29 Boston Private Schools and How they Give Students the Great Education they Need

Parents make choices every day to make sure that their children are happy and healthy. One of those choices that carries more pressure than most: “Where should my child get their education?”

School is where a young person acquires the skills they will carry with them as they grow—that means more than just math facts and state capitals. They learn how to be good friends and classmates, how to collaborate with others, and a whole lot about themselves. School is where our children learn how to learn.

Luckily, there are countless private schools in the Greater Boston area where our children will be in safe and nurturing hands, but the sheer number of options presents a challenge: Which do you choose? Here are some incredible private school choices to help you narrow your search.

Austin Preparatory

Austin Prep is an independent, Augustinian Catholic school serving young men and women in grades 6 through 12. They are proud of their tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts, and committed to an educational environment focused on exemplary teaching and learning. In keeping with their Augustinian values—veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love)—they invite you to learn more about their community and join them on the Austin Prep journey. Reading, MA | 781-944-4900

Bancroft School

Bancroft School is a workshop constantly in motion—an open and inclusive campus for motivated students from PreK to grade 12. The school’s talented faculty inspire learners to engage with one another, their communities, and the world in meaningful and impactful ways. It is a laboratory that motivates curious minds to form the insights, skills, and character they’ll need to thrive far beyond their journey here. Worcester, MA | 508-853-2640

Bay Farm Montessori Academy

Bay Farm Montessori Academy offers strong academic programs rooted in Montessori philosophy that inspire children to grow with joy, purpose, and compassion. With an emphasis on hands-on learning and the integration of agriculture, art, music, drama, and more, Bay Farm’s well-rounded academic curriculum develops the skills and experience that enable its students to emerge as self-confident learners and leaders. At Bay Farm, children learn in an environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and empathy with highly trained teachers who know how to support each student’s individual learning path. Students are equipped with the confidence to challenge themselves and excitement to try new things. Duxbury, MA | 781-934-7101

Boston Ballet School

Boston Ballet School is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and welcomes all who wish to join the school. Programs are available for children as young as 16 months and live accompaniment begins in classes starting at age 5. Within a progressive, age-appropriate dance and movement curriculum, children will develop fine motor skills, ballet technique, and more. Throughout their time with BBS, students are provided opportunities to establish interpersonal relationships with the faculty and peers, engage in Master Classes taught by Boston Ballet Company Dancers, and participate in performances. Start your ballet training today with Boston Ballet School’s expert faculty! Newton & Boston, MA | 617-456-6333

British International School of Boston

BISB goes beyond traditional education to transform learning for students from toddlers through high school and provides opportunities and experiences that your child cannot get anywhere else. BISB’s international curricula are enriched through collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, and UNICEF. Amazing global activities, expeditions, and experiences broaden their students’ horizons and expand their understanding. At BISB, each child’s academic success is rooted in acclaimed inter – national curricula presented by exceptional faculty. The high school culminates in the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), offering a pathway to top-tier U.S. and international colleges and universities. Your child will experience individualized learning with support and challenge, allowing them to achieve their best. Boston | 617-522-2261

Cape Cod Academy

Cape Cod Academy is the leading independent college preparatory school for students from kindergarten to grade 12. Situated on 46 acres in Osterville, the school features outdoor classrooms, multiple athletic fields, two gymnasiums, outdoor pool, state-of-the-art science labs and a black box theatre. Classrooms are led by accomplished faculty who develop new teaching approaches based on the best research and their own experience. The school’s mission is to instill a love of learning in students as they pursue academic excellence and develop life skills in a safe, values-centered community. Students are inspired to become inquisitive learners, leaders in their communities, and eventually, leaders in our global community. The school is now enrolling. Osterville, MA | 508-428-5400

The Chestnut Hill School

The Chestnut Hill School, an independent, co-educational elementary school, enrolling children ages 3 through grade 6, educates students in a diverse and nurturing community where learning is infused with purpose and joy. Believing students do their best when they feel a sense of belonging, they build caring and enduring relationships between all constituencies. At CHS, the mission to educate children is deeply rooted in a commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and community. As leaders in early childhood and elementary education, the school believes there’s magic— and meaning—in a school where childhood is treasured and the pursuit of excellence becomes a habit. Chestnut Hill, MA | 617-566-4394

