The Best Private Schools in Norwood, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Norwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montrose School
Independent
Montrose School is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school for girls in grades 6-12, located just 15 minutes from Norwood. The school emphasizes character formation and academic excellence through its innovative "LifeCompass" educational model. Students benefit from small class sizes, rigorous college preparatory curriculum, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, robotics, and performing arts. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities. Facilities include modern science labs, art studios, and athletic fields.
Programs:
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young men located just 10 minutes from Norwood. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 18 AP courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and a robust arts curriculum. Students participate in 23 interscholastic sports and numerous clubs and activities. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science and technology labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong community service program and emphasizes character development.
Programs:
Ursuline Academy
Independent Catholic
Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women located just 15 minutes from Norwood. The school offers a rigorous academic program with a 100% college acceptance rate and extensive AP course offerings. Unique programs include the Institute for Leadership and Service, innovative STEM curriculum, and comprehensive arts education. The 28-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and beautiful historic architecture. Ursuline emphasizes global education with international travel opportunities and a diverse student community.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Norwood, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Norwood, Massachusetts, and what grade levels do they serve?
Norwood, MA, is home to several well-regarded private institutions, though it's important to note that some are located just outside town borders but serve the Norwood community. Key options include **Montrose School** (an all-girls, independent college-preparatory day school for grades 6-12), **Xaverian Brothers High School** (an all-boys, Catholic college-preparatory school in nearby Westwood for grades 7-12), and **Ursuline Academy** (an all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory school in nearby Dedham for grades 7-12). For younger students, families often look to private elementary schools in surrounding towns. This concentration of single-gender, faith-based, and college-prep schools defines the local private education landscape.
How does tuition for private schools in the Norwood, MA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Norwood area is generally aligned with or slightly above the Massachusetts private school average. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect tuition ranges of approximately $25,000 to $50,000+ for the secondary schools mentioned, with variations based on grade level and religious affiliation. Massachusetts has strong financial aid traditions. Most schools, including Montrose, Xaverian, and Ursuline, offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Importantly, Massachusetts also offers the **School Choice** program for some towns (though not typically for these private schools) and tax-advantaged **529 plan funds can now be used for K-12 private tuition**, a significant consideration for state residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Norwood area that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Private schools near Norwood often leverage Greater Boston's academic and cultural resources. **Montrose School** emphasizes leadership and "LifeCompass" character education with partnerships in Boston. **Xaverian Brothers** boasts a renowned STEM program and robotics team that competes regionally, benefiting from the area's tech corridor. **Ursuline Academy** offers distinctive global studies and exchange programs. Many schools utilize partnerships with Boston-area universities for research, internships, and guest lectures. Additionally, athletic programs frequently compete in the Catholic Central League or similar conferences, providing high-level competition against other local private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Norwood, MA, families, and are there key deadlines to know?
The process for competitive Boston-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts in the summer or early fall before the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), registering for and taking the **SSAT or ISEE** (fall/winter), submitting applications (usually due in January), and completing interviews and shadow days (fall/winter). Financial aid applications (using tools like SSS) are often due in early February. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March. It is crucial to check each school's website (e.g., Xaverian, Montrose) for their exact dates, as they can vary.
For a family considering both the Norwood Public Schools and local private options, what are some key comparative factors specific to this community?
The decision in Norwood often centers on educational approach, class size, and specific programs. **Norwood Public Schools** are well-regarded, offer a diverse curriculum, and include the new state-of-the-art Norwood High School. The primary draws of local private options are: significantly smaller class sizes for personalized attention; single-gender education models (if desired); a specific religious or values-based foundation (Catholic or independent); and a focused college-preparatory environment often with a higher percentage of graduates attending highly selective colleges. Transportation is a key practical factor: while Norwood may provide limited busing to some private schools per state law, many families must arrange their own transportation to schools in Westwood, Dedham, etc.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities