential life program at Govs in her role as Associate Dean of Students & Director of Residential Life. In addition, she serves as an advisor and the junior and senior class deans. Faith lives on campus with her family.
- Associate Dean of Students & Director of Residential Life
Over the years, I have made countless connections, new friends and mentors and I hope in the next two years I can build on these and make even more. I have had the opportunity to play new sports, make new international friends, and connected with my peers through the music program. I would not want to be a part of any other community than the Govs community.
Day student Will '25 calls being a student at Governor's a "special experience". He plays basketball and lacrosse at Govs, and plays the violin in orchestra. Anatomy and physiology/sports medicine have been his favorite classes so far, and hopes to take a class in marine science next year. Will says his advisor and coaches have helped him gain knowledge, become a better person and become a leader in the Govs community. When he's not busy at school, Will loves boating, fishing, and being outdoors.
- Ipswich, MA
Govs has prepared me to embrace the future with confidence and determination. It's a place where I've not only discovered my passions but also found a supportive and nurturing environment to pursue them. Whether in academics or athletics, I've witnessed firsthand how the people at Govs go above and beyond to make it special. While playing sports, I've learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. The camaraderie I've formed on the field has shaped me into a better athlete and a stronger individual.
Gracie '25 is a boarding student at Govs. A very talented tri-season athlete, she plays on the varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse teams. When Gracie arrived at Govs, she was very interested in the sciences and through thought-provoking discussions, challenging experiments, and engaging projects, teachers here have nurtured her passion for scientific exploration. After she took a photography class, that blossomed into a newfound interest for her. She is involved in a variety of clubs, noting that it’s a great way to learn about different subjects and interests with like-minded people.
- Wilmington, MA
In my past twenty-two years at Governors, one thing has remained central to my Academy experience; supporting, knowing, and guiding students. Building relationships with students in all areas of school life allows many important positive core values to be instilled...and permeate beyond graduation. These relationships are not limited to just the faculty/student relationship, but they extend also to faculty families and staff. There are so many people rooting for and cheering on the academic and personal growth of our students.
Mike teaches history, coaches JV football in the fall, and is the assistant coach of varsity boys ice hockey in the winter. He spent years as the Assistant Dean of Students in the Dean's Office before returning full time to the classroom. He is the dorm associate in Farmhouse and he lives on campus with his wife, two daughters (both Govs students), and black lab "Buddy". In addition to enjoying time with students in the classroom, dorm, and athletic fields/rink, he loves to keep up with former students and athletes' accomplishments post-Byfield. Mike calls working with a student during their very first year at Governor’s and then reconnecting during their college years, at their wedding, and meeting their own children is unique and quite special to the Governor's community. When he's not on campus coaching, teaching, or in the dorm, he enjoys golfing, fishing, running, and spending time with his family.
- History Teacher
It was the inspirational teachers and coaches that I had as a student at Govs that sparked my interest to return to Byfield as a teacher. Interacting with the dedicated faculty in the classroom and on the athletic field helped them to know me not as one of many students but as an individual. Now as a teacher, coach, and dorm parent I recognize that these relationships are what continue to make the Governor's community so special.
Amy is passionate about creating engaging lessons that help students strengthen their problem-solving skills in mathematics. At the same time, she recognizes that some of the most important lessons a student learns happen outside of the classroom. Amy, who played soccer, lacrosse, and ran indoor track at the collegiate level, is a dedicated coach who helps students discover the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and working together to achieve common goals. She enjoys running, playing tennis and golf, and baking sweet treats. She is the head dorm parent in Peirce and often brings baked goods for the residents to Sunday night dorm meetings. Amy values the time she spends with students in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the dormitory, and believes strongly that character develops in all areas of boarding school life.
- Math Department Chair & Girls Varsity Soccer Coach
Living in our dorms reinforces the most important values in the Governor’s community. It is here where our students learn to exercise their independence, generate meaningful and lasting relationships, maintain their own spaces, develop their unique process of studying, and learn the most valuable lessons about community living, from the mundane tasks of dorm jobs to the most important lessons about trust, empathy, and respect.
Mr. Satow has been a dorm parent since the very first day of his career as an educator. He is dedicated to using the dormitories and the Residential Life Program at Governor’s as a method of developing adolescents into young adults. Mr. Satow can be found monitoring a study hall, hosting a meal in the dorm common room on a weekend, or organizing the Farmhouse reunion barbecue every spring.
- Associate Dean of Academics & History Teacher
Governor's Events & News
Academic Dean and English Teacher Karen Gold P’11,’17, not surprisingly, is an avid reader and podcast listener. In August, she sat down with Anne Bogel, blogger Modern Mrs. Darcy, to discuss campus novels and the conundrum of physical and e-books.
At the end of August, when many of their peers were enjoying the final week of summer break, 15 Govs faculty members representing five academic departments gathered in the Bill ‘67 and Peter ‘71 Alfond Coastal Research Center to participate in a place-based learning workshop. "Using classroom techniques that facilitate efficient group work, participants gathered live feedback on their initial ideas and focused their ideas into a unit for their class in the coming year. In addition, they learned some valuable classroom strategies as well..."
During our first week of classes, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on a wonderful orientation week full of fun, laughter, and community-building activities. Significant changes were made to our orientation week schedule to ensure that new and returning students had the opportunity to strengthen connections, develop connections, and understand expectations for the upcoming school year.
We welcome six new faculty members this year and two faculty members who joined us partway through the school year last year. Get to know our newest community members and give them a warm welcome when you meet them on campus.
The Governor’s Academy is proud to present its first art exhibit of the school year, The Employee Art Show: Being Together. This exhibit celebrates the diverse talents of the Academy’s staff and faculty, revealing the vibrant, creative lives they lead beyond their classrooms, offices, and our school's hallways. It aims to break down notions of good/bad art and dispel the hierarchy of art forms.
As the new Alumni Council President, John Heald '64 is focused on the collective work the Council will undertake to expand opportunities promoting inclusivity, outreach, and engagement for the alumni community. "It's a collaborative group,” said Heald, “and we have six new members this year, so there is a lot of energy and excitement around being innovative and engaged with the alumni community right now."
Extending grace is a lesson that Jessica Pidgeon ‘89 learned because of Shakespeare and giggles in the middle of a Govs English class—and a teacher who let her be herself. A lot has happened since then, but Pidgeon says that defining moment has helped her navigate life’s ups and, more importantly, downs.
Thirty-two years ago, David Oxton began his teaching career at Governor’s and has since inspired countless students to love photography, with many pursuing it professionally. While he taught the technical fundamentals of cameras, dark rooms, and printers, his true impact lay in his ability to encourage students to see the world differently and capture images that were authentic to the artist and engaging for the audience.
The Governor's Academy is a boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Byfield, Massachusetts. Governor's admits students of any race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Governor's does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.