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North Bennet Street School is a unique educational environment where learning comes from doing and the hands engage the mind. At the heart of the school are eight full-time programs complemented by continuing-education workshops, lectures and partnerships with other cultural and educational institutions.

handS and mind

learning and doing

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dowhat you loveeveryday

an education in craftsmanship

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, North Bennet Street School (NBSS) offers intensive, hands-on training in traditional trades and fine craftsmanship, helping students to achieve meaningful lives and livelihoods.

When you become involved in the creative work of making useful, beautiful objects and gain a personal understanding of what is meant by the intelligence of the hands, it transforms who you are and how you think.miguel gÓmeZ-iBÁÑeZ | president

history

north Bennet Street School was founded in 1881

in Boston’s north end as north Bennet Street

industrial School.

the school’s original mission was to assist immigrants

as they adjusted to their new country by providing

the training needed for gainful employment. Pauline

agassiz Shaw, the school’s founder, was committed

to teaching a wide variety of skills and providing social

services such as educating children in kindergarten

programs, recreational activities and prevocational and

trade training. vocational training classes were offered

in pottery, printing, sewing, sheet-metal work and

watch repair as well as the carpentry, cabinet-making

and jewelry-making classes that continue today.

north Bennet Street School has evolved over its more

than one-hundred-year history while retaining its

core commitment to train individuals for employment

using time-honored methods and skills. L

Historic photographs show students from the early decades of the 20th century when the school served Boston’s immigrant community.

mission

the mission of north Bennet Street School is to train students for

careers in traditional trades that use hand skills in concert with

evolving technology to preserve and advance craft traditions and to

promote greater appreciation of craftsmanship.

For more than a century, the exceptional programs, master faculty

and inspiring community have encouraged individual growth,

curiosity, technical mastery and commitment to excellence.

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78MeaNiNgfuL careerSeducation

the school’s founder, Pauline agassiz Shaw, advocated the

Swedish system of craftsmanship training known as “sloyd,”

a method focused on the development of character and

intellectual capacity as well as technical skills. today, the

philosophy of sloyd, which means “craft” or “hand skills,”

remains at the heart of nBSS education.

fuLL-time proGrams

eight full-time professional programs prepare students for

careers in bookbinding, cabinet and furniture making,

carpentry, jewelry making and repair, locksmithing and

security technology, piano technology, preservation carpentry

and violin making and repair. in the intensive, hands-on

training, each project builds on previous learning and requires

students to solve increasingly complex problems. Students develop

hand skills, an understanding of tools, materials and processes,

and a commitment to excellence in their craft. nBSS graduates

enjoy a wide range of employment opportunities within their

chosen field and many develop successful businesses. L

bookbindinG

piano technoLoGy

preservation c arpentry

c arpentry

LocksmithinG and securit y technoLoGy

c abinet and furniture makinG

vioLin makinG and repair

jeweLry makinG and repair

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Students build a minimum of five violins during the three-year program. This first-year violin was made by Alan DiPesa.

violin maKinG and rePairStudents build a solid foundation in instrument making and an introduction to the art and science of stringed-instrument restoration. Over the course of the three-year program, students build five violins, a viola and a bowed-string instrument of the student’s choosing. The program teaches the fundamental hand skills required for the construction and finishing as well as the set-up and repair of stringed instruments in accordance with the highest standards of the craft and the needs of expert musicians.

program length: 3 years**

number of students: 12

Piano teChnoloGyThe Basic Piano Technology program covers instruction in all phases of aural piano tuning including the concepts upon which equal temperament is founded. Students tune, regulate and repair the actions of both upright and grand pianos and are taught the skills required to become members of the Piano Technicians Guild as Registered Piano Technicians. The Advanced Piano Technology program focuses on comprehensive piano services including advanced tuning and regulation practice, grand piano repair and rebuilding, and resolution of service problems that occur in the field.

program length: Basic Piano – 1 year*

Advanced Piano – 1 year*

number of students: Basic Piano – 16Advanced Piano – 12

* One NBSS academic year is equal to nine months.** The violin academic year is ten months.

