The Best Private Schools in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Newton Highlands. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Newton Country Day School
Sacred Heart Schools
Newton Country Day School is an independent, Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school serving grades 5-12. As part of the international Network of Sacred Heart Schools, it offers a rigorous academic program combined with character formation and spiritual development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and global awareness. The curriculum includes advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics.
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The Fessenden School
Independent
The Fessenden School is a premier independent day and boarding school for boys in junior kindergarten through ninth grade. Located just minutes from Newton Highlands, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience with particular strengths in STEM education, athletics, and character development. The campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, arts studios, and innovation labs. Fessenden's curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking skills while providing individualized attention through small class sizes. The school has a strong track record of preparing students for top secondary schools.
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The Chestnut Hill School
Independent
The Chestnut Hill School serves students from beginner through sixth grade with a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Located adjacent to Newton, the school serves many Newton Highlands families and offers a dynamic curriculum that integrates STEAM education, Spanish language immersion starting in beginner program, and project-based learning. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated art and science spaces, and extensive outdoor learning environments. With a focus on developing curious, confident learners, CHS emphasizes social-emotional learning alongside academic excellence and maintains small class sizes with experienced faculty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options serving families in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, and what age groups do they cover?
Newton Highlands is part of the broader Newton area, which is renowned for its excellent private schools. While Newton Highlands itself is a village within Newton, MA, several prestigious nearby institutions draw local families. Top options include Newton Country Day School (all-girls, grades 5-12) in Newton, The Fessenden School (all-boys, K-9, with a boarding option for 5-9) in West Newton, and The Chestnut Hill School (co-ed, Pre-K to 6) in nearby Chestnut Hill. These schools are all within a short commute and represent a mix of single-gender and co-educational models, covering early childhood through high school. Many Newton Highlands families also consider other Newton-based schools like Mount Alvernia High School or Boston-area independent schools accessible via the MBTA Green Line.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Newton Highlands, MA area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at top-tier private schools in the Newton/Newton Highlands area 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 2024-25 academic year, expect tuition ranges from approximately $35,000 for lower grades to over $60,000 for upper grades with boarding. Massachusetts private schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity, and most offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Schools like Newton Country Day, Fessenden, and Chestnut Hill School have significant endowment funds dedicated to aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Massachusetts residents should investigate the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition contributions, which offers tax-advantaged savings.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Newton Highlands that leverage the area's resources?
Private schools in the Newton/Boston area uniquely leverage proximity to world-class cultural, scientific, and academic institutions. For example, Newton Country Day School emphasizes STEM partnerships with nearby universities like Boston College and MIT. The Fessenden School offers a renowned engineering and design program, utilizing Greater Boston's tech ecosystem. The Chestnut Hill School integrates environmental science with access to the expansive Hammond Pond Reservation and other local green spaces. Commonly, schools incorporate "City as Classroom" initiatives, with regular trips to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, Symphony Hall, and historical sites. Many also have strong language immersion programs and competitive athletic leagues within the Independent School League (ISL) or similar associations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts?
The admission process for sought-after Newton-area private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. The timeline typically starts in the early fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application (often via the Standard Application Online), student and parent interviews, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT). Notification dates are universally in mid-March, with a common reply deadline of mid-April. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Kindergarten, Pre-K, 5th, and 9th grades, families in Newton Highlands are advised to start researching and visiting schools 18-24 months prior to desired enrollment.
For families in Newton Highlands considering both options, what are the key distinctions between the highly-rated Newton Public Schools and local private schools?
This is a common consideration, as Newton Public Schools (NPS) are consistently ranked among the best in Massachusetts. The key distinctions lie in educational approach, resources, and community size. NPS offers a large, diverse, and comprehensive program with a set curriculum, while private schools offer more specialized philosophies (e.g., single-gender education, specific pedagogical approaches) and often smaller class sizes with more individualized attention. Private schools may have more flexibility in curriculum design and fewer standardized testing mandates. Financially, NPS is free, while private school requires significant tuition, though private schools may offer more consistent access to specialized facilities, arts, and athletics without budget fluctuations. Many Newton Highlands families choose NPS for its excellence, while others opt for private schools for a specific mission, religious affiliation (though the listed top schools are independent), or a different learning environment.
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