The Best Private Schools in Holliston, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holliston. 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 independent Catholic school for girls in grades 6-12, located just 10 minutes from Holliston. The school combines rigorous academics with character formation and leadership development. Montrose offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum with strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities. The school emphasizes personalized attention with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and maintains a strong college placement record. The beautiful campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Montrose focuses on developing women of character who are prepared for leadership roles in college and beyond.
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Fay School
Independent
Fay School is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States, serving students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Located just 15 minutes from Holliston, Fay offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and exceptional facilities. The school emphasizes character development, global citizenship, and personalized learning. With state-of-the-art science labs, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics, Fay provides a comprehensive educational experience. The campus spans 66 acres with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and boarding houses for both domestic and international students.
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The Rivers School
Independent
The Rivers School is a co-educational independent day school serving grades 6-12, located approximately 20 minutes from Holliston. Known for its challenging academic program and supportive community, Rivers offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with exceptional faculty and small class sizes. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including a modern science center, performing arts complex, and extensive athletic facilities. Rivers emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, character development, and preparing students for top colleges and universities. The school's robust arts program and competitive athletic teams provide well-rounded opportunities for student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holliston, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options for Holliston, MA residents, and are there any located directly in town?
While Holliston itself has a limited number of private schools within its town borders, residents have exceptional access to several top-tier independent day schools in the surrounding MetroWest area. The most prominent options include Fay School (Pre-K-9) in Southborough, The Rivers School (6-12) in Weston, and Montrose School (all-girls, 6-12) in Medfield. Many Holliston families also consider schools like the Natick-based Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Holliston's location provides convenient access to these schools via major routes like the Mass Pike (I-90) and Route 9, making them a viable daily commute.
How does the tuition for MetroWest Boston private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Holliston, such as Fay, Rivers, and Montrose, is typically above the Massachusetts independent school average, reflecting their facilities, faculty, and programs. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition for these schools ranges from approximately $40,000 to $60,000+ for day students. However, Massachusetts has a strong culture of financial aid in independent schools. These institutions offer substantial need-based aid, often funded through endowments. It is crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, using the School and Student Services (SSS) platform. Additionally, Massachusetts residents may be eligible for the state's 529 college savings plan, which can now be used for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Holliston area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Holliston families often provide specialized programs not typically found in public school districts. For example, Fay School emphasizes its "Innovation Lab" and global citizenship curriculum starting in lower grades. The Rivers School has a renowned Center for Community Engagement and a distinctive "Rivers Edge" outdoor education program. Montrose School offers a unique "LifeCompass" character and leadership program integrated into its all-girls liberal arts curriculum. Furthermore, these schools often have more extensive world language options, smaller average class sizes (often 12-15 students), and significant resources for personalized learning and college counseling that begin earlier in a student's career.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the MetroWest area, and when should Holliston parents start?
The admission process for schools like Fay, Rivers, and Montrose is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. Parents in Holliston should initiate research and campus visits in the spring or fall before the desired enrollment year (e.g., spring of 7th grade for 9th grade entry). Key deadlines usually cluster between January and February for applications, including standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. Notification dates are typically in March, with contracts due in April. For younger grades, especially Pre-K and Kindergarten, it is advisable to start even earlier, as spaces are limited. Engaging with admission offices for "feeder" events is a common strategy for local families.
For a family living in Holliston, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Holliston Public Schools and a private independent school?
This is a significant decision for Holliston families, as the public district is consistently well-regarded. Key considerations include: **Educational Approach:** Public schools follow state (MCAS) frameworks, while private schools have independent, often more flexible curricula with different pedagogical philosophies (e.g., Montrose's classical approach). **Class Size & Individual Attention:** Holliston Public Schools have good ratios, but private schools offer even smaller classes for highly personalized attention. **Specialized Resources:** Private schools may offer more in areas like world languages, arts, or specific learning support. **Logistics & Community:** Attending Holliston Public Schools fosters deep local community ties and involves no commute. Choosing a private school often means a 20-45 minute daily commute and building a community that is geographically dispersed but centered on the school's specific mission and values. The financial commitment versus tax-supported public education is, of course, the most fundamental factor.
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