The Best Private Schools in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Dartmouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Friends Academy
Independent
Friends Academy is an independent private school rooted in Quaker principles, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is highly regarded for its values-based education, small class sizes, and emphasis on critical thinking and community engagement. The curriculum includes a strong liberal arts foundation, hands-on outdoor learning experiences, and college preparatory courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and athletic spaces. Parents consistently praise the school for its nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and high academic standards, making it a top choice in the North Dartmouth area.
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Tabor Academy
Independent
Tabor Academy is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school located in nearby Marion, serving the North Dartmouth region with its strong academic and extracurricular programs. Known for its unique marine science curriculum and renowned sailing program, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with advanced placement courses, arts, and athletics. The campus includes waterfront facilities, modern classrooms, and extensive athletic resources. Tabor Academy is celebrated for its dedicated faculty, diverse student body, and high parent satisfaction, consistently achieving strong college placements and fostering leadership skills.
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Bishop Stang High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a co-educational Catholic secondary school known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong community values. It offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, robust STEM initiatives, and a wide range of extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service. The school emphasizes character development and has a track record of high college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields, contributing to its reputation for academic excellence and parent satisfaction in the South Coast region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and what grade levels do they serve?
North Dartmouth, MA, and its immediate surrounding area are home to several notable private schools, each with distinct characteristics. **Bishop Stang High School** is a diocesan, co-educational Catholic school serving grades 9-12. **Friends Academy**, located in nearby Dartmouth, is a Quaker-based independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. While not in North Dartmouth proper, the prestigious **Tabor Academy** is a short drive away in Marion, MA, offering a co-ed, boarding and day school experience for grades 9-12. This mix provides North Dartmouth families with options for both day and boarding, religious and independent education across all age groups.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Dartmouth, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the North Dartmouth area varies significantly by school type and program. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition at Bishop Stang High School is approximately $15,000-$17,000, while Friends Academy's tuition ranges from around $20,000 for lower grades to $30,000+ for middle school. Tabor Academy's comprehensive day student tuition is over $50,000, with boarding costs higher. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Bishop Stang and Friends Academy may have parish or sibling discounts. Massachusetts also has the **School Choice** program for public schools, but it does not apply to private institutions. Parents are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid directly through the schools' portals, often using the **Clarity Application**, as aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the North Dartmouth region that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the North Dartmouth area capitalize on the South Coast's coastal and maritime heritage. **Tabor Academy**, known as "The School by the Sea," has a renowned Marine and Nautical Science program, with its own fleet of vessels and direct access to Sippican Harbor. **Bishop Stang High School** offers robust STEM initiatives and partnerships with local universities like UMass Dartmouth. **Friends Academy** emphasizes its Quaker values through community service programs deeply integrated with local Dartmouth organizations. All schools benefit from proximity to the cultural and academic resources of the South Coast, including the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the marine research facilities in the area, providing unique experiential learning opportunities not commonly found inland.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools serving North Dartmouth, MA, families?
Timelines are crucial for private school admissions in this competitive region. Most schools, including Friends Academy and Tabor Academy, have application deadlines in **January or February** for enrollment the following fall. Bishop Stang may have a rolling admissions policy but encourages early application. Common requirements include a completed application, teacher recommendations, school transcripts, a parent/guardian statement, and a student interview or visit. Standardized testing like the **SSAT** or **ISEE** is often required for middle and upper school admissions. Many schools host open houses in the fall; for example, Tabor Academy holds "Tabor Days" and Bishop Stang hosts "Spartan for a Day" shadow visits. Starting the process in the fall of the year prior to desired enrollment is highly recommended.
For a family living in North Dartmouth, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a local private school versus a public school?
Choosing a private school in North Dartmouth involves logistical considerations. The **Dartmouth Public School District** provides busing for its students, but for private schools, transportation is typically the family's responsibility. Some private schools may offer limited bus routes from central locations. The community aspect also differs: Dartmouth public schools draw from the local town community, while private schools like Bishop Stang draw from a wider regional Catholic community across the South Coast and Rhode Island, and Tabor Academy attracts a national/international boarding community. This can expand your child's network but may mean classmates live farther away. Academically, Dartmouth public schools are well-regarded, but private options often offer smaller class sizes, specialized religious or value-based education (Catholic, Quaker), and, in Tabor's case, a boarding school preparatory experience.
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