The Best Private Schools in Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairhaven. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford
NativityMiguel Network
Nativity Preparatory School provides exceptional tuition-free education to boys in grades 5-8 from Fairhaven and surrounding communities. This Jesuit-inspired middle school offers an extended academic day with small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive support services. The school's rigorous curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and character development, preparing students for success in competitive high schools. With a strong focus on community engagement and leadership development, Nativity Prep maintains outstanding academic outcomes and high parent satisfaction rates.
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Our Sisters' School
Independent
Our Sisters' School is an independent, tuition-free middle school serving girls from Fairhaven and the greater New Bedford area. The school provides an exceptional educational experience with a focus on STEM education, leadership development, and college preparation. With an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio and extended learning opportunities, the school creates a supportive environment that fosters academic achievement and personal growth. The curriculum includes robust arts programming, community service requirements, and comprehensive academic support, resulting in outstanding high school placement rates and long-term student success.
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Bishop Stang High School
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Fairhaven and throughout the South Coast region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and performing arts. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Bishop Stang maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairhaven, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and do they serve all grade levels?
Fairhaven itself has a limited number of private schools within its town borders, leading many families to look at neighboring communities in the South Coast region. The most prominent local options include Bishop Stang High School (a diocesan, co-ed Catholic high school in North Dartmouth serving grades 9-12), Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford (a tuition-free, independent middle school for boys in grades 5-8 from low-income families), and Our Sisters' School (a tuition-free, independent middle school for girls in grades 5-8 from low-income families in New Bedford). For elementary private education, families often consider Catholic schools in New Bedford, Dartmouth, or Acushnet. This means Fairhaven parents typically plan for a K-8 option and then a separate high school selection.
How does tuition for private schools in the Fairhaven, MA area compare, and what financial aid or scholarship opportunities are specifically available for Massachusetts residents?
Tuition in the Fairhaven area varies widely based on the school's model. Bishop Stang High School's tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $16,000, with significant need-based financial aid available through the school and the Diocese of Fall River. In contrast, Nativity Prep and Our Sisters' School are tuition-free, funded by donations and grants. All Massachusetts residents, regardless of income, can apply for the state's **School Choice** program, though it typically applies to public schools in other districts. More impactful for private school families is the **Tax-advantaged 529 Plan** (now usable for K-12 tuition) and potential eligibility for the **John & Abigail Adams Scholarship** for high school students at schools like Bishop Stang, which provides tuition credits for state universities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Fairhaven, Massachusetts region offer that leverage the local coastal environment and culture?
Several schools integrate the South Coast's maritime heritage and environmental resources. Bishop Stang High School offers robust Marine Science programs, often utilizing access to local estuaries and Buzzards Bay for field studies. Their engineering and robotics programs also connect with local marine technology industries. While not exclusively academic, the community service requirements at Bishop Stang and the mission-driven models of Nativity Prep and Our Sisters' School deeply engage students with the social fabric and needs of the greater New Bedford/Fairhaven area. Schools may also incorporate local history, such as the whaling industry and Portuguese/Lusophone culture, into their humanities curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Bishop Stang for a student from Fairhaven, and are there entrance exams?
For Bishop Stang High School, the enrollment process for incoming 9th graders begins in the fall of their 8th-grade year. A critical step is taking the **High School Placement Test (HSPT)**, usually offered on a Saturday in November or December. Registration for this exam opens in early fall. Following the test, families complete an application (due in early winter) and submit records from their current school. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in February. Open Houses are held in the autumn, and attending one is highly recommended. For the tuition-free middle schools (Nativity Prep and Our Sisters' School), the process involves a detailed application, family interviews, and income verification, with timelines starting very early in the calendar year prior to enrollment.
For a family considering both the Fairhaven public schools and local private options, what are the key decision factors specific to this community?
The decision in Fairhaven often hinges on several local factors. First is **school configuration**: Fairhaven Public Schools operate a K-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12 model, while private options may offer a different continuity (e.g., a 5-8 middle school or a 9-12 high school). Second is **religious education**: Bishop Stang offers a comprehensive Catholic education, which is a primary draw for many families. Third is **cost vs. mission**: The unique, tuition-free, intensive-support models of Nativity Prep and Our Sisters' School are transformative options for eligible families, distinct from the public system. Fourth is **class size and specialized programs**: Private schools often boast smaller average class sizes, while Fairhaven High School offers its own strong programs, including vocational pathways through Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School. Transportation is also a consideration, as Fairhaven may not provide public busing to all private schools.
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