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.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Christian Schools Near North Andover, MA
For parents in North Andover seeking an education that aligns with their family’s spiritual values, the search for “private christian schools near me” is about more than just geography. It’s a journey to find a community where faith, academic rigor, and character development are interwoven, all within a reasonable distance from our beautiful Merrimack Valley town. Fortunately, the North Shore and Greater Boston area offer several exceptional options that are well within reach for local families, each providing a distinct approach to faith-based learning.
While North Andover itself is home to excellent independent schools, your search for a Christian education will likely lead you to neighboring communities, a common and manageable commute for many local families. Two standout institutions frequently considered are Austin Preparatory School in Reading and St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers. Both are Catholic, independent college-preparatory schools with deep traditions. St. John’s Prep, founded by the Xaverian Brothers, offers a diverse, all-boys environment with a sprawling campus and a renowned academic program that emphasizes service and global citizenship. Austin Prep, also Xaverian, provides a coeducational experience known for its strong sense of community and supportive, yet challenging, liberal arts curriculum. Visiting these campuses, perhaps during one of our crisp fall days, will give you a feel for their unique cultures and how their faith-based missions are lived out daily in classrooms and activities.
It’s important to consider the daily rhythm of life here in North Andover. A commute to Danvers or Reading is a familiar part of many parents’ routines, often against the backdrop of the rolling hills near Harold Parker State Forest or along Route 125. Many schools offer transportation or bus routes that serve the North Andover area, which can alleviate logistical concerns. When evaluating these schools, delve into how faith is integrated. Is it through daily prayer, dedicated theology classes, service requirements, or an all-encompassing ethical framework? Ask how the school fosters a personal connection to faith, not just a theoretical one.
Your process should also include conversations about fit beyond religious affiliation. How does the school’s academic philosophy match your child’s learning style? What clubs, arts, or athletic opportunities—perhaps rivaling the spirit we see at North Andover High’s events—are available? Financial investment is a key consideration, so explore the robust financial aid and scholarship programs these private Christian schools typically offer. Ultimately, finding the right school is about discovering a partnership. It’s about a community that will support your family’s values while challenging your child to grow intellectually and spiritually. By looking beyond the simple search phrase to understand the missions of these nearby institutions, you can find a school that feels like an extension of your home, right here in our corner of Massachusetts.
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