The Best Private Schools in Danvers, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Danvers. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Preparatory School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. John's Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Catholic school serving grades 6-12. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong college preparatory programs, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body drawn from over 60 communities. Their comprehensive extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Shore Country Day School
Independent School
Located just minutes from Danvers in neighboring Beverly, Shore Country Day School is a premier independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 9. The school is renowned for its progressive educational approach that balances academic rigor with social-emotional learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic fields. The school's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with particularly strong programs in STEAM education and athletics. Many graduates attend top-tier secondary schools throughout New England.
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Glen Urquhart School
Independent School
Glen Urquhart School, located in nearby Beverly, serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade with an innovative, integrated curriculum that connects academic disciplines through thematic study. The school is particularly known for its strong environmental education program and beautiful 23-acre campus featuring outdoor classrooms and nature trails. Academic excellence is complemented by robust arts and athletics programs, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. The school's approach fosters intellectual curiosity and ethical leadership, preparing students for success in secondary school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Danvers, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available in Danvers, MA, and what age groups do they serve?
Danvers, MA, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, each with distinct focuses. St. John's Preparatory School is an all-boys, Catholic, college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12, drawing students from across the North Shore. While located in nearby Beverly, Shore Country Day School serves many Danvers families, offering a co-ed, independent education from Pre-K through Grade 9. Similarly, Glen Urquhart School in Beverly provides a co-ed, independent education from Pre-K through Grade 8. For younger children, Danvers also has local private preschools and early childhood centers. The concentration of schools in the immediate area provides a range of choices from single-gender religious to co-ed independent models.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Danvers, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Danvers area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John's Prep tuition is approximately $49,000 for high school, while Shore Country Day and Glen Urquhart are in a similar range for their upper grades, often between $40,000-$50,000. All these schools have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Massachusetts also offers the School Choice program for some districts, but this typically applies to public schools. More relevant for Danvers private school parents is the state's 529 plan, which can be used for K-12 private tuition, and potential deductions for educational expenses. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition figures and to begin the financial aid process early, often concurrent with admissions applications.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Danvers, MA, region?
Private schools near Danvers offer distinctive programs that leverage their missions and resources. St. John's Prep is renowned for its robust STEM initiatives, extensive athletics program (competing in the Catholic Conference), and its Xaverian Brothers spiritual foundation. Shore Country Day School emphasizes a hands-on, experiential curriculum with strong arts and community service components. Glen Urquhart School is known for its thematic, integrated curriculum and a strong focus on environmental science and outdoor education. All these schools benefit from their proximity to Boston and the North Shore's cultural and scientific institutions, facilitating frequent field trips and expert partnerships. Many also have signature global studies or language immersion programs starting in the lower grades.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like St. John's Prep in Danvers, MA?
The enrollment process for top-tier schools in the Danvers area is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For a fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the prior summer or early fall with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are often in January (e.g., January 15th for St. John's Prep for the following academic year). Requirements usually include a completed application, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, a parent statement, and a student interview/visit. Standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT is commonly required for middle and upper school entry. Admissions decisions are typically released in March, with a family reply deadline in April. Due to the competitiveness, especially for entry points like 6th and 9th grades, starting the process early is strongly advised.
For a family living in Danvers, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system to area private schools?
Danvers Public Schools are highly rated, which makes the decision a matter of fit rather than necessity. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Danvers public schools offer a strong, standardized curriculum, while private options like St. John's Prep, Shore, and GUS often provide more specialized pedagogies (e.g., single-gender, religious, progressive independent). **Class Size:** Private schools typically feature significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students) compared to public school classrooms. **Resources & Facilities:** Private schools invest heavily in specific facilities (e.g., labs, arts centers, turf fields) and may offer more niche electives. **Community & Values:** Private schools often have a distinct mission (e.g., Catholic, independent) that permeates the community. **Logistics & Cost:** The public system involves no tuition and neighborhood-based transportation. Private schools require a major financial investment and often necessitate parent-provided transportation, though many have bus routes serving Danvers and surrounding towns. Many families in Danvers choose either path, making it important to assess your child's specific needs and your family's values.
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