News Summary
Elite private schools in Massachusetts are hiking tuition fees significantly due to increased demand, especially among Catholic schools. Enrollment has surged since the Covid-19 pandemic, with many schools fully booked and waitlists growing. Critics argue this trend could worsen educational inequality, as these schools attract primarily higher-income families. The varying tuition fees reflect the economic disparity in educational access, raising concerns about the future of public schooling in the state. As families seek quality education for their children, the landscape of private education in Massachusetts is rapidly changing.
Massachusetts – Elite private schools across Massachusetts are significantly increasing their tuition fees in response to heightened demand, particularly within Catholic education. This trend has been fueled by the ongoing enrollment surge that started during the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving many schools fully booked and creating extensive waitlists for prospective students.
Currently, around 66,000 students, which constitutes approximately 7% of the state’s school-age population, are enrolled in private and parochial schools within Massachusetts. This figure represents a decline from about 78,000 students a decade ago, demonstrating shifting educational preferences amidst a changing demographic landscape. Despite an overall decrease in school-age residents in the state, many communities, particularly in Boston suburbs, have seen notable increases in private school enrollment.
Critics have raised concerns that the rise in private school enrollment may further exacerbate educational inequality. These schools are often perceived as attracting primarily middle and upper-income students, which can detract from public school resources and enrollment. Parents frequently select private institutions for a variety of reasons, including the availability of specialized curriculums, higher academic expectations, and a dissatisfaction with public schools, particularly with the lack of gifted programs.
Recent policy changes, such as the elimination of MCAS score requirements for high school graduation, have also contributed to parents’ concerns regarding the stability and quality of the state’s public education system, prompting more families to explore private options. Additionally, many families are drawn to the cultural or religious education provided by private institutions, particularly Catholic schools, of which there are currently 93 in the Boston Archdiocese, along with numerous other parochial and specialized language-immersion programs.
The tuition for elite private schools in Massachusetts varies significantly, generally ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year, with some prestigious institutions charging close to $80,000. Financial aid is available in most private schools, though the assistance amounts can differ widely based on the institution. For example, for the 2024-25 school year, Phillips Academy Andover lists its tuition at $73,780 for boarding students and $57,190 for day students, with an average financial aid allocation of $58,000. In contrast, Bishop Feehan High School has a much lower tuition cost of $14,550, offering tuition assistance to one in every three students.
The demand for private education is evident in recent enrollment statistics. Private school enrollment has surged by 5% in towns like Wellesley and Hingham, 3% in Newton and Brookline, and over 10% in Cambridge since 2019. These figures highlight a growing trend among wealthier families who are more likely to invest in private education compared to their low-income or middle-class counterparts, thereby widening the gap in educational access.
As educational spending becomes an avenue for affluent families to pass down wealth to future generations, the implications of these rising tuition costs and increased enrollment in private schools may further entrench disparities in access to quality education. The persistent demand for private schooling, especially in areas where families perceive public educational offerings as inadequate, underscores an evolving landscape in Massachusetts’ educational framework.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston – Long Waitlists for Mass Private Schools
- Boston Globe – Private School Cost Massachusetts
- Daily Collegian – The True Purpose of Private Schools
- Telegram – Masters Academy International Tour
- Boston Globe – Private School Tuition & Financial Aid
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Google Search: Massachusetts Private Schools
- Google Scholar: Private School Tuition Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
- Google News: Massachusetts Private Schools
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
