The Best Private Schools in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Mattapoisett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Our Sisters' School
Independent
Our Sisters' School is an exceptional independent middle school serving girls in grades 5-8 from New Bedford and surrounding communities including Mattapoisett. Despite being newer than traditional private schools, it has rapidly gained recognition for its outstanding educational outcomes and supportive environment. The school provides tuition-free education to economically disadvantaged girls while maintaining high academic standards. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education, literacy, and leadership development within a small, nurturing environment. With a 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio and extensive enrichment programs, the school achieves remarkable success in preparing students for competitive high schools. The school operates in a renovated historic building with modern educational facilities.
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Friends Academy
Independent
Friends Academy is a highly respected independent Quaker school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, with many families from Mattapoisett choosing this option. The school combines academic rigor with character education rooted in Quaker values. Their comprehensive curriculum includes strong STEAM programs, foreign language instruction starting in preschool, and extensive arts and athletics. The 88-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and dedicated arts spaces. Friends Academy is particularly noted for its warm, inclusive community and outstanding faculty-student relationships, with graduates consistently accepted to top secondary schools throughout New England.
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Tabor Academy
Independent
Tabor Academy is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school located just minutes from Mattapoisett in neighboring Marion. Known as "The School by the Sea," Tabor offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional marine science programs utilizing their waterfront location. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Tabor emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and offers extensive extracurricular activities, competitive athletics, and global study opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Mattapoisett, MA, and what are their core educational models?
Mattapoisett itself is home to the prestigious Tabor Academy, a co-educational, college-preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12, renowned for its "School by the Sea" maritime and marine science programs. For younger students, families often look to nearby Dartmouth for Friends Academy (Pre-K through Grade 8), a Quaker-affiliated independent school emphasizing community and ethical leadership. In New Bedford, just a short drive away, Our Sisters' School provides a unique, tuition-free independent middle school education for girls from low-income families in the region. These three institutions represent the core of top-tier private education accessible to Mattapoisett residents, spanning different grade levels, philosophies, and financial models.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Mattapoisett, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Mattapoisett area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Tabor Academy's day student tuition is approximately $50,000, while boarding tuition is higher. Friends Academy's tuition ranges from about $20,000 for lower grades to $30,000+ for middle school. Notably, Our Sisters' School is tuition-free for its admitted students. All major independent schools in Massachusetts, including Tabor and Friends, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial for Mattapoisett parents to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as these schools use platforms like Clarity or SSS to assess need. Additionally, Massachusetts does not have a statewide voucher program, but some tax-advantaged savings options like the 529 plan can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Mattapoisett, MA, area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools here capitalize on the South Coast's natural and cultural resources. Tabor Academy's most distinctive offering is its extensive Marine & Nautical Science program, which includes sailing, oceanography research, and direct access to Buzzards Bay for hands-on learning. Its waterfront campus is integral to student life. Friends Academy emphasizes environmental stewardship with its campus gardens and outdoor education. Given the region's maritime history, schools often incorporate local field trips to the New Bedford Whaling Museum or the Buttonwood Park Zoo. These programs provide an educational experience deeply connected to the coastal community of Mattapoisett and the wider South Coast region, which is a significant differentiator from inland schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Mattapoisett, MA, families, especially for competitive schools like Tabor Academy?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. For schools like Tabor Academy (9-12) and Friends Academy (Pre-K-8), the process for fall entry generally begins 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), and scheduling student interviews and visits during the winter. Admissions decisions for Tabor and Friends are typically released in March. Given Tabor's status as a selective boarding school, the process is highly competitive and includes considerations for both day and boarding spots. Mattapoisett parents are advised to connect with admissions offices early, as some schools have limited spaces for day students in specific grades.
For a family living in Mattapoisett, MA, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school like Tabor or Friends Academy?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Mattapoisett is part of the Old Rochester Regional School District (ORR), which is highly regarded. Choosing private school often involves evaluating specialized programs: Tabor offers a boarding school environment with global diversity and unique marine science, while Friends provides a continuous Pre-K-8 pathway with a distinct values-based education. Practical considerations include commute—driving to Dartmouth (Friends) or New Bedford (Our Sisters' School) versus the walkable possibility to Tabor for residents. Financially, it's a comparison of property taxes funding excellent public schools versus significant private tuition. Many Mattapoisett families value the small class sizes, specific pedagogical approaches, and specialized facilities (like Tabor's waterfront) that the private options offer, even alongside a strong public alternative.
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