In 1941, exhibiting the spirit of true pioneers, George and Kitty Fenster packed up their family and belongings and trekked west from New York City. Searching for a more agreeable climate in which to live and work, the Fenster family was immediately taken by the "purple mountain majesty" of the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. The splendor of the Sonoran Desert provided the Fensters with a feeling of peace, contentment and quietude.

It was in this environment that our philosophy regarding education for a co-ed boarding school was initiated. From the very beginning the objectives of Fenster were emphasized through schooling, careful supervision, individual attention, respect of individual differences and a "second" home atmosphere. These common-sense objectives are still very alive in the Fenster Boarding School tradition.

What began in a small adobe home with just eight students flourishes today with students from throughout the United States and the world. As a boys’ and girls’ boarding school, Fenster provides a supportive learning environment for the capable, underachieving student to get back on track academically.

In class room settings, on campus and daily in our morning and afternoon homeroom sessions, students receive immediate recognition along with their peers for individual and class accomplishments, boosting self esteem and reinforcing positive behavior. Integrity is expected, both academically and personally. Cheating on class assignments has immediate academic consequences. Stealing, abusing our bodies with drugs or alcohol, damaging property or disrespecting others all have immediate behavioral consequences.

Daily monitoring of academics, attendance, homework and behavior, combined with small classrooms, provide a structure that encourages success.

Fenster – A Challenging, Supportive Coed Boarding School for Your Teenager

Built upon a stable foundation that supports students in their endeavors and encourages positive behavior, Fenster stands apart from other girls’ and boys’ boarding schools. At Fenster, we focus more than on just providing a high-quality education. Our goal is to make sure each student thrives not only academically but in other areas as well, thereby becoming a well-rounded individual.

As a teen boarding school, Fenster recognizes the different challenges facing your adolescent, and we provide your teen the support he or she needs to be successful in the different school areas. Whether it’s extra tutoring attention or recognition of academic achievements, we want to teach all of our students how to approach their lives with their best efforts. Our positive reinforcement for various accomplishments encourages students to do exactly that. Though strict with our rules, the overall learning environment for our girls’ and boys’ boarding school is designed to help students become successful in both academics and extracurricular interests.

If you would like to learn more about the numerous opportunities available to your teen at Fenster, you can give us a call at 520-749-3340. You can also call and talk to our Headmaster Don Saffer at 520-465-0990. We can provide you with information you might want and set up a time for you and your teen to tour our beautiful campus. We’re confident you’ll be impressed with our supportive atmosphere that challenges students to put forth their best effort in every area.