The Croft School

Introducing The Croft School: South End, a new preschool to grade 6 independent school launching in September 2022. The lower school campus will be located in the former Stella Restaurant space, and will initially enroll for preschool (age 3) and pre-kindergarten. The school provides a balanced, joyful, and personalized education within a tight-knit, inclusive, diverse community. They offer rigorous child-centered core academics, dynamic project- and play-based learning opportunities, ample outdoor time, high-quality enrichment and Spanish courses, and weekly adventures throughout Boston. The Croft School: South End will be a sister school to The Croft School: Jamaica Plain. Boston | 617-851-1594

Cushing Academy

Cushing Academy develops curious, creative, and confident learners and leaders. Located one hour west of Boston in Ashburnham, Mass., Cushing offers a transformative boarding school experience for student grades 9–12 (and PG). Combining outstanding academics with a robust program of athletics, arts, and cultural offerings, Cushing’s dynamic faculty leads a holistic, student-centered approach to learn – ing that builds confidence and pushes students to explore and elevate their unique range of talents, abilities, and interests. Discover why students from more than 30 states and 30 countries choose to become part of the welcoming Cushing Academy community. Ashburnham, MA | 978-827-7000

Dedham Country Day School

At DCD, they believe that balance matters—in learning and life. DCD combines academic challenge with support; pedagogical tradition with innovation. Strong scholastics combined with outstanding arts and athletics create a program that is balanced and whole. Here, a premium is placed on both academic and emotional intelligence. Children learn who they are as diverse individuals and how to be part of something bigger. Acceptance is a given, and children find encouragement in every connection they make. It’s a community that nurtures, nudges, and gives. That’s how DCD grows “whole” children—and, ultimately, adults who will thrive with the intellectual and emotional capacity to contribute to their world and enjoy meaningful lives. From pre-kindergarten to grade 8, DCD students tackle hands-on projects, collaborate, take risks, solve problems—and, most of all, enjoy and engage deeply in their experience. Dedham, MA | 781-329-0850

Dexter Southfield School

Dexter Southfield is an independent, college preparatory day school for young men and women in PreK through class 12, located on a world-class campus just five miles from downtown Boston. The school consists of three divisions: Lower (PreK–class 5), Middle (classes 6–8), and Upper (classes 9–12). Dexter Southfield offers students a broad and comprehensive educational experience that combines core fundamentals and communication skills with proven curricular innovation. Immersed in a warm, joyful community, Dexter Southfield’s students gain the character, confidence, and compassion they need to become leaders, lifelong learners, and engaged citizens. Brookline, MA | 617-522-5544

Fayerweather Street School

Founded in 1967, Fayerweather Street School in Cambridge is a PreK to grade 8 school with an emphasis on progressive education. The school strives to help students connect with their own curiosity and find joy in the learning process. The vibrant classrooms are filled with passionate teachers and engaged learners. They offer an anti-bias curriculum with a focus on social responsibility. They have a diverse student population, plus a co-teacher model with mixed-age classrooms. The offerings include Spanish, music, art, woodshop, library, and physical education. Cambridge, MA | 617-876-4746 

The Fessenden School

The Fessenden School is more than an independent day and boarding school for boys in PreK to grade 9. It’s the perfect intersection of tradition and innovation. It’s a place where tried and true educational techniques are woven seamlessly into a STEAM-inspired, passion-based curriculum. It’s a diverse, inclusive, and nurturing community with faculty who provide the individual support students need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Fessenden also has the distinction of being one of only 12 schools in the world invited to partner with NuVu—an innovation school founded by MIT graduates—to deliver a program that encourages students to be creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and global citizens. Learn more about fall admissions events online. West Newton MA | 617-630-2300

International School of Boston

Long known for its excellence in bilingual French and English education, the International School of Boston (ISB) is launching its new Spanish language program, offering elementary students the opportunity to become trilingual and our secondary students the option to study Spanish at the novice or fluent level within the English-based International Baccalaureate curriculum. ISB students graduate with an American high school diploma and choose between two internationally renowned diplomas, the French or the International Baccalaureate, giving them the opportunity to thrive at leading universities in the United States, France, and around the world. Sign up for their open houses online. Cambridge, MA | 617-499-1451

