Are you trying to decide which private school in Massachusetts would be a good fit for you and your family? There are so many elite private schools in Massachusetts that it’s hard to know which one’s the right one. That’s why we’re sharing this blog post about how to find the right K-12 private school in Massachusetts that fits your needs & overall values.
Picking the right private school can be a daunting task, which is why many people turn to a local real estate agent to help them. After all, who is going to know more about the local landscape than a knowledgeable real estate agent? (It’s me, I’m the knowledgeable real estate agent lol). But in all seriousness, I saved you the trouble by narrowing down the top 5 private schools in Massachusetts and providing some insightful information about each one.
Before reading the rest of this blog – please keep in mind that these are all fantastic, well established schools. You couldn’t go wrong with whichever school you decide on from this list. I’d recommend figuring out which school(s) you feel most aligns with your values & goals, then calling the school directly for more information or a tour. With that being said – let’s get right into it!
Top 5 Private Schools in Massachusetts (k-12 private schools in Massachusetts)
- Phillips Academy Andover – Andover, MA
Location: Andover, MA
Surrounding Towns: North Reading, Boxford, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Middleton
Grades: 9-12
Highlights: One of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country, Phillips Academy offers a rigorous academic program with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including arts, athletics, and community service. The school has a diverse student body and a strong alumni network.
Phillips Academy Andover, commonly known as Andover, is one of the most prestigious and historic boarding schools in the United States. Here’s an overview of what makes Phillips Academy exceptional:
History and Legacy
Founded: 1778
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Private, co-educational boarding and day school
Motto: *Non Sibi* (Not for Self)
Notable Alumni: George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and many other influential figures in politics, literature, business, and the arts.
Academics
Grades: 9-12 (including a postgraduate year)
Student Body: Approximately 1,150 students, representing a diverse mix of national and international backgrounds.
Faculty: Andover has a student-to-teacher ratio of about 5:1, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. The faculty are leaders in their fields, often holding advanced degrees.
Curriculum: Andover offers a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of courses, including over 300 academic courses, 150 electives, and 30 Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The school also offers independent projects and interdisciplinary courses, encouraging intellectual exploration.
Campus and Facilities
Size: 500-acre campus
Facilities: The campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, science and technology labs, art studios, athletic facilities, and a world-class library. Notable buildings include the Addison Gallery of American Art, the Peabody Institute of Archaeology, and the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library.
Dormitories: Students live in over 30 residential dorms, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics: Andover offers a robust athletic program with over 30 interscholastic sports teams. The school has a strong tradition in sports like swimming, crew, soccer, and lacrosse, among others.
Arts: The school has a vibrant arts program, including visual arts, music, theater, and dance. Students have opportunities to participate in plays, concerts, art exhibitions, and more.
Clubs and Organizations: With over 100 student-led clubs and organizations, Andover students can explore a wide range of interests, from robotics and debate to community service and environmental sustainability.
Admissions
Selective: Admission to Andover is highly competitive, with a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, character, and potential contributions to the Andover community.
Application Process: Prospective students must complete an application, including essays, recommendations, standardized test scores, and an interview.
Phillips Academy Andover is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse and inclusive community, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead and make a positive impact in the world.
- The Governor’s Academy – Byfield, MA
Location: Byfield, MA
Grades: 9-12
Highlights: As the oldest boarding school in New England, The Governor’s Academy offers a comprehensive college preparatory education. The school is known for its strong academics, athletics, arts programs, and a beautiful 450-acre campus.
The Governor’s Academy, located in Byfield, Massachusetts, is a distinguished private, co-educational boarding and day school with a rich history and a strong academic reputation. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the school:
History and Overview
Founded: 1763
Location: Byfield, Massachusetts (about 33 miles north of Boston)
Type: Private, co-educational boarding and day school
Motto: *Non Sibi Sed Aliis* (Not for Self, but for Others)
Historical Significance: The Governor’s Academy is the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the United States. It was founded by Governor William Dummer, who endowed the school with its original land and resources.
Academics
Grades: 9-12 (including a postgraduate year)
Student Body: Approximately 400 students, with a mix of boarding and day students. The school draws students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Faculty: The school maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of about 5:1, allowing for personalized attention and small class sizes.
Curriculum: The Governor’s Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with a wide range of courses, including honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual curiosity.
Signature Programs: The school offers unique programs like the Practicum in Entrepreneurship, which gives students hands-on experience in business development, and the Independent Immersion Program, allowing students to pursue individualized learning experiences.
Campus and Facilities
Size: The campus spans over 450 acres and features a blend of historic and modern facilities.
Academic Buildings: State-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, and technology centers.
Arts: The Kaiser Art Center, offering studios for visual arts, and the Wilkie Performing Arts Center for theater and music.
Athletics: The school has extensive athletic facilities, including fields, courts, a fitness center, and an indoor ice rink.
Residential: There are several dormitories on campus, fostering a strong sense of community among boarding students.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics: The Governor’s Academy has a strong athletic tradition, offering over 50 interscholastic sports teams. The school is known for its competitive programs in sports like ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and cross country.
