The Best Private Schools in Lakeville, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lakeville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Moses Brown School
Independent Quaker School
Moses Brown School is a prestigious independent Quaker school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located just 20 minutes from Lakeville in Providence, Rhode Island, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic programs. The 33-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement. The Quaker educational philosophy fosters both academic excellence and character development.
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The Wheeler School
Independent School
The Wheeler School is a highly respected independent school located in Providence, Rhode Island, approximately 25 minutes from Lakeville. Serving students from nursery through grade 12, Wheeler combines academic rigor with creative expression across its comprehensive programs. The school features exceptional facilities including the Lower School's "Aerie" building with flexible learning spaces, advanced science laboratories, and extensive arts facilities. Wheeler's innovative curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, critical thinking, and global citizenship. The school maintains strong college placement records and offers robust athletic and extracurricular programs.
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Lincoln School
Independent Girls' School
Lincoln School is Rhode Island's only independent school for girls, serving students from age 3 through grade 12. Located approximately 25 minutes from Lakeville in Providence, the school provides an empowering educational environment specifically designed for girls' learning styles and leadership development. Lincoln offers a challenging academic program with particular strengths in STEM education, complemented by extensive arts and athletic opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic centers. Lincoln's supportive community and college preparatory focus produce graduates who excel in higher education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lakeville, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lakeville, Massachusetts?
While Lakeville itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded independent schools in the broader region, though a commute is typically required. The schools you mentioned—Moses Brown School (Providence, RI), The Wheeler School (Providence, RI), and Lincoln School (Providence, RI)—are premier options but are located in Rhode Island, approximately a 30-45 minute drive from Lakeville. Closer to home within Massachusetts, families often consider Bristol County Agricultural High School (Dighton, MA) for vocational-agricultural paths, and various Catholic schools in nearby New Bedford, Fall River, and Middleborough. For day-to-day convenience, exploring schools in the Bridgewater, Middleborough, or Taunton areas may also be beneficial.
How does the tuition for private schools near Lakeville, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top-tier independent schools near Lakeville, like those in Providence, can range from approximately $35,000 to $50,000+ per year for upper grades, which is above the Massachusetts private school average. More local parochial and independent schools typically range from $8,000 to $20,000. Massachusetts offers the **School Choice** program, but it applies only to public schools in other districts, not private institutions. However, most private schools offer robust need-based financial aid. Crucially, Massachusetts has a **tax-advantaged 529 plan** that, since 2018, can be used for up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary for K-12 tuition, providing a significant benefit for Lakeville families saving for private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Lakeville students, leveraging the local environment?
Private schools in the region often design programs that connect to Southeastern Massachusetts' unique character. For instance, **Bristol County Agricultural High School** offers deep, hands-on programs in environmental science, aquaculture, and plant science that align with Lakeville's many lakes and conservation areas. Schools in the Providence area frequently have strong marine biology and environmental studies ties to the coast. Furthermore, given Lakeville's proximity to historical hubs like Plymouth and New Bedford, many schools incorporate local history—from the Pilgrims to the whaling industry—into their humanities curricula. Extracurriculars often emphasize outdoor education and crew/rowing, utilizing local waterways.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving the Lakeville, MA area?
For the most competitive day schools (like those in Providence), the process begins **12-18 months** before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (often virtual or in-person), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), and having student interviews and visits in winter. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For local Catholic and independent schools, timelines can be more flexible, but it's advisable to begin inquiries by the prior fall. Lakeville families should note that transportation is rarely provided, so securing a placement early allows for planning the commute.
For a Lakeville resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system with private school options?
Lakeville is part of the **Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District**, which receives positive ratings. Key considerations include: **Curriculum and Class Size:** Private schools often offer more specialized tracks, language immersion, or unique arts programs, with smaller average class sizes. **Transportation and Community:** Lakeville Public Schools provide neighborhood busing, while private schools require personal transportation, impacting daily logistics and after-school involvement. **Cost:** Public schools are tax-funded, whereas private tuition is a direct, significant expense. **Educational Approach:** The regional high school (Apponequet Regional) offers a solid comprehensive program, while private options may provide different pedagogical approaches (e.g., Montessori, progressive, or single-sex). The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational philosophy not available in the district or is willing to commute for it.
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