The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Independent School
Buckingham Browne & Nichols is a prestigious independent day school serving students from pre-K through grade 12. Located just minutes from Arlington in Cambridge, BB&N offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development, BB&N graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities. The school serves many Arlington families and provides comprehensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Belmont Day School
Independent School
Belmont Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-K through eighth grade, with many students coming from Arlington. The school combines academic rigor with social-emotional learning in a supportive community environment. Features include dedicated STEAM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and innovative outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for success in secondary education. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the dedicated faculty, inclusive community, and comprehensive educational approach that serves diverse learning styles.
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Cambridge Montessori School
Montessori School
Cambridge Montessori School provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 2 through 14, serving many families from Arlington and surrounding communities. The school maintains small class sizes with highly trained Montessori teachers and offers a comprehensive curriculum that fosters independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. Facilities include thoughtfully designed classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning environments. The school emphasizes holistic development and community engagement, with graduates well-prepared for advanced academic environments. Parent reviews consistently highlight the nurturing atmosphere and exceptional academic foundation provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Massachusetts
What are the main private school options for Arlington, MA families, especially given that many top schools are in neighboring towns?
While Arlington itself has a few private options like St. Agnes School and the Arlington Children's Center (private preschool), many families look to prestigious schools in adjacent communities. These include Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (with campuses in Cambridge and Belmont), Belmont Day School in Belmont, and Cambridge Montessori School in Cambridge. Arlington's proximity to Cambridge and Belmont provides access to a rich concentration of independent schools. Transportation is a key consideration, as most schools do not provide busing from Arlington, so carpooling or public transit (like the MBTA bus lines) often becomes part of the family routine.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Arlington, MA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid resources are available?
Tuition in the Greater Boston area, including schools accessible to Arlington residents, is among the highest in Massachusetts. For the 2024-25 school year, K-12 day school tuition often ranges from $40,000 to over $60,000. Massachusetts has strong financial aid traditions, and most top schools like BB&N and Belmont Day are committed to need-blind admission and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Additionally, Massachusetts residents may be eligible for the state's 529 college savings plan, which can now be used for up to $10,000 per year in K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Arlington, MA offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region heavily integrate Greater Boston's academic and cultural resources into their programs. For instance, Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) utilizes its Cambridge location for advanced STEM partnerships with MIT and Harvard. Belmont Day School emphasizes an innovative "Design Lab" and has a strong outdoor education program that uses local conservation land. Many schools also have robust language immersion programs and leverage the area's history, arts institutions, and tech industry for internships and project-based learning, offering advantages that are specifically tied to the Boston metropolitan area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Arlington, MA area, and how early should parents plan?
The process for Greater Boston independent schools is highly structured and competitive. For entry into a school like BB&N or Belmont Day, parents should begin researching 18-24 months in advance. The standard timeline involves attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with a common form called the SAO), and completing student assessments/interviews through winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March for the following September. Due to high demand for limited spots, especially in early childhood grades, many Arlington families apply to multiple schools to increase their options.
How do the academic outcomes and class sizes of private schools near Arlington compare with the highly-rated Arlington Public Schools?
Arlington Public Schools (APS) are consistently ranked among the top districts in Massachusetts, offering a strong, tuition-free education with average class sizes of 18-22 students. Private schools in the area, such as those mentioned, typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (12-16 students) and lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for highly individualized attention. The key difference often lies in curricular flexibility and resources; private schools can offer specialized tracks, global travel, and niche arts/STEM programs that a public district's budget may not allow. The choice often comes down to seeking a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., Montessori, progressive) or a more tailored educational environment versus the comprehensive, community-based experience of APS.
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