Best Private Schools in Boston – 2024

If you’re a parent in Massachusetts seeking the best-fit private schools for your child’s education, particularly focusing on college preparation, you’re in the right place. Boston, being a hub of higher education, also boasts outstanding private secondary schools. In this guide, we’ll explore the top private schools in the Boston area, emphasizing their track record in sending graduates to premier 4-year colleges. Please note that this list is criteria-based, and the numbering doesn’t imply ranking. We’ve compiled information on some of the best private schools in Massachusetts, with a specific focus on college admissions.

1. Commonwealth School – Boston

   • Location: 151 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02116
   • College Admissions Highlights: Notable matriculation into colleges like Harvard, Columbia, Tufts, and more.
   • Academic Highlights: Strong emphasis on independent projects, high AP test scores, and advanced coursework.
   • Tuition (9-12): $52,502
   • Enrollment (seniors): 42
   • Average SAT Score: 1550
   • Average ACT Score: Not Reported

2. Groton School – Boston

   • Location: 282 Farmers Row, Groton, MA 01450
   • College Admissions Highlights: Impressive matriculation rates at UChicago, Harvard, Yale, and other prestigious institutions.
   • Academic Highlights: Low student-to-faculty ratio, diverse student body, and high AP test scores.
   • Tuition (9-12): $59,995 (Includes Boarding)
   • Enrollment (9-12): 380
   • Average SAT Score: 1420
   • Average ACT Score: 31

3. Phillips Academy Andover – Boston

   • Location: 7 Chapel Ave, Andover, MA 01810
   • College Admissions Highlights: Noteworthy matriculation into top colleges including UChicago, Harvard, and MIT.
   • Academic Highlights: Large, diverse student body, substantial financial aid, and a rigorous 6.0 grading scale.
   • Tuition (9-12): $66,290 (Boarding); $51,380 (Day)
   • Enrollment (seniors): 348
   • Average SAT Score: 1460
   • Average ACT Score: 31

4. The Roxbury Latin School

   • Location: 101 St Theresa Ave, West Roxbury, MA 02132
   • College Admissions Highlights: Impressive numbers enrolling in Harvard, Georgetown, and other top institutions.
   • Academic Highlights: Founded in 1645, high AP scores, and a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
   • Tuition (9-12): $37,900
   • Enrollment (seniors): 54
   • Mid-50% SAT Score: 1360-1540
   • Average ACT Score: Not Reported

5. Buckingham Browne & Nichols School – Boston

   • Location: 80 Gerrys Landing Rd, Cambridge, MA 02138
   • College Admissions Highlights: Strong enrollment in various top colleges and a diverse language program.
   • Academic Highlights: Highly qualified faculty, trimester calendar, and a wide range of language offerings.
   • Tuition (9-12): $57,200
   • Enrollment (seniors): 133
   • Average SAT Score: 1400
   • Average ACT Score: 31

6. Concord Academy – Boston

   • Location: 166 Main St, Concord, MA 01742
   • College Admissions Highlights: Significant enrollment in colleges such as Tufts, Wesleyan, and NYU.
   • Academic Highlights: Small class sizes, extensive course offerings, and a diverse campus with 70+ organizations.
   • Tuition (9-12): $68,840 (Boarding); $55,130 (Day)
   • Enrollment (9-12): 406
   • Average SAT Score: 1419
   • Average ACT Score: Not Reported

7. Middlesex School – Boston

   • Location: 1400 Lowell Rd, Concord, MA 01742
   • College Admissions Highlights: Graduates matriculated into Harvard, Colby, UChicago, and other renowned institutions.
   • Academic Highlights: Over half of teachers possess advanced degrees, small class sizes, and a diverse student body.
   • Tuition (10-12): $69,280 (Boarding); $55,970 (Day)
   • Enrollment (seniors): 111
   • Average SAT Score: 1380
   • Average ACT Score: 30

8. Milton Academy – Boston

   • Location: 170 Centre St, Milton, MA 02186
   • College Admissions Highlights: Notable enrollment in UChicago, Harvard, and other prestigious colleges.
   • Academic Highlights: Founded in 1798, low student-to-teacher ratio, and a significant percentage of students identifying as students of color.
   • Tuition (9-12): $65,950 (Boarding); $57,800 (Day)
   • Enrollment (seniors): 192
   • Average SAT Score: 1295-1490
   • Average ACT Score: 29-33

9. Noble and Greenough School – Boston

   • Location: 10 Campus Dr, Dedham, MA 02026
   • College Admissions Highlights: Impressive matriculation into Harvard, Dartmouth, Tufts, and other top universities.
   • Academic Highlights: Low acceptance rate, small class sizes, and a variety of student clubs.
   • Tuition (9-12): $61,700 (5-Day Boarding); $55,700 (Day)
   • Enrollment (7-12): 632
   • Average SAT Score: 58% scored 1400 or above, 62% scored 31 or above on the ACT.

10. St. Mark’s School – Boston

    • Location: 25 Marlboro Rd, Southborough, MA 01772
    • College Admissions Highlights: Graduates attending top schools like MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
    • Academic Highlights: High faculty qualifications, low student-to-teacher ratio, and a substantial percentage of boarding students.
    • Tuition (9-12): $69,960 (Boarding); $55,710 (Day)
    • Enrollment (seniors): 90
    • Average SAT Score: Not Reported
    • Average ACT Score: Not Reported

Conclusion:

Choosing the right private school in Boston involves careful consideration of academic offerings, college preparation, and overall fit. This comprehensive guide provides valuable insights into the top private schools in the Boston area, helping you make an informed decision for your child’s education. For further resources on the college search and admissions process, explore our Dataverse, Blog, and List-Building Tool.