The Best Private Schools in Peabody, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Peabody. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Glen Urquhart School
Independent
Glen Urquhart School is a highly respected independent day school serving students from pre-K through grade 8, located in nearby Beverly and serving families throughout the North Shore including Peabody. The school is known for its innovative, theme-based integrated curriculum that combines academic rigor with hands-on learning experiences. The 23-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. GUS emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and community engagement through its unique educational approach. The school maintains small class sizes and offers comprehensive arts, athletics, and outdoor education programs that complement its strong academic foundation.
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St. John's Preparatory School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
St. John's Preparatory School is a highly-regarded Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School located just minutes from Peabody in Danvers. Serving grades 6-12, this Catholic independent school is renowned for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and exceptional academic outcomes. The 175-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, the school offers comprehensive AP and honors courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and maintains a strong community atmosphere with diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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Brookwood School
Independent
Brookwood School is a premier independent school serving students from pre-K through grade 8, located in Manchester-by-the-Sea and serving families throughout the North Shore region including Peabody. The school offers a dynamic, child-centered educational experience that balances academic excellence with social-emotional development. The 30-acre campus features modern learning spaces, innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Brookwood's curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, STEAM education, and outdoor exploration. With a strong focus on developing confident, compassionate learners, the school offers robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular opportunities while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Peabody, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available within or very close to Peabody, Massachusetts, and what are their educational philosophies?
Peabody itself is home to several well-regarded private schools, most notably St. John's Preparatory School (an all-boys, Catholic, Xaverian Brothers-sponsored college preparatory school for grades 6-12). Just over the border in neighboring towns, families frequently consider Glen Urquhart School in Beverly (a co-ed, independent day school for grades K-8 with a progressive, project-based approach) and Brookwood School in Manchester-by-the-Sea (a co-ed, independent day school for Pre-K through 8th grade known for its innovative curriculum and campus). This cluster on the North Shore provides a range of religious and independent options from progressive to traditional, all within a short commute from Peabody.
How does tuition for private schools in the Peabody, MA area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for day schools in the Peabody area is generally at or above the Massachusetts private school average, reflecting the high cost of living and operational expenses on the North Shore. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 to $50,000+ depending on the grade level and school. Importantly, all the major schools like St. John's Prep, Glen Urquhart, and Brookwood have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Massachusetts also has the School Choice program, but this typically applies to public school districts, not private schools. Parents should apply for financial aid simultaneously with admissions, using platforms like Clarity or the School and Student Services (SSS) form.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Peabody area offer that leverage their North Shore location?
Private schools in the Peabody area deeply integrate their coastal New England setting into their programs. St. John's Prep has a renowned Environmental Studies program that utilizes nearby forests, wetlands, and the Atlantic coast for fieldwork. Glen Urquhart School emphasizes place-based learning, with students regularly engaging in local ecology studies at sites like the nearby Endicott Park or conducting history projects on Peabody's leather industry past. Brookwood School's "Brookwood Beyond Walls" program includes coastal marine biology studies and partnerships with local institutions like the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. This access to rich historical, environmental, and cultural resources is a defining feature of education here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Peabody, Massachusetts region?
The admissions cycle for North Shore private schools is highly structured and begins early. For entry in the fall, the process typically starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in September-October), submitting applications by January deadlines (common for schools like St. John's Prep, Glen Urquhart, and Brookwood), completing student visits and assessments in the winter, and receiving decisions in March. For St. John's Prep, the entrance exam (HSPT) is a required component. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), families in Peabody are advised to plan well ahead and engage with their schools of interest over a year before desired enrollment.
For a Peabody resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district with area private schools?
Peabody Public Schools are a large, diverse district offering a standard Massachusetts curriculum, recently including new school buildings. Key considerations for comparison include: **Class Size** (Peabody public classrooms are often larger than the 12-18 student cohorts at local private schools), **Specialized Programs** (private schools offer distinct philosophies like St. John's character-focused education or Glen Urquhart's experiential learning, while public schools provide mandated special education and English language learner services), **Transportation** (Massachusetts law requires Peabody to provide transportation to resident students attending private schools within a certain radius, which can be a significant factor), and **Cost** (weighing tuition against no-cost public education). The decision often hinges on seeking a specific educational approach or community that aligns with a family's values versus utilizing and potentially supplementing the comprehensive public system.
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