News Summary
A new ranking from Stacker highlights the top private high schools in the Boston metropolitan area, emphasizing academic excellence, diversity, and resources. Approximately 66,000 students in Massachusetts are enrolled in private or parochial schools, with some suburbs experiencing a rise in enrollment. This report also discusses the challenges of affordability and critics’ concerns regarding educational inequality while showcasing schools like Phillips Academy Andover, Commonwealth School, and Groton School as top performers.
Boston – A recent study has highlighted the top private high schools in the Boston metropolitan area for 2024, according to a ranking compiled by Stacker using data from Niche. This ranking emphasizes academic excellence, diversity, and available resources, presenting a comprehensive guide for families considering private education options.
As of this year, approximately 66,000 students, representing around 7% of Massachusetts’ school-age population, are enrolled in private or parochial schools within the state. This number shows a decline from 78,000 students a decade prior. Nonetheless, some suburbs of Boston have reported increases in private school enrollment, indicating varying trends across the region.
Critics of private education argue that these institutions can contribute to educational inequality by drawing middle- and upper-income families away from public schools. However, many parents choose private schools based on the promise of specialized curricula and perceived higher academic standards. Additionally, many private institutions are designed to offer religious or cultural education, with 93 Catholic schools operated under the Boston Archdiocese alone.
Affordability remains a significant challenge for prospective private school students, as tuition rates for leading institutions can range from $40,000 to $70,000 annually. In some elite cases, tuition can reach up to $80,000 without financial assistance. Although most private schools provide financial aid opportunities, the amount of assistance available varies widely.
According to Niche’s assessment, Phillips Academy Andover emerged as the foremost private school in Massachusetts, ranking No. 4 nationally. The following schools were also recognized among the top 25 private high schools in the state:
- Phillips Academy Andover
- Commonwealth School, Boston
- Groton School
- Noble and Greenough School, Dedham
- Deerfield Academy
- St. Mark’s School
- Middlesex School, Concord
- Boston University Academy
- Concord Academy
- Milton Academy
- Belmont Hill School
- Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Cambridge
- The Roxbury Latin School, West Roxbury
- British International School of Boston
- The Winsor School, Boston
- Northfield Mount Hermon
- Brooks School, North Andover
- Berkshire School, Sheffield
- Cushing Academy, Ashburnham
- St. Sebastian’s School, Needham
- The Williston Northampton School, Easthampton
- The Rivers School, Weston
- Beaver Country Day School, Chestnut Hill
- The Governor’s Academy, Byfield
- Bancroft School, Worcester
Among them, Commonwealth School and Groton School garnered national recognition as well, ranking No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. Niche’s ranking methodology sets it apart from other school rating systems by incorporating feedback from students, parents, and alumni, in addition to objective data such as academic performance and test scores.
This focus on both qualitative and quantitative data aims to furnish families with a well-rounded perspective of school performance. The Best Schools rankings are essential resources for families exploring various educational environments, featuring not just private schools but also boarding, charter, and magnet schools, as well as institutions with specialized focuses, including STEM and the arts.
As parents continue to weigh educational options for their children, the information from Niche’s rankings, along with detailed assessments of individual schools, may prove useful in guiding their choices in a complex educational landscape.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Best Private High Schools in Boston Metro Area
- Boston 25 News: Best Private High Schools in Springfield Metro Area
- Boston Globe: Private School Cost in Massachusetts
- Boston.com: New Mass High School for LGBTQ Students
- Whats Up Newp: Best Private High Schools in Massachusetts
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Google Search: Private High Schools Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
- Google News: Private Schools Boston