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BooKBindinGStudents learn fundamental hand-bookbinding tech-niques while producing a variety of binding structures in cloth, paper, leather and vellum. Hands-on book repair and conservation techniques are taught, along with tool use and modification, edition binding techniques, and protective enclosures. The second year is focused primarily on fine leather bindings and more advanced finishing and conservation procedures. Graduates enter the field as bookbinders in custom binderies and university or institutional conservation labs or as self-employed bookbinders and book artists.

program length: 2 years*

number of students: 16

CaBinet and Furniture maKinGThrough bench exercises and building projects, students learn techniques using hand and power tools and gain an understanding of the methods and construction strategies used to create high-quality custom pieces. By drawing from the rich tradition of 18th and early 19th century American furniture, the program aims to inform and enhance any design aspirations by providing a solid foundation in fine furniture making. Graduates enter fields such as cabinet and furniture making, architectural millwork and furniture repair, restoration and conservation.

program length: 2 years*

number of students: 39

Bombay chest by Austin Campbell.

Bindings by Claudia Constanzo.

Jewelry maKinG and rePairThrough a series of hands-on projects, each requiring new skills and building on previous learning, students develop proficiency using a wide range of tools and working with precious metals and stones. Techniques include polishing, soldering, engraving, laser welding, metal fabrication, stone-setting and wax model-making. Graduates have the fundamental knowledge and technical skills of jewelry making and repair needed to enter the workforce as professional makers of fine jewelry.

program length: 2 years* number of students: 26

loCKSmithinG and SeCurity teChnoloGyThe program combines classroom theory, lectures and demonstrations with hands-on bench work, security hardware installation and fieldwork experience. Students learn to service, repair and install all types of residential and commercial locking devices, set up master-key systems, install locks, service safes, basic automotive lock services and gain familiarity with electronic and mechanical access control systems. The program includes ample time for practice, providing students the experience required to enter the field as qualified security professionals.

program length: 1 year*

number of students: 16

*One NBSS academic year is equal to nine months.

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PreServation CarPentryThrough lectures, demonstrations, projects and site work, students develop a thorough grounding in pre-20th century New England house construction and are exposed to a broad range of construction methods, including stabilizing endangered buildings, preserving and uncovering architectural details and documenting and recreating historic design elements. Students graduate with the skills needed to work with contractors and institutions that specialize in preservation and conservation work, including historic millwork and interior finish carpentry for traditional buildings.

program length: 2 years*

number of students: 26

CarPentryStudents learn to construct and renovate residential and commercial wood-framed buildings through skilled use of tools and machines and knowledge of construction principles and procedures, including current and emerging industry standards and building practices. The small class size ensures ample one-to-one instruction and supervision from a master carpenter. Students experience the importance of working as a team on building sites and graduate ready to work safely, accurately and efficiently to satisfy clients’ needs.

program length: 1 year*

number of students: 13

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coLLaBorative cuLturemaster facuLty   

nBSS instructors are among the most respected men and women in their field. many are

nBSS graduates and have taught for more than 10 years. Faculty members often teach

master classes at national meetings and conferences and write articles for trade magazines.

in addition to teaching, faculty members continue to practice their craft, work on

commissions, and exhibit and sell their work.

a supportive, stimuLatinG LearninG environment   

nBSS courses are rigorous. instructors expect students to

perform all required work and to do it to the highest standard

within a supportive, stimulating environment.

Classrooms and shops are informal and small classes allow

instructors to provide individual attention. equally valuable

is the opportunity for nBSS students to help and learn from

each other. Students come from across the country and around

the world and their diverse life and work experiences encourage

a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. it is common

for program graduates to remain involved with the school,

offering their insight and expertise as guest lecturers,

instructors, networking contacts and employers. L

The best thing about the two years I’ve spent here is the exceptional faculty and the culture of students helping each other. geoffrey | caBinet and furniture making

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Clockwise from top left: Jewelry instructor Lisa Hunt, preservation carpentry instructor Steven O’Shaughnessy (left), cabinet and furniture making instructor Lance Patterson (right) and locksmithing instructor Dave Troiano (left).

