The Best Private Schools in Manchester, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manchester. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brookwood School
Independent
Brookwood School is a highly regarded independent day school located directly in Manchester-by-the-Sea, serving students from early childhood through eighth grade. Known for its strong academic foundation, the school emphasizes project-based learning, character development, and a balanced curriculum that includes robust arts and STEM programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic fields. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community atmosphere, with many graduates advancing to top secondary schools in New England.
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Waring School
Independent
Waring School, located in nearby Beverly, is a co-educational day school serving grades 6-12, with a focus on rigorous college preparatory education and a unique bilingual French immersion program. The school boasts a student-centered approach, emphasizing critical thinking, collaborative learning, and experiential education. Facilities include science labs, art studios, a library, and outdoor spaces for environmental studies. Highly rated for its academic excellence and close-knit community, Waring School attracts families from Manchester and the broader North Shore region, with strong parent reviews highlighting teacher dedication and student success.
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Glen Urquhart School
Independent
Glen Urquhart School is an independent day school in Beverly, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, with a reputation for its innovative, theme-based integrated curriculum that connects academics to real-world experiences. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor education, and social responsibility, supported by facilities such as science labs, art rooms, and expansive campus grounds. Parent satisfaction is consistently high, with reviews praising the school's nurturing environment, strong faculty-student relationships, and successful preparation for secondary education. It serves families in Manchester and surrounding communities, offering a well-rounded education with a focus on holistic development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manchester, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available directly in Manchester, Massachusetts, and what age groups do they serve?
Manchester-by-the-Sea is home to several highly regarded private schools, each with a distinct focus. The top options include **Brookwood School** (Pre-K through Grade 8), **Waring School** (Grades 6-12), and **Glen Urquhart School** (Pre-K through Grade 8), though Glen Urquhart is technically located in the neighboring town of Beverly. These schools are known for their small class sizes, strong sense of community, and emphasis on progressive and experiential education. Due to Manchester's small size, many families also consider excellent private schools in surrounding North Shore communities like Hamilton, Wenham, and Manchester, UK.
How does the tuition for private schools in Manchester, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Manchester-area private schools is generally at or above the Massachusetts state average for independent schools, reflecting the region's high cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 to $48,000 for day schools. All major schools, including Brookwood, Waring, and Glen Urquhart, have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. 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. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission applications.
What are some unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools in the Manchester, MA area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools on the North Shore, including those serving Manchester, uniquely integrate the local coastal and natural environment into their curricula. For example, **Brookwood School** emphasizes an "outdoor classroom" approach on its 30-acre campus, while **Waring School** is known for its intensive French language immersion and interdisciplinary "Waring Tutorial" system. Many schools utilize the nearby ocean for marine biology studies, sailing teams, and environmental stewardship projects. The proximity to Boston also allows for robust arts partnerships, history field trips along the coast, and advanced science collaborations, offering an education deeply connected to the region's cultural and natural resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Manchester, Massachusetts, and how competitive is admission?
The admission process for Manchester-area private schools is highly structured and competitive, beginning well over a year in advance. The standard timeline involves starting research in the spring/summer before desired enrollment, attending open houses in the fall, submitting applications (often via the **SAO - Standard Application Online**) by January deadlines, and completing student visits and assessments in the winter. Notification dates are typically in early to mid-March. Competition is significant, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, due to the schools' excellent reputations and limited seats. Sibling and legacy connections are considered but do not guarantee admission.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Manchester compare academically and in community feel to the Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD) public schools?
This is a key local consideration. The **Manchester Essex Regional School District (MERSD)** is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Massachusetts, offering exceptional academics, arts, and athletics. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and scale. MERSD provides a larger, comprehensive public school experience from elementary through high school. In contrast, private schools like Brookwood, Waring, and Glen Urquhart offer smaller, more intimate learning environments (often with class sizes under 15), progressive pedagogies (like project-based learning), and, in the case of Waring, a 6-12 model distinct from the local public system. Many families in Manchester value having both a top-tier public option and prestigious private alternatives, allowing them to choose the best fit for their child's learning style.
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