The Best Private Schools in Plainville, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Gordon School
Independent School
The Gordon School is a highly prestigious independent school serving families from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including Plainville residents. Located approximately 20 minutes from Plainville, Gordon offers a progressive, child-centered education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school is nationally recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and features an innovative curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and social responsibility. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, art studios, performance spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's strong academic program is complemented by robust arts, music, and athletic offerings.
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The Wheeler School
Independent School
The Wheeler School is a top-tier independent day school serving students from nursery through 12th grade, with many families commuting from Massachusetts towns including Plainville. Located in Providence's historic East Side, approximately 25 minutes from Plainville, Wheeler offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The school features exceptional facilities including the Hamilton Family Building for arts, state-of-the-art science laboratories, multiple libraries, and extensive athletic complexes. Wheeler's innovative "Aerie" program allows for interdisciplinary, project-based learning, and the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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St. Mary's Sacred Heart School
Catholic Schools Office - Archdiocese of Boston
St. Mary's Sacred Heart School is a highly-regarded Catholic school located just minutes from Plainville in neighboring Foxborough. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, language arts, and religious education. Extracurricular programs include sports, choir, drama, and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and has earned recognition for its safe, nurturing environment and excellent student preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainville, Massachusetts
What are the main private school options available for families residing in Plainville, Massachusetts?
While Plainville itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate and surrounding areas. Notable options include St. Mary's Sacred Heart School in nearby North Attleboro, which offers a Catholic, Pre-K through 8 education. For families seeking independent school education, The Gordon School in East Providence, RI, and The Wheeler School in Providence, RI, are both prestigious options within a reasonable commute. It's important for Plainville parents to consider the slight cross-border commute into Rhode Island for some top-tier schools, factoring in travel time into the daily routine.
How does the tuition for private schools near Plainville, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Plainville area varies significantly. Parish-based schools like St. Mary's Sacred Heart typically have lower tuition, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually, while independent schools like Gordon and Wheeler can exceed $40,000 per year for upper grades. Massachusetts has unique financial aid resources, such as the **Children's Scholarship Fund Boston** (which serves some Greater Boston and MetroWest areas) and school-specific endowment funds. Additionally, Massachusetts does not currently have a tax-credit scholarship program, so most aid is need-based and directly from the schools. Parents should inquire early about financial aid applications, which often parallel admissions timelines.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools accessible from Plainville, MA?
Schools serving the Plainville community offer distinct specializations. St. Mary's Sacred Heart provides a structured faith-based curriculum with sacramental preparation. The Gordon School is renowned for its progressive, child-centered approach and strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, often integrating these principles project-based learning. The Wheeler School features a rigorous college-preparatory program, known for its strong arts, athletics, and its innovative "Aerie" senior project program. For Plainville families, a key consideration is whether they prioritize a religious foundation, a progressive educational model, or a traditional preparatory environment, as all are available within a short drive.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Plainville, Massachusetts area?
The process and timeline are school-dependent but generally follow a regional pattern. For the following academic year, admissions often open in September. Key steps include: attending open houses (usually in fall), submitting applications by January or February (with deadlines for schools like Gordon and Wheeler being particularly strict), and completing student visits/assessments. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently. Notification dates are typically in March for independent schools. For St. Mary's Sacred Heart, the process may be more rolling, but early application is still advised. Plainville parents should start their research 12-18 months in advance, especially for schools with competitive admissions.
How do private school options for Plainville residents compare to the highly-rated Plainville public school system?
Plainville's public school district is well-regarded, making the decision a matter of educational philosophy and specific needs. The public system offers a strong, tuition-free K-8 education with students attending King Philip Regional High School. Private alternatives offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious or pedagogical approaches (Montessori, progressive, or classical), and often a Pre-K program, which Plainville public schools do not provide. The trade-off involves significant tuition and commuting time. Many Plainville families choose public schools for their quality and community integration, while others opt for private schools for mission alignment, specialized learning environments, or to secure a seat in a specific independent school pipeline from an early age.
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