The Best Private Schools in Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dartmouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Friends Academy
Independent
Friends Academy is one of the oldest independent schools in Massachusetts, offering education from early childhood through eighth grade. The school follows Quaker principles and provides a challenging academic program that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic fields. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community. Students consistently demonstrate academic excellence and transition successfully to prestigious secondary schools.
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Bishop Stang High School
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving the South Coast region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. Students benefit from small class sizes averaging 18 students, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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The Wheeler School
Independent
Located just 20 minutes from Dartmouth in Providence, The Wheeler School serves students from Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This prestigious independent school offers a comprehensive program from nursery through 12th grade with exceptional college preparatory curriculum. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including the Angell Street Campus for arts and athletics, advanced science laboratories, and extensive technology resources. Wheeler emphasizes innovative teaching, project-based learning, and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school maintains small class sizes and provides extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dartmouth, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Dartmouth, Massachusetts?
Dartmouth, MA, is served by several notable private schools, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the town's borders. Within the immediate area, Bishop Stang High School (a diocesan Catholic school in North Dartmouth) serves grades 9-12. Nearby options include Friends Academy (Pre-K through 8) in North Dartmouth and The Wheeler School in nearby Providence, RI, which is a common consideration for Dartmouth families seeking a rigorous K-12 program. Additionally, families often look at schools in New Bedford, Fall River, and the greater South Coast region. The selection includes parochial, independent, and college-preparatory models, offering a range of educational philosophies.
How does tuition for private schools in the Dartmouth, MA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Dartmouth area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Stang High School's tuition is approximately $15,000-$16,000, while Friends Academy's tuition ranges from around $20,000 for lower grades to $30,000+ for middle school. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the average for Massachusetts independent schools, which is among the highest in the nation. Most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Critically, Massachusetts has the **School Choice** program for public schools, but this does not apply to private institutions. However, the state's **26F** tax deduction allows families to deduct up to $10,000 per student for tuition expenses on state income taxes, which is a significant local financial consideration.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Dartmouth, Massachusetts, region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Dartmouth area often integrate the rich coastal and maritime heritage of the South Coast into their programs. Bishop Stang High School, for instance, has a strong Marine Science program that utilizes its proximity to Buzzards Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for hands-on learning. Friends Academy emphasizes environmental stewardship and outdoor education across its curriculum. Furthermore, given the region's history and proximity to major centers like Providence and New Bedford, many schools have robust partnerships with local universities (UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College) for advanced coursework and with cultural institutions like the New Bedford Whaling Museum. This provides unique interdisciplinary learning opportunities in marine biology, history, and the arts that are deeply tied to the local community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Bishop Stang or Friends Academy in Dartmouth, MA?
The enrollment process for Dartmouth-area private schools generally follows an annual cycle. Most schools, including Bishop Stang and Friends Academy, begin accepting applications in the early fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key deadlines for financial aid applications (using platforms like FACTS) are often in January or February. Admissions decisions for mainstream entry points (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade) are typically released in March. For Bishop Stang, which serves a large regional Catholic community, priority may be given to students from feeder parochial schools. It is highly recommended for Dartmouth families to attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall, and to apply well before the deadline, as spaces in certain grades can be limited.
For a family living in Dartmouth, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system (Dartmouth Public Schools) to area private schools?
The decision often hinges on several Dartmouth-specific factors. **Dartmouth Public Schools** are well-regarded, offering a no-tuition option with programs like the Dartmouth Middle School STEM Academy. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (as with Bishop Stang), a particular pedagogical approach (like Friends Academy's Quaker values), or a more intensive college-preparatory environment. Practical considerations include commute—Dartmouth is a large, spread-out town, and attending a private school may involve a longer drive to North Dartmouth, Providence, or beyond. Financially, it means forgoing the tax-funded public system for paid tuition, albeit with potential aid. Ultimately, the choice may come down to desired class size, specialized programs (e.g., for learning differences or exceptional giftedness), and alignment with family values, which the diverse private options in the region can provide.
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