Schools & Childcare

In order to enroll your child into Cambridge or Boston Public Schools, you must have a signed copy of your lease to prove residency.

Public Schools

There are many private schools in the area as well. For a third party rating of public, private and parochial schools, you may find information at GreatSchools.org valuable

An elementary school student sitting at their desk and smiling in class

Day Care / Preschools

Childcare & Playgroups

  • Child Care@Harvard website 
    The Child Care@Harvard website offers information about child care options at Harvard and elsewhere.
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  • Playgroup at Harvard Neighbors 
    Infants and toddlers groups meet regularly at Harvard Neighbors (Loeb House Basement, 17 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138). Harvard Neighbors membership is required.

Student Babysitters

If you are looking for a babysitter, try the Student Employment Office at Harvard. You can browse ads from undergraduates offering to babysit, or post an ad yourself.

A toddler sitting on a carpet holding a toy in his right hand and chewing another toy in his left hand

Community and After-School Programs

  • Cambridge Community Schools 
    The City of Cambridge provides afterschool educational, social, cultural, and recreational options for all ages in the Cambridge Community
  • DHSP Resource Guide 
    The DHSP Resource Guide contains an extensive list of childcare and enrichment programs, conveniently organized by neighborhood, including some information on costs.
A young boy sitting in a library on a small stack of books while he reads a book

Please note: Neither Harvard University nor Harvard University Housing manages any of the sites or groups referenced on this page.