News Summary
The demand for private education in Massachusetts is increasing, particularly among Catholic schools, as families shift from public schools post-pandemic. Enrollment in private institutions continues to rise, with many operating at full capacity. This shift is driven by concerns over public school academic standards and behavioral issues. As a result, private school tuition has surged, presenting financial challenges for families, while public schools face significant funding constraints due to declining students. These trends illustrate a transformative change in the educational landscape of the state.
Newton — As demand for private education surges in Massachusetts, particularly among Catholic schools, many elite institutions are raising tuition fees. Parents are increasingly opting for private schooling as enrollment in these schools outpaces that of public educational institutions, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the pandemic, private high schools have seen a resurgence in enrollment, with many now operating at full capacity and even maintaining waitlists. Families have transitioned their children from public schools to private institutions, citing concerns over academic standards and issues such as bullying. This trend indicates a growing preference for the perceived educational rigor that private schools offer.
Data reveals that private school enrollment has remained steady post-pandemic for the first time in decades. If enrollment had continued to decline as it had before the pandemic, an additional 10,000 students would have been lost, according to a Boston University study. Conversely, public schools experienced a notable decrease, losing around 16,000 students compared to pre-COVID enrollment numbers.
The upsurge in private school students largely includes affluent families, particularly those identifying as white and Asian. The path to private education was further paved by a significant rise in homeschooling, which nearly doubled during the pandemic and has maintained a position over 50% larger than in 2019, now including approximately 12,200 students in 2024.
Although Massachusetts private school enrollment has dipped slightly by 2.6% from fall 2019, it remains 13.8% above pre-pandemic trends. There is a variance in enrollment growth among different institutions, as highlighted by the executive director of the Association of Independent Schools in New England. Catholic schools, for instance, have reported increases, attributed to their early return to in-person classes.
Concerns about academic quality and behavioral issues continue to drive families away from public schools post-pandemic, especially among wealthier districts. Middle-grade students, in particular, are experiencing these shifts as parents seek more supportive and enriching educational environments.
As a result of rising enrollment in private schools, tuition prices have surged, with average costs exceeding $60,000. Many families are found to be contributing more than $40,000 annually, even after financial assistance is taken into account. This financial burden contrasts sharply with public schooling, which is already facing its own fiscal challenges due to declining student numbers.
The impact on public school systems is significant, notably in affluent districts where the exodus of students has led to heightened financial strain. Voters in these areas have recently turned down proposed tax overrides, further constraining local education funding. Coupled with a diminishing population of school-aged children in Massachusetts, public schools are confronted with mounting challenges in maintaining their services and programs.
In summary, the landscape of education in Massachusetts is undergoing a transformative change as private schools respond to significant demand. Families’ choices, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting re-evaluation of academic needs, are reshaping the enrollment trends within both public and private institutions.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Long Waitlists for Mass Private Schools
- Boston Globe: Massachusetts Private Schools and COVID
- Daily Collegian: The True Purpose of Private Schools
- MassLive: Best Private High Schools in the Boston Metro Area
- Telegram: Masters Academy International Tour
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Google Search: Massachusetts Private Schools COVID
- Google Scholar: Private School Enrollment Trends
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
- Google News: Private Education Massachusetts
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.