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vioLin makinG and repair

roman barnas I was born in Poland and began making violins when I was fourteen. I attended the Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznan, Poland and studied music and violin making. I received a Master of Fine Arts with honors. I came to the United States in 1996 to work and to continue studying violin making and violin restoration. I came to NBSS to be the head of the violin department in 2004. In addition to teaching, I do acoustic research with colleagues from local universities and I continue to make instruments.

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facult y profiles

nbss.edu/GaLLery

Second year violin by Gregory Allison.

facilities

Located in Boston’s historic North End, the school’s main facility

includes workshops and classrooms that provide the bench space,

equipment and machinery necessary for the highest quality

instruction in each program. The admissions, academic, student

services, and administrative offices are located in the North End

facility. Satellite facilities include a spacious wood shop in Arlington,

Massachusetts that is home to the carpentry and preservation

carpentry programs and a light-filled space with harbor views in

South Boston where the locksmithing and security technology

program is located.

Jewelry making and repair studio, students at work.

Cabinet and furniture making studio, students working.

Using 18th- and 19th-century furniture designs requires the hand skills and wood- working techniques that are the foundation of the NBSS curriculum. This chair was made by Ryan Messier.

HANDS-ON TRAINING

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continuinG education

Surrounding the full-time programs is a much wider

community of individuals who care about traditional crafts

and who desire to learn a new skill or perfect and expand an

existing practice. among this group are nBSS alumni, adult

learners, children and teens. a wide range of workshops, short

courses and programs is offered through the continuing

education department and these are open to all. L

Being here is like being at no other school. It is a career- and life-changing experience that launches you right into the field ...william | preservation carpentry

Preservation carpentry students on location making repairs to an historic barn.

Violin making and repair studio, students working.

aDvaNciNg craftSMaNSHiP

Piano technology students enjoy lunch in the North End.

The North Bennet Street School community is diverse, creative, friendly and talented. Students are recent high-school graduates, college transfer students and career changers. Students come from Boston, from surrounding New England states, from across the country and around the world.

worKandliFe

meaningful and integrated

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the student and aLumni network

many instructors are alumni, the president of the school

and the provost are both alumni and there is an active

alumni association. For current students, the alumni

network provides invaluable insight into the professional

lives and careers of graduates. networking events are

organized during the year and alumni often hire recent

graduates to work in their businesses. through informal

mentoring, alumni provide support to students

and graduates.

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The collegiality at NBSS is unparalleled as is the excellence of the training and the opportunity to learn with talented, interesting and supportive classmates. jeremy | caBinet and furniture making

Sterling silver, 14k yellow gold and green tourmaline necklace by jewelry student Sara Pancoast.

it’s not aLL work

the hands-on focused work that is the core of the north

Bennet Street School experience and what students value

most is occasionally interrupted by the sound of a table

hockey game or the laughter of students enjoying a

snack before returning to their benches. annual program

sponsored open-house events provide opportunities for

students to learn about the other programs and meet

students outside their discipline. evening activities provide

more opportunities for learning, fun, and socializing.

trivia nights, visits to museums and a student-led blogging

group are regular activities. L

iNSPiriNg coMMuNity

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charles robinsonI grew up in Boston and worked in the construction trades. I was looking for a new career in the service industry when I learned about the locksmithing program at NBSS. I enjoy learning the trade and particularly get satisfaction from the installation aspects of the program. The school environment is very upbeat and everyone is very supportive — both during school and as I begin to look for a job.

