The Best Private Schools in Lexington, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lexington Montessori School
Independent
Lexington Montessori School is a highly respected independent school offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 15 months through 12 years. The school features beautifully prepared classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and social development. With small class sizes and highly trained Montessori teachers, the school provides individualized education that nurtures each child's natural curiosity and love of learning. The campus includes specialized spaces for art, music, and physical education, along with extensive nature-based outdoor learning areas.
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The Fenn School
Independent
The Fenn School is a prestigious independent day school for boys in grades 4-9, serving Lexington and surrounding communities. Located just minutes from Lexington in Concord, Fenn offers a rigorous academic program combined with extensive arts, athletics, and character education. The school features a 25-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, art studios, and athletic fields. Fenn's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and leadership development, preparing students for top secondary schools. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a comprehensive advisory program.
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Belmont Day School
Independent
Belmont Day School is a co-educational independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, with many families commuting from Lexington. The school offers a challenging academic program that balances traditional subjects with innovative approaches to learning. Features include dedicated science labs, makerspaces, art studios, and a 11-acre campus with athletic facilities. Belmont Day emphasizes project-based learning, social-emotional development, and community engagement. The school's curriculum integrates technology and hands-on learning experiences while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention from experienced faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lexington, Massachusetts, and how do they differ in educational approach?
Lexington, MA, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, though it's important to note that some top schools are located in adjacent towns and serve the Lexington community. Directly in Lexington, the Lexington Montessori School offers a child-centered, hands-on Montessori education from toddler through elementary. Just over the border in Concord, The Fenn School is an all-boys day school for grades 4-9, emphasizing character, leadership, and a rigorous academic foundation. Nearby in Belmont, Belmont Day School provides a co-educational, progressive Pre-K to 8 program with a strong focus on project-based learning and social-emotional development. The key differences lie in their educational philosophies (Montessori vs. traditional independent vs. progressive), gender focus, and grade spans, allowing Lexington parents to choose based on their child's specific needs.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Lexington, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private day schools in the Lexington area is significant, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses in Massachusetts. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000 to $55,000+ for day schools, varying by grade level and institution. Most prestigious independent schools like Fenn and Belmont Day have robust need-based financial aid programs, often awarding millions of dollars annually to make attendance possible for a diverse student body. Massachusetts also has the **School Choice** program, but this typically applies to public schools between districts; it does not provide public funds for private school tuition. Lexington families are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid during the admission process if needed, as many schools have generous endowments dedicated to this purpose.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lexington, Massachusetts, area?
The admission process for top-tier Boston-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For a fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall a full year prior. Families should attend open houses (often virtual and in-person) between September and November. Application deadlines are usually in January for the following school year. The process involves submitting an application, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT for middle schools). For younger grades, a child visit or playgroup assessment is standard. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 4th grade, Lexington parents are advised to plan at least 12-18 months in advance.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings of Lexington's top private schools complement or differ from the already excellent Lexington Public Schools system?
Lexington Public Schools (LPS) are consistently ranked among the best in Massachusetts and the nation, offering a rigorous, comprehensive education. Private schools in the area often differentiate themselves through smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 20+ in LPS), specialized pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or single-gender education), and distinct programmatic focuses. For example, a school like Fenn emphasizes outdoor education and character development explicitly for boys, while Belmont Day has a dedicated innovation lab and a strong Spanish program starting in Pre-K. Private schools may also offer more flexibility in curriculum pacing and deeper individual student-teacher relationships. The choice for many Lexington families often comes down to seeking a specific educational philosophy or a more intimate community setting rather than a simple measure of academic quality.
What are some unique local considerations for Lexington, MA, parents when choosing between a local private school and a private school in downtown Boston?
Lexington parents have the unique option of considering both suburban private schools (like Fenn or Belmont Day) and prestigious Boston-based day schools (e.g., Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Belmont Hill, Winsor). Key local considerations include commute logistics and community. A commute into Boston can take 45-90 minutes each way via car or school bus service, significantly impacting family time and extracurricular participation. Suburban schools often foster a tighter-knit, local community where classmates live nearby for easy playdates. Conversely, Boston schools offer extensive urban resources, unparalleled facilities, and a more geographically diverse student body. Many Lexington families value the balance offered by a top suburban private school—high academic rigor without the lengthy daily commute—while others prioritize the specific programs and scale of a larger Boston institution.
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