Lawrence Academy

Lawrence Academy, a coeducational independent boarding school for grades 9 through 12, is located in Groton, Mass. Their mission focuses on recognizing students for who they are, inspiring them to take responsibility for who they want to become, and empowering them to take action for the greater good. The school welcomes 400 boarding and day students, and prides itself on a warm and compassionate culture. Individualized learning and empowerment is a cornerstone of the program. Lawrence Academy seeks to see students grow in knowledge, confidence, and empathy so they are able to make meaningful contributions to the world once they leave the campus. Groton, MA | 978-448-6535 

Lexington Christian Academy

Lexington Christian Academy (LCA) helps students realize their potential through multi-dimensional, faith-infused scholarship and discovery. Since 1946, LCA has provided exceptional academic preparation, operating under the belief that faith and learning are inseparable and indispensable in a Christian education. LCA uses its faith to build a stronger foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, curiosity, and a sincere quest for truth. LCA is where creativity, kindness, and academic strength come together. Heart, mind, body, and soul, its students are cultivated as whole people, prepared for their whole life. Lexington, MA | 781-862-7850

Nashoba Brooks School

Situated on a 30-acre campus in historic Concord, Mass., Nashoba Brooks School is co-ed in preschool through grade 3, and serves girls in grades 4 through 8. The school’s student-centered program is built on its core values of integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, empathy, and resilience. The intellectual partnership between students and teachers creates a foundation for students to take healthy academic risks, voice their opinions, grow from their mistakes, and build an inclusive community that fosters engagement, achievement, and belong – ing. As it builds community, character, and confidence in its students, Nashoba Brooks inspires critical thinkers and launches leaders. Concord, MA | 978-369-4591

The Newman School

The Newman School’s motto, “Heart Speaks to Heart” is woven through all areas of school life. Relationships are at the core of who they are. Students develop through inquisitive academic exploration and meaningful connections with teachers to become global contributors. Extraordinary faculty deliver the highly regarded International Baccalaureate Program. Meet students where they are in this environment, in person, online and hybrid. The Newman school serves grades 7 to 12, with two developmentally appropriate curricula. Embrace the city as your campus, to engage in meaningful service and countless activities. “The warm and caring environment in addition to the small class sizes make Newman a place where students feel seen and heard.” Boston | 617-267-4530

Newton Country Day School

Since 1880, Newton Country Day has educated girls to be strong leaders in a global society. The school’s mission is rooted in the vision of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, who established Sacred Heart schools to prepare young women with the courage and confidence to transform the world. The school offers a program for girls in grades 5–12, with courses through the AP level. Highly motivated students and faculty of all faiths create a vibrant community distinguished by spirited intellect, active compassion, and joyful traditions. Arts, athletics, and a commitment to social justice enrich each student’s experience. Newton, MA | 617-244-4246

The Roxbury Latin School

Founded in 1645, and located on 117 acres in West Roxbury, The Roxbury Latin School is a small, independent day school for boys in grades 7 through 12. They are committed to the character development and rigorous academic training of each boy entrusted to them. The school’s comparatively low tuition, and its policy to admit and enroll students without regard to their parents’ ability to pay, ensures a diverse student body. In designing a vital program, Roxbury Latin is alert to what is best and most effective in educating boys, but they also dare to define what is in their best interest. They care most of all what kind of person a boy is, and they promise to know and love each boy. West Roxbury, MA | 617-477-6317

Russian School of Mathematics

Russian School of Mathematics uses the rigorous study of mathematics as a vehicle to develop their students’ math fluency, intellect, and character, empowering them for life. Their programs consist of multiple levels for every grade as well as a selective competitions program. We are able to best serve each child’s development based on his or her knowledge and ability. Their award-winning K-12 afterschool math program has empowered students to achieve excellence for over 20 years. Massachusetts | 855-628-4855

