The Best Private Schools in Acushnet, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Acushnet. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Our Sisters' School
Independent Middle School
Our Sisters' School is an acclaimed independent middle school for girls located in nearby New Bedford, serving students from Acushnet and surrounding communities. The school provides a tuition-free education to girls from low-income families, focusing on academic rigor, leadership development, and college preparation. The program includes extensive STEM education, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. With a 100% high school graduation and college acceptance rate for graduates, the school has earned recognition for its transformative educational model and supportive learning environment.
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Friends Academy
Independent School
Friends Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located just minutes from Acushnet in North Dartmouth, the school offers a comprehensive educational program focused on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes project-based learning, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Friends Academy provides personalized attention and strong academic preparation for secondary education.
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Tabor Academy
Independent Boarding School
Tabor Academy is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located in Marion, approximately 15 minutes from Acushnet. Known for its exceptional college preparatory program and unique waterfront campus, Tabor offers a comprehensive educational experience for grades 9-12. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. Tabor's marine science program is particularly renowned, utilizing its location on Buzzards Bay. The school maintains small class sizes, experienced faculty, and offers over 150 courses including Advanced Placement and honors options, preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Acushnet, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Acushnet, Massachusetts?
While Acushnet itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate South Coast region. The most prominent are Friends Academy (Pre-K through Grade 8) in Dartmouth, Our Sisters' School (an all-girls middle school) in New Bedford, and Tabor Academy (a boarding and day school for grades 9-12) in Marion. These schools are all within a 15-20 minute drive from Acushnet. There are also various parochial schools in neighboring New Bedford and Fall River. Most Acushnet families looking for private education consider these nearby institutions, as there are no major private school campuses within Acushnet's town borders.
How does the tuition for private schools near Acushnet, MA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition at Friends Academy ranges approximately from $20,000 for lower grades to $30,000 for middle school. Tabor Academy's day student tuition is around $50,000, reflecting its secondary boarding school model. Our Sisters' School operates on a robust need-based financial aid model, with families paying what they can afford. Massachusetts offers the **School Choice** program for public schools, but this does not apply to private institutions. However, Massachusetts taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 per student for private school tuition and other educational expenses on their state income taxes. Additionally, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, and some participate in voucher programs like the **Massachusetts Taxpayer Scholarship** for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Acushnet area that leverage the local environment?
Schools near Acushnet capitalize on the region's coastal and maritime heritage. Tabor Academy, known as "The School by the Sea," has a renowned marine and nautical science program, with its own fleet of vessels and direct access to Sippican Harbor. Its sailing team is nationally competitive. Friends Academy emphasizes environmental stewardship and outdoor education across its curriculum, utilizing its 65-acre campus. Our Sisters' School, with its focus on STEM and empowering young women, often partners with local marine science and technology organizations in New Bedford. This regional focus provides students with unique, hands-on learning opportunities not typically found inland.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the leading private schools serving Acushnet, MA, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Friends Academy and Tabor Academy, the main admission cycle for the following fall begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February, and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the SSAT for Tabor) in the winter. Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Notification dates are typically in March. For Our Sisters' School, which serves grades 5-8, the process for 5th-grade entry is particularly competitive and begins in the fall of a student's 4th-grade year. Given the limited seats and competitive nature, Acushnet families are advised to start research and campus visits at least two years before desired entry.
For an Acushnet resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school in the area?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Acushnet's public schools (Acushnet Elementary and Ford Middle School, with high school at Fairhaven High) offer a no-tuition, community-based education. Choosing a private school like those nearby involves a significant financial commitment and daily commuting. However, parents often consider private options for smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like Tabor's boarding option or Friends' progressive education), or religious affiliation. Transportation is a key practical issue; while some private schools offer bus service from designated stops, Acushnet parents often need to provide or arrange transportation. The cultural and academic environment also differs, with private schools drawing a geographically wider student body from across the South Coast and, in Tabor's case, internationally, which can be a distinguishing factor for some families.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Autism Support: Top Private Schools Near Acushnet, MA
For parents in Acushnet, Massachusetts, searching for the right educational environment for a child with autism can feel both urgent and deeply personal. The phrase "private schools for autism near me" represents a quest for a place that understands your child's unique learning profile while providing the academic and social foundation they deserve. While Acushnet itself is a close-knit community, the immediate search for a specialized private school program for autism will naturally extend into the broader South Coast region and beyond. This doesn't mean your options are limited; rather, it highlights the importance of understanding the landscape of private education, from local day schools with strong support systems to dedicated specialized schools within a reasonable commute.
First, it's helpful to clarify the types of private settings available. There are schools specifically designed for students with autism spectrum disorders, often featuring low student-to-teacher ratios, integrated therapies, and specialized curricula. These are typically found in larger centers like New Bedford, Fall River, or even towards Providence. Then there are traditional private schools, like the esteemed Friends Academy in nearby Dartmouth or Tabor Academy in Marion, which may offer robust learning support departments. While not autism-specific schools, their smaller class sizes and resources can sometimes provide a supportive environment for students with milder support needs, depending on the individual program's capacity and philosophy. The key is direct and detailed conversation with admissions and learning support staff to assess the fit.
Your location in Acushnet offers a strategic advantage. You are within a manageable drive of several major hubs for specialized services. Exploring options might lead you to consult with professionals at local clinics or advocacy groups in New Bedford, who often have the most current knowledge of school programs in Bristol County. Furthermore, Massachusetts has a strong network of support through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, which can provide information on approved private special education schools. Many of these schools offer transportation services, which can mitigate commute concerns. When researching, consider the daily journey as part of the overall quality of life for your child and family.
The process involves looking beyond a simple directory. We recommend starting with a clear list of your child's specific strengths, challenges, and necessary supports. Then, schedule visits and observations. Ask detailed questions about staff training in autism methodologies, the structure of the day, how social skills are integrated, and the school's approach to communication with parents. The sense of community is paramount; you want a school that sees your child's potential first. While the initial search for "private schools for autism near me" may not yield a result within Acushnet's town lines, your proactive approach as a Southeastern Massachusetts parent can uncover excellent, nurturing environments within the region. The investment of time in this search is an investment in finding a school where your child can build confidence, engage in learning, and thrive. Remember, you are not just looking for a school, but for a partner in your child's development.
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