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.
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