LocksmithinG and securit y technoLoGy

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student profiles

nbss.edu/GaLLery

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emily scott, jm ’07I was studying advertising in college when I realized that a corporate creative job wasn’t for me. I wanted a skilled-based career that produced tangible results. The intense, hands-on style of teaching in the jewelry program taught me self-discipline and hard work. While in school, I began to sell my jewelry and do simple custom jobs. After graduating and a few years of craft fairs, trunk shows and art events, I opened a jewelry shop, e.scott originals, in September 2010. It’s by far the best decision I’ve made.

jeweLry makinG and repair

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alumni profiles

nbss.edu/GaLLery

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north Bennet Street School does not have dorms or residence

halls. what we do have is a central Boston location in a

residential neighborhood, accessible by public transportation

to dozens of neighborhoods and local communities. the

director of student services has created helpful resources and

is available to help students research housing options. L

visitinG the hub

whether it is the cultural resources of the city, the diverse

neighborhoods, the many other educational institutions and

a large population of students, or the proximity to greater new

england and other east coast locations, students and alumni

will tell you that Boston is a great place to go to school.

Of my NBSS education thus far, I absolutely love that I am always doing something that I want to do. There is never a moment when I feel I am wasting my time. armand | violin making and repair

BoStoN’S NortH eND

Clockwise from top left: Preservation carpentry student working on an historic window sash, students during a mid-day break, carpentry student on site.

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the best way to discover if the school is the right fit for you is to visit. tour the facilities, meet others who are interested in the school, ask questions and learn more about the school and the admissions process. attend one of the monthly information sessions or schedule an individual meeting and tour.

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visit www.nbss.edu for details on the programs,

application information and a schedule of

information sessions and tours.

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North Bennet Street School’s full time programs are accredited by the Ac-crediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is a private, nonprofit, accrediting organization dedicated to ensuring educational quality and integrity in America’s postsecondary career schools. ACCSC accred-its more than 800 postsecondary schools and colleges in the United States and

aCCreditation

admissions

the school admits a wide range of

students each year. Students are recent

high-school graduates, college transfer

students and career changers. Students

come from Boston, from surrounding

new england states, from across the

country and around the world.

nBSS offers rolling admissions. we

accept applications and notify accepted

students throughout the year until the

class is full. Some programs are extremely

competitive and fill quickly. it is to your

advantage to plan ahead and apply early.

admission requirements vary by program

and are listed on the nBSS website and

in the printed catalog supplement. we

work with you to answer questions and

provide support. Call or write the

admissions office at 617-227-0155 /

admissions@nbss.edu

poLicies and procedures

details on tuition, fees, refund policy,

grading, student conduct, attendance,

withdrawal and termination, and

leave of absence are included in the

viewbook supplement.

financiaL aid

we understand that an education

is a significant financial undertaking.

applying for financial aid is a worth-

while, although sometimes complex,

process. nBSS full-time programs are

accredited by the accrediting

Commission of Career Schools and

Colleges making students who

qualify eligible for pell grants, veteran

education benefits and guaranteed

federal loans. in addition, nBSS has

a scholarship fund.

accreditation

north Bennet Street School’s full

time programs are accredited by the

accrediting Commission of Career

Schools and Colleges (aCCSC). aCCSC

is a private, nonprofit, accrediting

organization dedicated to ensuring

educational quality and integrity in

america’s postsecondary career schools.

aCCSC accredits more than 800 post-

secondary schools and colleges in the

united States and Puerto rico, annually

serving more than 250,000 students.

admissions@nbss.eduinfo@nbss.edu

Catalogue of the North Bennet Street School. Published February 2012.

n b s s . e dup 617 227 0155

f 617 227 9292

39 NoRTH B eNNeT STReeT

BoSToN , M A SSACH USeT TS 02113

tHe craftSMaNetHoS

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We challenge ourselves to develop hand skills, knowledge of materials, technical expertise, and intellect through making objects with the highest functional integrity and beauty.

We believe that a life dedicated to perfecting one’s craft nourishes the human spirit and yields deep personal satisfaction.

We share a commitment to high-quality workmanship, attention to detail, self-expression, and the pursuit of excellence.

Bookbinding

Carpentry

Preservation Carpentry

Cabinet and Furniture Making

Jewelry Making and Repair

Locksmithing and Security Technology

Piano Technology

Violin Making and Repair

nbs s. edu