The Best Private Schools in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gloucester. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Ann School
Archdiocese of Boston
St. Ann School is Gloucester's premier Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic programs. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education, literacy development, and arts integration. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The school is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and comprehensive preparation for high school.
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Glen Urquhart School
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Gloucester in Beverly, Glen Urquhart School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving the North Shore region. The school employs a progressive, integrated curriculum that connects academic subjects through thematic studies. Notable features include extensive outdoor education, strong arts programs, and project-based learning. The 23-acre campus features modern facilities, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, GUS emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Many Gloucester families choose this school for its exceptional middle school program and strong high school placement record.
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Pingree School
Independent
Pingree School is a premier independent college preparatory high school located approximately 20 minutes from Gloucester in South Hamilton. Serving grades 9-12, Pingree offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement courses, outstanding arts facilities, and competitive athletics. The 100-acre campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, visual arts studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes experiential learning, community engagement, and personalized college counseling. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Pingree provides individualized attention and has an excellent college matriculation record. Many Gloucester students attend this highly selective school for its exceptional academic reputation and comprehensive programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gloucester, Massachusetts
What are the primary types of private schools available in Gloucester, Massachusetts, and how do they differ?
Gloucester, MA, offers a diverse range of private school options. You'll find faith-based institutions like St. Ann School (Catholic, Pre-K through 8), which provides a traditional curriculum within a religious framework. Independent day schools like Glen Urquhart School (Pre-K through 8) and Pingree School (9-12, located in neighboring South Hamilton but serving the North Shore region including Gloucester) offer progressive, student-centered education often with strong arts, environmental, and experiential learning programs. The proximity to the ocean and historic community also influences many schools' curricula, incorporating marine science and local history. This variety allows parents to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and grade span.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Gloucester area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Gloucester-area private schools is generally aligned with or slightly above the Massachusetts state average for independent schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades at schools like St. Ann, to over $50,000 for upper grades at premier independent schools like Pingree. Massachusetts has strong financial aid traditions, and most Gloucester-area private schools have substantial endowment-funded aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Additionally, Massachusetts offers the **School Choice** program for some towns (though not typically for private schools) and tax-advantaged **529 plans** can be used for K-12 private tuition, providing some state-level financial considerations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Gloucester private schools offer that leverage the local environment and culture?
Gloucester's coastal setting and rich maritime history deeply influence local private school programs. Glen Urquhart School, for example, emphasizes place-based learning, with students often engaging in studies at local beaches, wetlands, and the Rocky Neck Cultural District. Many schools have robust marine biology and environmental science modules, sometimes involving partnerships with the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute or the Ocean Alliance. Arts programs frequently draw inspiration from the city's famed artist community, offering specialized instruction in visual arts and theater tied to local galleries and historic sites. This integration of community assets provides an education that is both academically rigorous and uniquely rooted in the Gloucester experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Gloucester, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment timeline for Gloucester-area private schools follows the standard independent school calendar in Massachusetts. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines (often with standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT for middle/high school), and receiving decisions in March for the following fall. Given the limited seats, especially in sought-after schools like Glen Urquhart and Pingree, waitlists are common. For parish-based schools like St. Ann, priority may be given to active parishioners and siblings. We strongly recommend initiating visits and inquiries at least 12-18 months before desired entry, particularly for transitional grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th).
For a family living in Gloucester, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the Gloucester Public Schools district and a local private school?
The decision involves several local factors. Gloucester Public Schools (GPS) offer a no-tuition option with programs like the award-winning Gloucester High School marine science and sailing programs, which uniquely mirror some private school offerings. However, private schools in the area generally offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often more flexible or innovative curricula. Transportation is a key consideration: Massachusetts law requires local districts to provide transportation to private school students within certain distance limits (often up to 10 miles), which can apply to schools like Pingree. Families should also consider the community aspect—local private schools draw from across the North Shore, which can broaden social networks but may differ from the neighborhood-centric community of a Gloucester district school.
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