Nettie Maria Stevens was born on July 7, 1861, in Cavendish, Vermont, to Julia (née Adams) and Ephraim Stevens. After the death of her mother, Stevens's father remarried, and the family moved to Westford, Massachusetts. She graduated from Westford Academy in 1880.
Stevens taught high school and was a librarian. Her teaching duties included courses in physiology and zoology, as well as mathematics, Latin, and English. Her interest in zoology may have been influenced by taking summer courses near Martha's Vineyard in the
Stevens taught high school and was a librarian. Her teaching duties included courses in physiology and zoology, as well as mathematics, Latin, and English. Her interest in zoology may have been influenced by taking summer courses near Martha's Vineyard in the