NEEDHAM AREA GUIDE
TRANSIT
Major Highway Access:
State Route 128 and Interstate 95
Commuter Rail Back Bay / South Station, Boston:
Needham Heights: 37-35 Min • Needham Center: 35-30 Min Needham Junction: 30-27 Min • Hersey: 27-24 Min
SCHOOLS
Needham Public schools consistently receive a Gold Medal ranking by The Massachusetts Department of Education. The High School which underwent a $62-million renovation in 2009, is in the top 20 ranked public high schools in MA* and maintains an impressive 65% AP class participation rate. There are two Middle Schools: Pollard Middle School, for 7th and 8th grade, and High Rock School, for 6th grade only; and five elementary schools for grades K-5 zoned by neighborhood.
Brand new Sunita L. Williams Elementary School, is under construction and scheduled to open in the fall of 2019 which will replace the current Hillside Elementary School.
www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/ma
For more information about the Needham schools visit www.needham.k12.ma.us.
There are several preschool options in Needham such as KinderCare to smaller home owned ones and denominational alternatives like The Teddy Bear Club, Needham Montessori and Beth Shalom (preschool) or the celebrated Chestnut Center owned and operated by a Needham native and current resident.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Saint Sebastian School Grade 7-12 (All Boys)
The Walker School Grade K-12
Saint Joseph Elementary School Grade K-12
Monsignor Haddad Middle School Grade K-5
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Temple Beth Shalom 670 Highland Ave
St. Josephs Catholic Church 1360 Highland Ave
Presbyterian Church 1458 Great Plain Ave
Temple Aliyah 1664 Central Ave
Grace Lutheran Church 543 Greendale Ave
First Baptist Church 858 Great Plain Ave
First Church of Christ 870 Great Plain Ave
For more listings see www.yellowpages.com/needham-ma/churches-places-of-worship.
PARKS/TRAILS/RECREATION
Cutler Park Reservation
Set on 600 acres of protected marsh land featuring hiking trails, a 1.5-mile loop around Kendrick Pond, along with access to the Charles River. A great place for bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, boating/canoeing, fishing and dog walking. https://www.mass.gov/locations/cutler-park-reservation
Charles River Peninsula
Where the Charles River makes a nearly 180-degree twist in the valley, a wooded shoreline of birch, hemlock, and beech conceals an upland peninsula that rises gently to a 20-acre open field. Great views of the Charles and an historic wooden railroad trestle, easy hiking, great dogs walking or picnicking. http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/metro-west/charles-river-peninsula.html
“Rail Trail”
The former Bay Area Railroad now a maintained and protected 7-mile trail through Needham, Dover and Medfield- great for walking, biking, dog walking or a safer route for the kids to get around town avoiding the main streets.
For other Needham Parks, trails & outdoor activities: https://stepoutside.org/needham-ma
Fitness
barre: 3 low impact full body workouts.
360 Degrees Fitness & Wellness: small boutique style gym.
KoKo Fitness: customized workouts
Charles River YMCA: gym, studio, activities, classes and team sports for the whole family
Steve DeMascoe’s Shaolin Studios of Needham: Martial arts instruction for all ages
NOTABLE/AREA FAVORITES
Volante Farms
Established in 1917 and operated by 4th generation Volante Family, a combination of the simple- home grown and local produce, fresh bakery & deli counter, as well as pre-made meals and gourmet delicacies. Volante Farms engages the community with events from “u-pick” and Farm to table “Dinner in The Fields” to wine and cheese classes and Holiday celebrations. From whoopie pies to the best cider donuts in town they have it all. http://volantefarms.com
French Press
French style scratch bakery and coffee shop. People are drawn to the trendy industrial yet cozy setting and the display and aromas of authentic pastries and gourmet coffees. https://www.frenchpressbakery.com
The Farmhouse
Farm to table modern American comfort food in a sophisticated comfortable environment. This is a personal favorite with its clean flavors of local organic foods and creative libations, the husband and wife team deliver a knowledgeable, unpretentious service and an all around pleasurable dining experience. https://www.thefarmhouseneedham.com
Needham Bowlaway
Enjoy “Retro Glam Bowling” at the oldest candlepin alley in the Boston area. Features 8 lanes, old music, intermittent light shows and a disco ball to boot. Great for family fun or birthday parties or just something different. www.needhambowl.com
Seasonal Festivities
There’s no shortage of community gatherings and events. Some examples include:
Summer concerts on the Green, 4th of July parade & Fireworks, Holiday Tree Lighting, ‘New Years Eve Needham’, Fall festival & marketplace
Needham Patch
A neighborhood news and lifestyle media outlet for daily updates/local news on area happenings ranging from local politics and police reports to town events and restaurant specials.
www.patch.com/massachusetts/needham
Parent Talk
A non -profit organization founded in 1991 by Tammy Lamenzo (a Needham mother of 3) to connect parents and their young children for support, social and enrichment opportunities. www.parenttalk.info