New England Chess School Newton

My daughter, Zo, age 7, has been with NECS for about two years now. She attends the hour-long in-person club meetings in Needham on Saturday with instructor Jared Becker. She loves going there every week to see her clubmates (6 boys and 4 girls) and to play with them face-to-face. She participates in the monthly NECS free on-line student tournaments, also hosted by Mr. Becker, which draw NECS kids from all over Boston. Based on my experience with Zo, chess club can teach your child important life skills. Zo has matured so much thanks to Mr. Becker and his club. She has learned to compete in a healthy and exciting way. She celebrates her victories and learns from her losses. She has learned to respect her opponents and her teacher. Chess can teach kids that their choices matter and will decide the outcome of the game, so it pays to focus and think analytically about the task at hand. Zo advanced from pawn to knight level this school year and continues to grow. Mr. Becker and the NECS team deserve 5 stars for their commitment to their students and for their availability to help parents with logistics from sick days to membership. Sign up!
Mar 16th, 2024

Feb 9th, 2024

We had a terrible experience with New England Chess. My son was dismissed after two classes because he only showed marginal improvement in his ability to sit still and raise his hand. Jared showed no classroom control, was unwilling to work with my eager, excited, and happy child to help him adjust to the classroom. Jared also did not communicate with me directly, and I learned only after the second class that my son had been dismissed through the school's secretary. Terrible intolerance for different personalities and learning styles. Terrible communication. It is also in a terrible location, in a tiny dark building. Horrible experience.
Jan 18th, 2024

Jared is our kid's instructor and he is great at introducing chess to a 6-year-old. He has improved so much that sometimes he beats his dad in chess! Definitely a good way to start the chess journey with NECS.
Jan 15th, 2024

My son has deeply enjoyed these classes (he has done two years of online chess with Jared Becker who is a patient, helpful, encouraging, and entertaining teacher. The school is reliable with no cancelations, and very customer-friendly, always ready to answer questions and communicate very effectively. My son (age 8) has learned not just how to play chess competitively, but also how to understand the game deeply and to appreciate its history. I would highly recommend.
Jan 24th, 2022