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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Catholic Schools Near Norfolk, MA | A Parent's Guide
When families in Norfolk, Massachusetts begin the search for “private catholic schools near me,” they are often looking for more than just academic rigor. They are seeking a community that aligns with their values, a nurturing environment that fosters both faith and character, and a practical solution for their child’s educational journey. Fortunately, Norfolk and its surrounding towns in the MetroWest area offer several distinguished options that provide a strong, values-based education within a manageable commute. Understanding the local landscape is key to making the right choice for your family.
Norfolk itself is a community that values a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere, and this is often reflected in the mission of local Catholic schools. While Norfolk does not host a Catholic elementary or high school within its immediate town borders, it is uniquely positioned near some of the region’s most respected institutions. This means your search for “private catholic schools near me” will naturally extend to neighboring communities like Dedham, Walpole, and Boston, but with the benefit of Norfolk’s central location making these schools highly accessible. For many Norfolk families, the daily drive becomes a worthwhile investment in a holistic education.
For families with sons, Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood is a cornerstone of Catholic secondary education. Just a short drive from Norfolk, Xaverian offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum deeply integrated with spiritual formation and service. Its strong athletic programs and wide array of extracurriculars make it a popular choice for Norfolk boys seeking a well-rounded experience. For daughters, Ursuline Academy in Dedham presents an exceptional all-girls environment focused on empowering young women through academic excellence and leadership rooted in faith. Its commitment to developing confident, compassionate graduates resonates with many families in the area. Another excellent option for young women is The Woodward School for Girls in nearby Quincy, which, while independent, offers a small, supportive environment that many families seeking a private education appreciate.
When researching “private catholic schools near me,” Norfolk parents should consider the daily logistics. Route 1 and I-95 provide direct arteries to these schools, but it’s wise to connect with other local families for carpool opportunities. Visiting each campus is crucial; you’ll want to feel the community spirit and see if it matches your child’s personality. Attend open houses, speak with current parents from Norfolk, and ask specific questions about how the school integrates faith into daily life, supports students academically, and fosters a sense of belonging. The investment in a Catholic education in this area is significant, so exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities early in the process is highly recommended. Ultimately, the search for the right school is about finding a place where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired. The excellent private Catholic schools near Norfolk, MA, offer just that—a foundation for lifelong learning and moral leadership right in your own backyard.
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