Lesley University

At Lesley University, education is deeply personal. Founded on the principle that 'the individual of basic importance,' this private university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, cultivates compassionate professionals across a diverse range of fields. With a current student body of 3,134, Lesley is a vibrant community where students are empowered to explore their passions, develop critical skills, and make a tangible impact on the world, guided by a philosophy that values unique perspectives and hands-on learning.

Lesley's rich history began in 1909 when Edith Lesley established The Lesley School, a pioneering institution dedicated to training kindergarten teachers. Inspired by Friedrich Froebel's philosophy of nurturing the whole child, the school quickly expanded its offerings to include elementary teacher training. This early commitment to progressive education laid the groundwork for Lesley's enduring focus on human development, creativity, and service, setting a distinctive precedent for its future growth and academic direction.

Over the decades, The Lesley School evolved significantly, reorganizing under a board of trustees in 1941 and becoming Lesley College in 1944 with the authority to award baccalaureate degrees. By 1954, it was granting graduate degrees, broadening its scope to include groundbreaking programs in education, counseling, human services, global studies, art therapy, and management. The university's strong connection to the arts was cemented through its integration with the School of Practical Art (later the Art Institute of Boston), ensuring a holistic approach where 'the heart, the head, and the hand of a man come together' in a truly transformative educational experience.