Why Johnson?
Our program is challenging, well-rounded, and connected to the natural and civic resources of Nahant.
At the Johnson School students experience a curriculum that reaches them where they are.

Level 1 school
Our school has earned a designation of Level 1 from the Commonwealth. This indicates that student overall achievement is high, and that we are closing achievement gaps between groups of students. This designation places us in the top 25% of schools in Massachusetts, and is based on performance on state assessments. See our School Report Card from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
A place-based curriculum
A community garden for art inspiration, science instruction, and history lessons
Hands-on, minds-on science at tidepools and thickets
Walking field trips to local historic sites
Traditions While our educators are always innovating their teaching practices, we also have traditions that we are proud of. For over 50 years the 6th grade has produced a play during after school sessions. For over 100 years a student has recited aloud the Gettysburg Address. In more recent years, we have developed a close relationship with the US Coast Guard, inviting them to participate in reading celebrations, and in ceremonies recognizing our veterans.
Lasting Relationships Students at our school develop lasting relationships that continue well past their years at the school. We support these, through alumni events, and through an annual scholarship ceremony for Nahanters graduating from their high school.
Our unique ties with the
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY MARINE SCIENCE CENTER
Our school benefits from hands-on marine science lessons provided by the outreach educators at Northeaster university's Marine Science Center. Each grade level participates in in-school field trips that include artifacts and live animals, as well as guided visits to our local tide pools, sandy beaches, thickets and the decommissioned World War II bunkers that the University now uses for classroom space.
Enrichment Block
In addition to music, art, physical education and technology classes, we offer enrichment classes after school, during our Enrichment Block from 2:30-3:30.
Enrichment Block classes, organized by our PTO, include:
- Spanish
- Robotics
- Engineering
- Coding
- Karate
- Gardening
- Instrument Sessons
- Math Support
- School Council
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By Paul Kelly