The Best Private Schools in Quincy, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Quincy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thayer Academy
Independent Coeducational Day School
Thayer Academy is a prestigious independent coeducational day school serving Quincy and the South Shore region. Located just 3 miles from Quincy in Braintree, Thayer offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from middle school through high school. The 34-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including the Center for the Arts, modern science centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Thayer's academic program includes 19 AP courses, extensive arts offerings, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and has a strong tradition of academic excellence, with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and other selective colleges.
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Boston College High School
Jesuit College Preparatory School
Boston College High School is a Jesuit college preparatory school located directly adjacent to Quincy in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. Serving students from Quincy and throughout Eastern Massachusetts, BC High offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in the Jesuit tradition of educating men and women for others. The school features extensive facilities including modern science laboratories, engineering and robotics spaces, and championship athletic fields. BC High offers 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on service learning and character formation. The school has an impressive college placement record, with graduates consistently admitted to top universities nationwide.
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Fontbonne Academy
Independent Catholic College Preparatory School
Fontbonne Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women located just minutes from Quincy in neighboring Milton. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, Fontbonne provides personalized attention and strong college counseling, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and holistic education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Quincy, Massachusetts
What are the primary types of private schools available in Quincy, MA, and how do they differ?
Quincy, MA, offers a diverse range of private school options, primarily categorized as independent day schools and Catholic institutions. Notable independent schools like Thayer Academy (co-ed, grades 6-12) offer a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with extensive arts and athletics. Catholic options include single-sex schools such as Boston College High School (all-boys, grades 7-12) and Fontbonne Academy (all-girls, grades 9-12), which provide a faith-based education alongside strong academics. Additionally, there are smaller parochial elementary schools. This mix allows parents in Quincy to choose based on educational philosophy, religious affiliation, and single-gender or co-ed preferences.
How does the tuition for private schools in Quincy, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Quincy's top private schools is generally at or above the Massachusetts state average for similar institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at schools like Thayer Academy and Boston College High School often ranges from approximately $45,000 to $55,000. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Many Quincy families utilize the state's **School Choice program**, though it primarily applies to public schools. More relevantly, the **Children's Scholarship Fund Boston** provides need-based scholarships for K-8 students in the Greater Boston area, including Quincy, to attend private schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school's portal (like SSS) by their deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Quincy that leverage the city's location near Boston?
Quincy's private schools capitalize on their proximity to Boston to enhance their academic and extracurricular offerings. For instance, Boston College High School offers its **"Eagles to Eagles"** mentoring program with Boston College and unique courses in marine biology that can utilize Boston Harbor. Thayer Academy's location facilitates robust internship and independent study opportunities in Boston's tech, medical, and financial sectors. Fontbonne Academy offers social justice and service-learning programs deeply connected to Boston-area nonprofits. Furthermore, all schools have easy access to Boston's world-class museums, universities for guest lectures, and historical sites, integrating these resources directly into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools in Quincy, MA?
The enrollment process for Quincy's competitive private high schools like Thayer Academy, BC High, and Fontbonne Academy follows a strict annual timeline. The process typically begins in the summer or early fall a full year before desired entry (e.g., fall 2024 for fall 2025 enrollment). Key steps include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking the **SSAT or ISEE** standardized tests by January, and completing student interviews and shadow days in the winter. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are released in March, with enrollment contracts due in April. For Catholic schools, parish verification may be required. Starting early and engaging with each school's admissions office is critical for Quincy families.
For families living in Quincy, what are the key considerations when comparing the city's high-performing public schools to its private school options?
Quincy residents must weigh several local factors. The Quincy Public Schools district includes highly-regarded schools like North Quincy High School, which offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme—a rare public school offering. Choosing public schools means no tuition and potentially shorter commutes. In contrast, private schools in Quincy offer smaller class sizes, specialized facilities (like state-of-the-art labs or theaters), and often more extensive college counseling networks. A key consideration is the **educational environment**: private schools can offer a specific religious or pedagogical focus. Additionally, while Quincy public schools are diverse, private schools may provide a different demographic mix and a regional draw, with students coming from across the South Shore, which can expand social and academic networks.
Private Education Insights
Quincy Parents' Guide: Finding the Right Private Boarding School for Your Child
For families in Quincy, Massachusetts, exploring private education often leads to a pivotal question: is a day school or a private boarding school the right fit for our child? While our city is fortunate to have excellent local institutions like Fontbonne Academy, Thayer Academy, and Boston College High School, the broader landscape of private boarding schools presents a unique and compelling option that deserves consideration, especially given our New England location. The concept of boarding school might seem distant, but many of the nation's most prestigious are just a short drive from Quincy, making them a viable part of the educational conversation for South Shore families.
The primary consideration for Quincy parents is the blend of academic rigor and holistic development that private boarding schools offer. These institutions provide an immersive 24/7 learning environment where education extends far beyond the classroom into dorm life, structured study halls, and weekend activities. For a student with a deep passion for science, the arts, or athletics, a boarding school can offer facilities and focused programs that are often unparalleled. This can be particularly appealing if your child is seeking a specialized program not fully available locally. The independence and time-management skills fostered in this setting are profound, preparing students exceptionally well for the demands of college and life beyond.
Logistically, the proximity of top-tier private boarding schools to Quincy is a significant advantage. The Greater Boston area and the New England region are historic epicenters for boarding education. Schools in the Berkshires, southern New Hampshire, and even metro-west Boston are within a two-hour drive, allowing for relatively easy weekend visits and family connections. This means your child can gain the benefits of a residential experience without being completely isolated from home. For many Quincy families, this regional access makes the idea of a private boarding school less about "sending away" and more about "choosing a specialized community" within reach.
It's also important to weigh this against the strengths of our exceptional local day schools. Thayer Academy's vibrant campus life or Boston College High's rigorous Jesuit education provide tremendous value and community connection right here. The decision often comes down to your child's specific needs for independence, the desire for a particular academic or extracurricular niche, and family dynamics. We recommend starting the exploration locally—attend open houses at Fontbonne and Thayer—to solidify your understanding of private education values. Then, expand your search to include a few private boarding school tours. Seeing the dormitories, speaking with current students from similar coastal Massachusetts towns, and feeling the campus culture firsthand is invaluable.
Ultimately, the best choice is deeply personal. For some Quincy students, the close-knit, daily familiarity of a South Shore day school is perfect. For others, the transformative, all-encompassing world of a private boarding school unlocks their full potential. The key is to recognize that both are accessible, quality options. By understanding the unique offerings of private boarding schools within our regional context, you can make a fully informed decision that aligns with your child's aspirations and your family's educational goals.
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