The Best Private Schools in Sharon, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sharon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Temple Israel of Sharon Preschool
Temple Israel of Sharon
Temple Israel of Sharon Preschool is a highly-regarded early childhood program serving the Sharon community for over four decades. The school offers a nurturing environment that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development through play-based learning. With small class sizes and experienced educators, the program emphasizes Jewish values and traditions while preparing children for kindergarten. Parents consistently praise the warm, inclusive community and the quality of the teaching staff. The school features modern classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning spaces designed specifically for young learners.
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Derby Academy
Derby Academy
Located just 15 minutes from Sharon in Hingham, Derby Academy is one of the oldest independent schools in the United States and serves many families from the Sharon area. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. Derby features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The curriculum integrates STEAM education, world languages, and extensive arts programming. Parents highlight the school's supportive community, dedicated faculty, and exceptional preparation for secondary education.
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Canton Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Canton Montessori School, located just 10 minutes from Sharon, has been serving families in the region for four decades as an American Montessori Society accredited institution. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 2 through 12, with programs designed to foster independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The campus features beautifully prepared Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized materials for hands-on learning. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs AMI-trained guides. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the individualized approach to education and the development of self-motivated, confident learners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sharon, Massachusetts
What are the primary types of private schools available in Sharon, Massachusetts, and how do they differ?
Sharon, MA, offers a diverse range of private educational models. You'll find traditional independent schools like Derby Academy (Pre-K through Grade 8), which is one of the oldest coeducational day schools in the U.S. and emphasizes a classical, rigorous curriculum. There are also faith-based options, such as the Temple Israel of Sharon Preschool, which provides a Jewish educational foundation for young learners. Additionally, nearby options like the Canton Montessori School offer a child-centered, hands-on Montessori approach. This variety allows Sharon parents to choose based on pedagogical philosophy, religious affiliation, and grade-level needs, often looking within Sharon and immediately adjacent towns.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Sharon, MA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Sharon area is generally at or above the Massachusetts state average for private education, reflecting the region's high cost of living and academic reputation. For example, K-8 schools like Derby Academy have tuition that can range significantly by grade. However, most established private schools in this area have robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Massachusetts also has the **School Choice** program, but it's crucial to note this typically applies to public schools between districts; for private schools, parents should inquire directly about need-based grants, scholarships, and payment plans. Some families may also utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition expenses.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Sharon, such as Derby Academy?
The enrollment process for Sharon-area private schools like Derby Academy is highly structured and begins early. Most schools open applications for the following academic year in the fall (September-October). The process usually includes an online application, parent interviews, student visits/assessments, and submission of teacher recommendations and school records. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid are often in January or February, with admission decisions released in March. For preschools like Temple Israel of Sharon, enrollment may open even earlier for current families and the community. It's essential to contact schools directly in the summer or early fall before your desired enrollment year, as spaces, particularly in entry-level grades, are limited.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Sharon's private schools leverage the town's local resources and community?
Private schools in Sharon often integrate the town's unique resources into their programs. Sharon is known for its abundant conservation land, lakes, and historical sites like the Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. Schools may incorporate environmental science and outdoor education into their curricula through field trips and partnerships. Furthermore, being part of the Greater Boston area provides access to world-class museums, universities, and cultural institutions for enrichment programs. Schools like Derby Academy often emphasize community service, connecting students with local Sharon organizations. The town's safe, suburban setting with a strong community feel allows for a focused campus environment while still providing easy access to the educational riches of metropolitan Boston.
For families moving to Sharon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Sharon Public Schools and a local private school?
This is a significant decision for Sharon families. The Sharon Public Schools are consistently ranked among the top districts in Massachusetts, offering excellent academics, arts, and athletics at no tuition cost. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific desires: a particular educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, progressive, or classical), smaller class sizes, a distinct religious or values-based foundation, or a different curricular pace. Some families seek a private preschool-to-8th-grade continuum before considering private high schools. The investment is substantial, so parents should carefully assess if the private school's specific offerings—such as Derby's historical tradition or a Montessori's individualized approach—align with their child's needs in ways the already-strong public system does not. Visiting both types of schools is highly recommended.
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