Arts: The arts program is robust, with opportunities in visual arts, theater, music, and dance. Students can participate in school productions, concerts, and art exhibitions.
Clubs and Organizations: The school offers a wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities, including debate, robotics, environmental clubs, and community service organizations.
Admissions
Selective Admissions: Admission to The Governor’s Academy is competitive, with a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, character, leadership potential, and fit with the school’s values.
Application Process: Prospective students are required to submit an application, including essays, recommendations, standardized test scores, and an interview.
The Governor’s Academy is renowned for its blend of tradition and innovation, providing students with a strong academic foundation, a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, and a commitment to personal growth and community service.
- Saint John’s Preparatory School – Danvers, MA
Location: Danvers, MA
Grades: 6-12
Highlights: St. John’s Prep is an all-boys Catholic school known for its commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and community service. The school offers a wide array of AP courses, a strong athletic program, and various extracurricular activities.
St. John’s Preparatory School, often referred to as St. John’s Prep, is a private, all-boys Catholic school located in Danvers, Massachusetts. It is well-known for its strong academic programs, athletic achievements, and emphasis on character development within a faith-based community. Here’s a detailed overview:
History and Overview
Founded: 1907
Location: Danvers, Massachusetts
Type: Private, all-boys Catholic school
Affiliation: Operated by the Xaverian Brothers, a religious order dedicated to Christian education.
Motto: *In Harmony Small Things Grow* (*Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt*)
Mission: St. John’s Prep is committed to educating young men in a community of faith and learning, helping them develop into responsible, compassionate, and just leaders.
Academics
Grades: 6-12 (Middle School for grades 6-8 and High School for grades 9-12)
Student Body: Approximately 1,500 students, with a mix of local day students and those commuting from surrounding areas.
Faculty: The school boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio, providing personalized attention and fostering close relationships between students and faculty.
Middle School Curriculum: A comprehensive curriculum designed to build strong foundations in core subjects, with an emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.
High School Curriculum: A rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, offering a wide range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes and honors courses in subjects like math, science, humanities, and languages.
Special Programs: The school offers unique academic programs such as the Brother Linus, C.F.X. Scholars Program for students seeking advanced and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Campus and Facilities
Size: The campus spans over 175 acres, providing ample space for academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities.
Academic Buildings: Modern classrooms, science labs, and technology centers designed to support innovative learning.
Athletics: Extensive athletic facilities, including multiple fields, a gymnasium, a fitness center, and the Brother Linus, C.F.X. Athletic Complex.
Arts: Dedicated spaces for the arts, including the Kaneb Theater, visual arts studios, and music rehearsal spaces.
Spiritual Life: The campus includes a chapel and spaces for spiritual reflection and community gatherings.
Extracurricular Activities
Athletics: St. John’s Prep has a strong athletic tradition, with over 20 interscholastic sports teams. The school is known for its competitive programs in football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and more. The Eagles have won numerous state championships and league titles.
Arts: The arts program is robust, offering opportunities in theater, music, and visual arts. Students can participate in school productions, music ensembles, and art exhibitions.
Clubs and Organizations: The school offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, service organizations, leadership groups, and special interest clubs. Notable clubs include the Robotics Team, Model UN, and the National Honor Society.
Spiritual and Character Development
Faith-Based Education: As a Catholic school, St. John’s Prep integrates faith into all aspects of education. Students participate in regular religious services, retreats, and community service projects, fostering spiritual growth and ethical development.
Community Service: The school emphasizes service to others, encouraging students to engage in volunteer work both locally and globally. This commitment to service is a key component of the school’s mission.
Admissions
Selective Admissions: Admission to St. John’s Prep is competitive, with an emphasis on academic achievement, character, and the potential to contribute to the school community.
Application Process: Prospective students must complete an application, which includes academic transcripts, recommendations, entrance exams, and an interview.
St. John’s Preparatory School is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and faith-based education. It prepares young men to be thoughtful, responsible leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Pingree School – South Hamilton, MA
Review your findings and narrow down these agents to just a couple who look like they will be able to help you the best.
Austin Preparatory School – Reading, MA
Call your shortlist of agents to book an appointment and ask how they’d help you sell your house.
Make A Choice
Finally, choose the agent who will help you the most based on all of this information… and then you can start the process of selling your house!
Note: this is a great way to find an agent but it can also take some time. You can always ask us for an agent referral to sidestep all of these steps; or, if you’d like to sell your house faster, why not give us a call at 781.540.9895 and we’ll see if we can buy your house from you. Call Alex B. Sanchez at 781.540.9895 or email me at alex(dotted)sanchez(at)elliman(dotted)com.
Summary
Disclaimer: The information presented in this video is accurate as of the date of publication. However, details such as admission criteria, program offerings, and school policies are subject to change. We encourage viewers to verify the current information directly with the respective schools or their official websites to ensure accuracy and up-to-date details.