The Best Private Schools in Norfolk, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Norfolk. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School is a premier Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men located just 15 minutes from Norfolk. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character formation and leadership development through its Xaverian values. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong alumni network, it serves students from Norfolk and surrounding communities.
Programs:
Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Sisters
Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college-preparatory school for young women located approximately 10 miles from Norfolk. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on STEM education, including competitive robotics teams and advanced science research opportunities. The campus features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Ursuline maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers 18 AP courses. The school has a strong track record of college placements to top-tier institutions.
Programs:
The Woodward School
Independent
The Woodward School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls in grades 6-12, serving students from Norfolk and surrounding communities. As one of the oldest independent schools in the region, Woodward offers a rigorous academic program with particular strength in mathematics and sciences. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community. Programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school's historic campus combines traditional architecture with modern educational facilities and serves as a regional educational resource.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Norfolk, Massachusetts
What are the primary private secondary school options available for families residing in Norfolk, Massachusetts?
Norfolk itself is a smaller suburban town, so most of the prominent private secondary schools are located in nearby communities but serve the Norfolk area. The top options frequently considered by Norfolk families include Xaverian Brothers High School (an all-boys Catholic school in Westwood), Ursuline Academy (an all-girls Catholic school in Dedham), and The Woodward School (an all-girls independent school in Quincy). Additionally, Norfolk residents have access to a wider range of Boston-area day and boarding schools. The Norfolk Public School system is highly rated, so many families also consider the local Norfolk public schools for grades K-8 before exploring private options for high school.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Norfolk, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Norfolk area, such as Xaverian Brothers and Ursuline Academy, typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year, which is slightly above the Massachusetts state average for private secondary schools. Massachusetts has strong financial aid structures through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) used by most institutions. These schools, along with The Woodward School, offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Norfolk families should investigate the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition payments and any potential corporate scholarship programs offered by major employers in the Route 128/I-95 corridor.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Norfolk, MA, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Norfolk often provide specialized programs that may not be available in the public system due to scale or funding. For example, Xaverian Brothers emphasizes a STEM-focused curriculum with extensive robotics and engineering courses, while Ursuline Academy offers a renowned Center for Arts and Humanities with dedicated studio and performance spaces. The Woodward School provides a highly personalized college-preparatory environment with a low student-to-teacher ratio. These schools also frequently have more extensive global studies and language immersion programs, as well as competitive athletic leagues (like the Catholic Conference) that offer a different level of competition compared to Norfolk's Tri-Valley League public high school partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools near Norfolk, Massachusetts?
The admissions process for schools like Xaverian Brothers, Ursuline Academy, and The Woodward School is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. Prospective families should attend open houses in the fall (September-October) of their child's 7th-grade year for 9th-grade entry. Application deadlines are usually in early January (8th-grade year), requiring standardized test scores (often the HSPT or SSAT), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. Acceptance notifications are typically sent in March. Given Norfolk's proximity to Boston and the competitive nature of these schools, it is crucial to start the process early and ensure all materials are submitted promptly. Some schools also have limited spaces for non-9th-grade entry.
For a family moving to Norfolk, MA, what are the key factors in deciding between the highly-rated Norfolk public schools and area private schools?
The decision often hinges on several Norfolk-specific factors. First, consider educational philosophy: Norfolk Public Schools offer a consistent, comprehensive K-8 experience within the community, while private options may offer single-gender education or a specific religious foundation (Catholic/independent). Second, consider the high school path: Norfolk does not have its own public high school; students attend King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham through a regional agreement. Some families choose private high schools to avoid this regional transition or seek a different academic environment. Finally, evaluate logistics and cost: Private schools involve significant tuition and commuting to Westwood, Dedham, or Quincy, while public schools offer a tuition-free, neighborhood-based education with its own strong academic reputation. Visiting both types of schools is essential.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities