The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montrose School
Independent
Montrose School is an acclaimed independent all-girls college preparatory school located in nearby Medway, serving students from Franklin and surrounding communities. Founded in 1979, Montrose offers a unique liberal arts education combined with character formation and leadership development. The school features small class sizes, personalized college counseling, and a robust STEM program with advanced science and mathematics courses. The beautiful campus includes modern academic facilities, arts studios, and athletic spaces. Montrose emphasizes the development of the whole person through academic excellence, community service, and extracurricular opportunities, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities.
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Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving Franklin and the greater Boston area. Located just 15 miles from Franklin in Westwood, this all-boys school has a distinguished 60-year history of academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with 22 AP courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and comprehensive arts programs. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and 85% of faculty holding advanced degrees, students receive personalized attention. The extensive athletic program includes 26 varsity sports, and the school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K through grade 8 in the heart of Franklin. With over 50 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values while emphasizing academic rigor. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong focus on character development. Programs include advanced STEM education, comprehensive arts programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Massachusetts
What are the main types of private schools available to families in Franklin, Massachusetts, and how do they differ?
Franklin, MA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily including Catholic/parochial schools, independent college-preparatory schools, and single-gender institutions. St. Mary's School provides a Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. Xaverian Brothers High School in nearby Westwood is a Catholic, all-boys college preparatory school drawing many students from Franklin. Montrose School in Medfield is an independent, all-girls college preparatory school with a leadership-focused curriculum. This variety allows families to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and learning environment, though it's important to note that some of the most prominent schools are located in neighboring towns, requiring consideration of commute times.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Franklin, MA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Franklin area is generally aligned with or slightly below the high average for Massachusetts, given its suburban location outside the immediate Boston metro premium. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 for elementary/middle schools like St. Mary's, to $25,000-$35,000 for secondary schools like Xaverian Brothers and Montrose. Massachusetts has strong financial aid traditions, and these schools typically offer need-based assistance, merit scholarships, and parish subsidies for affiliated families. Additionally, Franklin families can benefit from the state's **School Choice** program for certain nearby towns, though this applies to public schools, and the **METCO** program for Boston-based diversity initiatives. Sibling discounts are also common.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Franklin, MA, students?
Private schools in the Franklin area distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Xaverian Brothers High School features a renowned STEM Institute and extensive robotics and engineering courses, complementing its strong athletics tradition. Montrose School emphasizes its "LifeCompass" character and leadership program, integrated across all subjects, alongside robust arts and debate teams. St. Mary's School, as a feeder to many area high schools, focuses on foundational STEM through Project Lead The Way and strong sacramental preparation. Furthermore, these schools often leverage their proximity to Boston for enrichment, with frequent educational trips to museums, universities, and historical sites, an advantage less consistently available in the local public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Franklin, MA, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for Franklin-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For primary schools like St. Mary's, applications often open in September for the following fall, with deadlines in January or February. For competitive secondary schools like Xaverian Brothers and Montrose, the process typically starts in the summer before 8th grade, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines in January, and entrance exams (like the HSPT or SSAT) taken in the winter. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for non-parishioners or those outside the immediate area, parents are advised to begin research and school visits at least 12-18 months in advance, particularly for high school placement.
For a family living in Franklin, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district to area private schools?
The Franklin Public School district is highly rated, which makes the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often offer smaller, more personalized settings), **Educational Approach** (private schools may offer religious formation, single-gender education, or a specific pedagogical focus not available publicly), **Transportation** (Franklin may provide limited busing to some private schools under state law, but often parents must arrange transportation, especially to schools in Westwood or Medfield), and **Cost vs. Value** (weighing the significant tuition against the specific programs and environment desired). Many families choose private options for a consistent faith-based education from K-12 or for specialized college-prep environments that match their child's learning style, even with the strong alternative of the local public schools.
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