The Best Private Schools in Holbrook, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holbrook. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thayer Academy
Thayer Academy
Thayer Academy is a prestigious co-educational independent day school serving grades 6-12, located just 5 miles from Holbrook. Founded in 1877, Thayer offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Thayer's academic program includes 20+ AP courses, robust STEM initiatives, and comprehensive arts programs. The school maintains a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and has a strong college matriculation record to top universities. Extracurricular offerings include 60+ clubs and 65 athletic teams across three seasons.
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Blue Hills Regional Technical School
Blue Hills Regional Technical School District
Blue Hills Regional Technical School serves Holbrook and 8 other district towns, offering comprehensive technical and academic education for grades 9-12. The school provides 20 career technical programs alongside a rigorous academic curriculum that meets Massachusetts standards. Students graduate with both technical certifications and college-preparatory diplomas. Facilities include modern trade shops, science labs, and technology centers. The school features strong partnerships with local industries and colleges, providing excellent career readiness and college acceptance rates. Blue Hills maintains a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including athletics, clubs, and competitive skills teams.
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Cardinal Spellman High School
Archdiocese of Boston
Cardinal Spellman High School is a Catholic co-educational college preparatory school serving students from Holbrook and surrounding communities. Founded in 1958, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with 15 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Spellman emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, music programs, and numerous student clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holbrook, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for Holbrook, MA residents, and are they located directly in town?
Holbrook itself does not host many private school campuses, but residents have excellent access to several highly-regarded institutions in the immediate South Shore area. The most prominent options include Thayer Academy (a co-ed, college-preparatory day school in Braintree), Cardinal Spellman High School (a Catholic, co-ed school in Brockton), and Blue Hills Regional Technical School (a public technical school in Canton that accepts out-of-district students through tuition and lottery). Additionally, families often consider other nearby Catholic and independent schools in towns like Brockton, Braintree, and Randolph. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require private or provided busing.
How does tuition for private schools near Holbrook, MA typically compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-25 academic year, Thayer Academy's upper school tuition is approximately $55,000, while Cardinal Spellman High School's tuition is roughly $15,000 for parishioners and $17,000 for non-parishioners. Blue Hills Regional Technical School charges an out-of-district tuition set by the state, typically around $12,000-$15,000. Massachusetts has strong financial aid resources. Most independent schools like Thayer offer substantial need-based aid. Additionally, the state's **School Choice** program does not apply to private schools, but the **Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit** and the **529 plan** (which can now be used for K-12 tuition) provide some relief. Always inquire directly with each school's financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Holbrook, MA area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The area's private schools offer distinct specializations. **Thayer Academy** provides a rigorous college-prep curriculum with renowned arts and athletics, plus global travel programs. **Cardinal Spellman High School** offers a faith-based education with structured college counseling and a variety of AP courses within a values-oriented community. **Blue Hills Regional Technical School** is unique, providing career and technical education (CTE) in over 20 trades (e.g., automotive, carpentry, health services) alongside academics, leading to industry certifications. This CTE model is a significant differentiator from Holbrook's public school curriculum, offering a direct pathway to skilled careers or college.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Holbrook, MA families?
Timelines are school-specific and require early planning. For independent schools like **Thayer Academy**, the process begins 12-18 months in advance, with applications due in January/February for entry the following fall. It involves standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), interviews, and campus visits. **Cardinal Spellman** typically has an application deadline in the fall prior to enrollment, with placement tests held in the winter. **Blue Hills Regional Tech** has a separate, state-regulated process for out-of-district students, often involving an application by December and a public lottery in the spring. Holbrook parents must proactively research each school's website and attend fall open houses.
As a Holbrook resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school outside the town?
The main logistical factors are **transportation, daily commute, and community connection**. Massachusetts law requires your local public school district (Holbrook) to provide transportation to private schools within a 20-mile radius, but specific policies and bus routes must be verified with the Holbrook Superintendent's office. The commute to Braintree, Brockton, or Canton can vary with traffic on Route 37 or I-93. Furthermore, your child may have fewer classmates from their immediate neighborhood, so fostering connections through school activities is important. It's also crucial to understand the school's schedule, as it may not align with Holbrook Public Schools' calendar, affecting childcare and family planning.
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