The Best Private Schools in Lynn, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lynn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Preparatory School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. John's Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School serving the North Shore region including Lynn. Founded in 1907, this Catholic college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, consistently sending graduates to top-tier universities. The school serves students from over 60 communities across Eastern Massachusetts.
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The Pike School
Independent School
The Pike School is an independent day school serving the North Shore region, including families from Lynn. Founded in 1926, Pike offers a progressive education for Pre-K through Grade 8 with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The school features a 34-acre campus with modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Pike's curriculum includes comprehensive STEAM programs, world languages beginning in Pre-K, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The school is known for its strong parent community and prepares students for success at leading secondary schools throughout New England.
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Shore Country Day School
Independent School
Shore Country Day School is an independent coeducational day school serving the North Shore area, including Lynn families. Established in 1929, Shore provides education from Pre-K through Grade 9 with a focus on academic rigor, character development, and community values. The school's 15-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic facilities. Shore offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced mathematics, science research opportunities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking skills, preparing students for success at top secondary schools throughout Massachusetts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lynn, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lynn, Massachusetts, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Lynn itself has a limited number of private schools, families in the city have access to several highly-regarded independent and parochial schools in the immediate North Shore region. Notable options include St. John's Preparatory School (Danvers, 6-12, all-boys), The Pike School (Andover, Pre-K to 9, co-ed), and Shore Country Day School (Beverly, Pre-K to 9, co-ed). Within Lynn, you may find smaller parochial elementary schools. Many Lynn families consider schools in neighboring towns like Marblehead, Swampscott, and Salem, which are a short commute away. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some offer bus service from Lynn or nearby locations.
How does the tuition for top private schools on the North Shore near Lynn, MA, compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Greater Lynn area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $20,000 to over $50,000, with day schools like Pike and Shore at the higher end. St. John's Prep, as a Catholic school, often has a slightly lower tuition point but is still a significant investment. Critically, all these schools are committed to need-based financial aid. Massachusetts has the **School Choice program**, but this typically applies to public school districts, not private schools. However, the state also offers the **26A Metco program** for Boston residents to attend suburban public schools, which is a separate consideration. Parents should apply for financial aid directly through the school using the **Clarity Application** or **SSS (School and Student Services)** and inquire about merit scholarships, sibling discounts, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Lynn, MA, that might not be available in the Lynn Public Schools?
Private schools in the North Shore region often provide specialized programs that differentiate them. For example, **St. John's Preparatory School** has a renowned **Xaverian Brothers** spiritual foundation and extensive STEM facilities, including robotics and engineering labs. **The Pike School** emphasizes a progressive, child-centered curriculum with deep community engagement and world language instruction starting in Pre-K. **Shore Country Day School** is known for its **Innovation Lab** and a strong focus on social-emotional learning through its "Shore 7" character tenets. These schools typically offer smaller class sizes, more intensive arts programs (like theater and studio art), and a wider array of interscholastic sports starting at younger grades compared to Lynn's public offerings, which are constrained by larger district budgets and size.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for applying to competitive private schools in the Lynn, MA, area?
The admissions process for schools like St. John's Prep, Pike, and Shore is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline generally starts in **early fall** (September-October) a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often in October-November), 2) Submitting an application by **January** deadlines, 3) Scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter, and 4) Receiving decisions in **mid-March**. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. For Lynn residents, it's crucial to plan for potential entrance exam preparation and to schedule visits, as these schools draw from a wide geographic area and spaces are competitive, especially in entry-level grades (Pre-K, K, 6, and 9).
For a family living in Lynn, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Lynn Public Schools and a private school on the North Shore?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to Lynn's context. **Lynn Public Schools** are large, diverse, and offer certain specialized programs (like advanced placement and career academies), but face challenges with overcrowding and resource constraints. Opting for a private school often involves seeking smaller class sizes, a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, progressive), and perceived college preparatory rigor. Key practical considerations for Lynn families include: **Commute** (daily travel to Danvers, Andover, or Beverly), **Cost** (tuition vs. free public education), **Community** (integrating into a school community outside your immediate neighborhood), and **Diversity** (comparing the socioeconomic and ethnic diversity of the options). Many families value the close-knit environment of a private school but must weigh it against the convenience and community connection of their local public school.
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