The Best Private Schools in Hubbardston, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hubbardston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Worcester Academy
Independent
Worcester Academy is a highly-regarded independent day and boarding school serving students from Hubbardston and throughout Central Massachusetts. With a history dating back to 1834, the academy offers rigorous college preparatory education for grades 6-12. The school features a 13-acre urban campus with state-of-the-art academic buildings, science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Worcester Academy's curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement offerings, a distinguished arts conservatory program, and competitive athletic teams. The school emphasizes global citizenship, leadership development, and personalized learning with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Families from Hubbardston appreciate the school's strong college placement record, diverse student body, and comprehensive transportation services for day students.
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Cushing Academy
Independent
Cushing Academy is a prestigious co-educational independent boarding and day school located just 15 minutes from Hubbardston. Founded in 1865, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic, artistic, and athletic facilities. The 162-acre campus features state-of-the-art science centers, art studios, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Cushing is known for its personalized approach to education, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty holding advanced degrees. The school offers robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive visual and performing arts opportunities. With students from over 30 countries, Cushing provides a diverse, global educational experience while maintaining strong local community connections.
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St. Bernard's Catholic Elementary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester
St. Bernard's Catholic Elementary School serves families throughout North Central Massachusetts, including Hubbardston residents seeking faith-based education. The school provides a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 8. With small class sizes and dedicated certified teachers, St. Bernard's offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies alongside daily religious education. The school features modern classrooms, technology integration, art and music programs, and extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the supportive community environment, academic rigor, and character development focus. The school maintains active partnerships with local parishes and offers transportation options for surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hubbardston, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Hubbardston, Massachusetts?
While Hubbardston itself is a smaller town, families have access to several prestigious private schools in the surrounding region. The most notable are Cushing Academy, a co-ed boarding and day school in Ashburnham (about 15 minutes away), and Worcester Academy, a day and boarding school in Worcester (approximately a 30-minute drive). St. Bernard's Catholic Elementary School in Fitchburg also serves younger students. Additionally, many Hubbardston families consider private schools in the greater Worcester and MetroWest areas. It's important to note that transportation to these schools is typically the family's responsibility, which is a key logistical consideration for Hubbardston residents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Hubbardston, MA, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Cushing Academy and Worcester Academy is typically in the range of $50,000-$65,000. St. Bernard's Catholic Elementary School is more modest, often ranging from $5,000-$10,000. Massachusetts offers specific financial resources: many schools participate in the state's **School Choice** program for nearby towns (though not typically for these specific private schools), and the **METCO** program is for Boston residents. More broadly, all Massachusetts private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and families can apply for state-sponsored scholarships through organizations like the **Children's Scholarship Fund Boston** or **Catholic Schools Foundation**, depending on eligibility and school affiliation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Hubbardston, MA?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs leveraging their resources and locations. **Cushing Academy**, with its extensive campus, is renowned for its visual and performing arts programs (notably its ceramics studios and theater) and its strong hockey and other athletic teams. **Worcester Academy**, integrated into an urban setting, emphasizes global studies, advanced STEM initiatives, and community engagement projects in Worcester. For younger students, **St. Bernard's** provides a structured, faith-based curriculum with character education. A common advantage for Hubbardston students is the access to robust college preparatory curricula, smaller class sizes than many regional public schools, and, for boarding schools, diverse international student communities that enrich the campus culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cushing Academy and Worcester Academy for a Hubbardston applicant?
The process for these competitive private schools begins well over a year in advance. Key steps include: **Spring/Summer before application year (Grade 6/7 for high school):** Attend open houses and virtual tours. **September-January:** Complete the Standard Application Online (SAO) or the school's own application, which includes essays, recommendations, and transcripts. **December-February:** Schedule required interviews (often on-campus) and standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE). Financial aid applications (like SSS) are due concurrently. **March 10th:** Common notification date for most schools. **April 10th:** Common reply date for families to submit contracts and deposits. For Hubbardston families, planning for the commute and scheduling visits around potential winter weather is an important local factor.
How do the private school options near Hubbardston compare academically and socially to the Hubbardston public school system (Quabbin Regional)?
This is a fundamental choice for local families. The **Quabbin Regional School District** (serving Hubbardston) provides a solid, tuition-free K-12 education with a community-oriented feel. In contrast, private schools like Cushing and Worcester Academy offer a more resource-intensive environment with lower student-to-teacher ratios, specialized academic tracks (e.g., advanced arts, independent research), and often more extensive facilities (labs, arts centers, athletics). Socially, Quabbin schools consist primarily of local students from the region, while the private day/boarding schools draw from a wider geographic, socioeconomic, and international pool. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for specific programs, educational philosophy, and willingness to manage tuition and daily transportation to Ashburnham, Worcester, or beyond.
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