The Best Private Schools in Lawrence, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Academy
Independent
Phillips Academy in Andover is a prestigious independent boarding and day school that attracts students from Lawrence and beyond, offering a world-class education with a rigorous curriculum, including extensive AP courses, arts programs, and competitive athletics. Known for its exceptional faculty, diverse community, and historic campus with cutting-edge facilities like libraries, labs, and arts centers, it fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth. With a commitment to need-blind admission and global engagement, it consistently ranks among the top private schools nationally, providing unparalleled opportunities for academic and extracurricular achievement.
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Central Catholic High School
Private Catholic
Central Catholic High School is a co-educational Catholic school renowned for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM offerings, and extensive arts and athletics. Located in the heart of Lawrence, it serves a diverse student body with a focus on holistic education, community service, and leadership development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, such as science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic fields, and is praised for its supportive teachers and high parent satisfaction. Its long-standing history and commitment to excellence make it a top choice for families in the area.
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Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
Cristo Rey Network
Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School is a private Catholic high school that integrates a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with a unique corporate work study program, where students gain real-world experience through professional internships. Serving students from Lawrence and surrounding communities, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and career readiness. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a focus on underserved populations, it has built a strong reputation for high graduation rates and college acceptance. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and technology resources, supported by a committed community network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrence, Massachusetts
What are the primary types of private schools available for families in Lawrence, Massachusetts?
Lawrence, MA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily centered on college-preparatory and faith-based education. The city is home to notable institutions like Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School, which combines a rigorous academic curriculum with a unique corporate work-study program to make private education accessible. Central Catholic High School is a prominent co-ed, college-preparatory school rooted in the Marist tradition. Just over the border in Andover, Phillips Academy is a world-renowned independent boarding and day school offering an exceptionally robust academic and extracurricular program. This mix provides Lawrence families with choices between local Catholic education, innovative work-study models, and elite preparatory schooling.
How does the tuition for private schools in Lawrence compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Lawrence area varies significantly. Schools like Central Catholic and Notre Dame Cristo Rey have tuition ranges that are generally below the Massachusetts private school average, often between $15,000 - $20,000 annually, thanks in part to diocesan support and innovative funding models. Phillips Academy, as a top-tier boarding school, has a much higher tuition, but it also has a need-blind admission policy and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Massachusetts offers the **School Choice** program, but it typically applies to public districts, not private schools. However, many Lawrence-area private schools offer substantial need-based financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans. The Cristo Rey model specifically uses student work-study earnings to offset nearly half of tuition costs.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools in the Lawrence area offer?
Lawrence-area private schools provide distinctive programs that set them apart. **Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School** is defined by its Corporate Work Study Program, where students gain professional experience one day a week at Boston-area companies, directly funding their education and building resumes. **Central Catholic High School** offers a strong STEM program, extensive AP courses, and a well-regarded campus ministry and service program. **Phillips Academy** features an unparalleled breadth of over 300 courses, including extensive offerings in arts, languages, and interdisciplinary studies, alongside the renowned **Andover Model United Nations** and **Tang Institute** for educational innovation. This concentration of specialized programs within a small geographic area is a significant asset for Lawrence families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools in Lawrence, MA?
The enrollment process for Lawrence-area private schools is competitive and begins early. For schools like Central Catholic and Notre Dame Cristo Rey, the application cycle for the following academic year typically opens in the fall (September-October) of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include submitting an application (often via platforms like **FACTS**), standardized test scores (like the HSPT), transcripts, recommendations, and a family interview. Deadlines are usually in December or January, with decisions released by March. Phillips Academy has its own application (with deadlines in February) and requires the SSAT or ISEE. It's crucial for Lawrence families to attend open houses in the fall and to inquire about placement exams specific to each school, as timelines can be strict.
For a family living in Lawrence, what are the key considerations when choosing between a top-rated Lawrence public school and a local private school?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. Lawrence Public Schools are undergoing improvement efforts but face challenges with resources and standardized test scores. Private schools in the area generally offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and often a more structured environment with specific values (e.g., Catholic education). Key considerations include: **Cost** (public schools are free, while private requires tuition or aid), **Educational Model** (college-prep focus at privates vs. a more varied public curriculum), **Extracurricular Access** (private schools may have more consistent arts and sports programs), and **Community**. For families valuing a specific religious education or a work-study integrated model (Cristo Rey), private is the only option. The proximity of elite institutions like Phillips Academy also presents a unique opportunity, though with a highly competitive admissions process distinct from the local public system.
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