The Best Private Schools in North Andover, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Andover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Austin Preparatory School
Independent Catholic School
Austin Preparatory School is a co-educational independent Catholic school serving grades 6-12, located just 15 minutes from North Andover. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Students benefit from comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, extensive arts offerings, and a strong community service program. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. John's Preparatory School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School
St. John's Preparatory School is an all-boys Catholic school serving grades 6-12, located approximately 20 minutes from North Andover. The school offers an exceptional academic program with 26 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors options. Notable programs include the Engineering Academy, Global Education initiatives with study abroad opportunities, and comprehensive arts programs. The 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and leadership training alongside academic excellence.
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The Pike School
Independent School
The Pike School is an independent day school serving Pre-K through grade 8, located just minutes from North Andover in neighboring Andover. The school offers a progressive, child-centered education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, character development, and community engagement. Features include Spanish language instruction beginning in Pre-K, comprehensive STEAM programs, extensive arts education, and innovative outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and focuses on developing critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity in preparation for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Andover, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options serving families in North Andover, Massachusetts, and are they located within the town?
While North Andover itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borders, it is exceptionally well-served by several highly-regarded independent and parochial schools in the surrounding Merrimack Valley. Notable options include Austin Preparatory School in Reading (a co-ed, Augustinian Catholic school for grades 6-12), St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers (an all-boys, Xaverian Brothers Catholic school for grades 6-12), and The Pike School in Andover (a co-ed independent day school for Pre-K through Grade 9). Many North Andover families also consider schools in Andover, Lawrence, and Greater Boston. The town's location provides convenient access to a rich concentration of private educational institutions.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Andover, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the North Andover area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $30,000 to $50,000+ for day schools. The Pike School's tuition is on the higher end for independent elementary/middle schools, while Catholic schools like Austin Prep and St. John's Prep often have lower, though still substantial, tuition, typically in the $20,000-$30,000 range. Massachusetts private schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid. All mentioned schools have substantial financial aid budgets, and families are encouraged to apply for aid during the admission process. Massachusetts also has the 529 PLAN "Private School" option, allowing tax-advantaged savings to be used for K-12 tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from North Andover, MA?
Schools in this region offer distinctive programs leveraging the area's academic and technological resources. St. John's Prep has a renowned Engineering & Robotics program and a comprehensive global studies initiative. Austin Prep emphasizes its integrated humanities curriculum and strong fine arts programming. The Pike School is noted for its social-emotional learning curriculum (RULER from Yale) and its innovative science and design labs. Proximity to major hubs like Boston, Andover's tech corridor, and universities like Merrimack College allows for unique partnerships, internship opportunities, and advanced research projects for high school students that are a significant draw for North Andover families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the North Andover, Massachusetts, area?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families should start researching 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically held in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (often January 15th or 31st), and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are usually released in March for the following September. Given the competitive nature of schools like Pike, St. John's, and Austin Prep, early planning is crucial. Some schools also have limited rolling admission for other grades based on availability.
For a family living in North Andover, what are the key considerations when comparing the high-performing public schools to nearby private options?
North Andover Public Schools (NAPS) are consistently ranked among the top districts in Massachusetts, which complicates the decision. Key considerations include: **Class Size** (private schools often have smaller ratios than NAPS's still-respectable ~15:1), **Educational Approach** (private schools may offer specific religious foundations, progressive pedagogies, or single-gender environments not available publicly), **Continuity** (some private options like Pike end at 8th or 9th grade, requiring a subsequent school change), and **Logistics** (private school involves tuition, transportation is often parent-provided, and the commute to schools in Reading or Danvers). Many families choose NAPS for its excellent, no-tuition education, while others seek the specialized mission, community, or programs of a private institution, viewing it as worth the investment.
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