The Sage School

Since 1990, The Sage School’s mission has been to prepare gifted and talented preschool–8th grade students to excel, by providing a comprehensive program of academic rigor and social growth inspired by passionate teachers within a nurturing community. Classical studies are delivered through an interdisciplinary approach that includes STEAM (STEM+Arts), Latin and Spanish languages, humanities, fine and performing arts, music, physical education, and more. Located in Foxboro, Mass., families come from more than 50 communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with bus transportation available. Rolling admissions throughout the school year. Foxboro, MA | 508-543-9619

Shore Country Day School

Shore Country Day School is a joyful learning community dedicated to children’s intellectual and personal transformation. They empower young people to take charge of their own education, and they nurture their commitment to equity and social justice in the world around them. The school’s dedicated faculty members are proud to see themselves as guides and mentors on this journey, recognized by parents year after year for their ability to care for and engage each student individually. Exceptionally well prepared to thrive in secondary school and beyond, Shore students are inspired for life. Beverly, MA | 978-927-1700

St. Sebastian’s School

Offering the best of the Catholic and independent school traditions, St. Sebastian’s School serves 375 boys (grades 7–12) in an inclusive community of academic rigor and spiritual depth. The order of the day is to love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. Every boy is known, loved, and called to greatness by dedicated teachers. An extraordinarily small average class size (10) enables students to pursue excellence in every discipline. St. Sebastian’s commitment to diversity and its $4 million in need-based financial aid attract bright, promising boys from many communities and back – grounds. Open house Oct. 7. Needham, MA | 781-247-0125

Thayer Academy

Thayer Academy is an independent, co-ed day school in Braintree for grades 5–12. Students thrive in an environment distinguished by rigorous academics, a supportive culture, and a vibrant community. A 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and an average class size of 14 enable students and teachers to work in true academic collaboration. Thayer recently opened a computer science and robotics wing as well as a sports center with an ice rink. Current construction will transform the middle school in time for Fall 2022. Easily accessible by public transportation, Thayer also offers customized bus routes from Boston, MetroWest, and the South Shore. Braintree, MA | 781-843-3580

Ursuline Academy

Ursuline Academy has been educating young women in grades 7–12 for 75 years. Ursuline schools worldwide are rooted in a belief in the power of women, the importance of education, and a commitment to using our God-given talents to better the world. An independent Catholic school, Ursuline offers a diverse college-preparatory curriculum complemented by robust programs in athletics, visual and performing arts, technology, and design. Their students become women who make a difference, balancing who they want to be as individuals with who they are meant to be as global citizens. Learn more at their Nov. 7 open house. Dedham, MA | 781-326-6161

Wellan Montessori School

Wellan Montessori School is an independent school for students age 15 months–grade 8. Wellan students benefit from the unique balance of freedom and responsibility offered by the school’s Montessori-Progressive curriculum, which promotes both individually paced academic progress and collaborative project-based learning. Graduates demonstrate strong executive-function skills that enable them to succeed at Greater Boston’s top public and independent schools. Empathy, community service, innovation, and social justice are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Located in Newton Centre, the school draws students from diverse backgrounds in surrounding communities. Financial assistance is available. Register for an info session at online. Newton Centre, MA | 617-969-4488

Wilbraham & Monson Academy

WMA is a richly diverse college preparatory school for students in grades 6 to postgraduate. WMA sees and creates transformational experiences for their students every day and prides themselves on developing and supporting challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world. The Center for Entrepreneurship, Economics & Finance provides courses for students to research and gain trading experience in their journey to understanding the global financial environment. They offer a multitude of afternoon athletic and non-athletic programming, fine and performing arts, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, cultural experiences, all within a close-knit, nurturing community. Wilbraham, MA | 413-596-9107 

Worcester Academy

Worcester Academy is an acclaimed independent school overlooking the thriving city of Worcester, Mass. A proud community of explorers and collaborators, they prepare their students not just for college, but for life—through an expansive curriculum that balances problem-solving with communication skills, independence with connection, and hard work with fun and creativity. Their students benefit from an experiential education that expands their perspectives, builds their character, and deepens their understanding through community engagement and real-world application—enabling them to Achieve the Honorable with their classmates and peers, in the Worcester community, and throughout their lives. Worcester, MA | 508-754-5302

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