The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Academy
Phillips Academy Andover is one of the nation's most prestigious private boarding schools, consistently ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts. Located just 15 miles from Georgetown, the school serves students from across the region with its rigorous academic program, exceptional faculty, and extensive facilities. The 500-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, the school offers personalized attention and over 300 courses including extensive Advanced Placement options. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and college preparation, with graduates regularly attending top universities.
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The Pike School
The Pike School
The Pike School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, located approximately 12 miles from Georgetown. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement through its innovative curriculum. Pike's educational approach balances traditional academics with progressive teaching methods, featuring strong STEAM programs, world language instruction beginning in pre-kindergarten, and comprehensive arts and athletics. The school's 34-acre campus provides modern learning environments and extensive outdoor spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community.
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Brooks School
Brooks School
Brooks School is a co-educational college preparatory school serving grades 9-12, located about 8 miles from Georgetown in North Andover. Situated on a 270-acre campus along Lake Cochichewick, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. Brooks emphasizes both academic rigor and character development, with strong programs in STEM, humanities, arts, and athletics. The school features modern science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its inclusive community and dedicated faculty, Brooks prepares students for top colleges while fostering leadership skills and ethical development. The school serves many students from Georgetown and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Georgetown, MA, and are there any located directly in town?
Georgetown itself is a smaller town without a large number of private schools within its immediate borders. Therefore, families typically look at highly-regarded independent day and boarding schools in the surrounding North Shore and Merrimack Valley areas. Notable options include Phillips Academy in Andover (a world-renowned co-ed boarding/day school, ~15 miles away), The Pike School in Andover (a Pre-K through 8th grade day school, ~12 miles away), and Brooks School in North Andover (a co-ed boarding/day school for grades 9-12, ~10 miles away). Transportation to these schools often requires carpooling or utilizing school-provided bus services, which is a key logistical consideration for Georgetown residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Georgetown, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the elite private schools accessible from Georgetown is significantly above the Massachusetts private school average. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition at Phillips Academy Andover and Brooks School for grades 9-12 exceeds $55,000, while The Pike School (Pre-K-8) is approximately $40,000. Massachusetts has a strong culture of financial aid among its independent schools. These schools typically have substantial endowments and offer need-based financial aid to a significant percentage of their student body, often making them accessible to qualified students from Georgetown regardless of financial background. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Georgetown, MA, area offer that might not be available in the local public district?
The private schools near Georgetown offer specialized programs that differentiate them from the well-regarded Georgetown Public Schools. Phillips Academy Andover, for instance, features the Tang Institute for innovative teaching and a vast global network. Brooks School emphasizes its signature Advanced Research & Design (ARD) program and a waterfront program on Lake Cochichewick. The Pike School focuses on progressive, student-centered learning with deep community engagement from an early age. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more extensive arts and athletics facilities, and unique travel or internship opportunities that leverage their resources and networks beyond what a local public district can typically provide.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Georgetown, MA, and when should Georgetown families start planning?
The admission process for schools like Phillips Academy, Brooks, and Pike is highly structured and competitive. Families should begin research and campus visits 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), registering for standardized tests (ISEE or SSAT) by late fall, completing applications by January deadlines (often January 15th or 31st), and participating in student interviews and visits during the winter. Decisions are released in March for a fall start. For Georgetown families, planning for transportation and understanding the logistical impact of a commute to Andover or North Andover is an essential part of the process that should begin early.
For a family in Georgetown, MA, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school in the area?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to Georgetown. The Georgetown Public Schools are well-regarded, offering a solid K-12 education within the community. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a different educational philosophy (e.g., more progressive or classical), a specific focus (like intensive arts or advanced STEM research), or a boarding option for high school. The trade-offs are significant: private schools offer immense resources and specialized programs but come with high tuition and a daily commute. Families must weigh the value of a hyper-local community experience against the broader, resource-rich environment of a regional independent school, considering their child's specific needs, learning style, and long-term goals.
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