The Best Private Schools in Somerville, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Independent
BB&NS is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the Boston area, serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. Located just across the river from Somerville in Cambridge, the school offers a rigorous academic program with exceptional college placement results. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. BB&NS emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global citizenship through its comprehensive curriculum and extensive extracurricular offerings.
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Shady Hill School
Independent
Shady Hill School is a highly regarded independent school in Cambridge that serves many Somerville families. Known for its innovative Central Subject curriculum that integrates history, literature, and arts around a central theme, the school provides a progressive education for grades Pre-K through 8. The campus features extensive facilities including art studios, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. Shady Hill emphasizes hands-on learning, social responsibility, and developing students' individual talents through small class sizes and dedicated faculty.
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Belmont Day School
Independent
Belmont Day School serves students from Pre-K through Grade 8 and attracts families from Somerville and surrounding communities. The school offers a balanced academic program that combines traditional skills with innovative teaching methods, including extensive STEAM facilities and project-based learning opportunities. The 11-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and a nature trail. Belmont Day emphasizes character education, community engagement, and developing well-rounded students through its comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerville, Massachusetts
What are the main private school options for Somerville, MA residents, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Somerville itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, its prime location within the Greater Boston area provides access to some of the nation's top institutions. Directly in Somerville, you'll find smaller, often faith-based options like St. Catherine of Genoa School. However, most families look to neighboring Cambridge, Belmont, and Boston. The schools you mentioned—Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge), Shady Hill School (Cambridge), and Belmont Day School (Belmont)—are all within a short commute. Many offer dedicated transportation or are accessible via the MBTA, making them practical choices for Somerville families.
How does the tuition for top-tier private schools near Somerville, MA compare, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for the leading Greater Boston private schools is significant, often ranging from approximately $45,000 to over $60,000 per year for the upper grades. Schools like Buckingham Browne & Nichols, Shady Hill, and Belmont Day are at the higher end of this spectrum. Crucially, Massachusetts private schools are known for robust financial aid programs. These schools typically have large endowments dedicated to need-based aid, and many aim to be need-blind in admissions. It's essential to apply for aid simultaneously with admissions, as funds are allocated early. The state also offers the **School Choice program**, but this primarily applies to public schools; for private schools, your main resource is the individual school's financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Somerville/Boston area?
Leveraging the rich academic and cultural resources of the metro area, private schools here offer distinctive programs. Many, like Shady Hill, have a deep commitment to progressive, student-centered education and integrated thematic curriculum. Proximity to MIT, Harvard, and biotech hubs fosters strong STEM partnerships, robotics teams, and advanced research opportunities. Furthermore, schools often emphasize urban and global engagement, with Cambridge and Boston serving as extended classrooms for history, social justice, and arts programs. Belmont Day School, for example, highlights its "Belmont Day Experience" focusing on foundational skills, interdisciplinary learning, and character. The cultural diversity of Somerville itself is often reflected in the schools' community engagement and language offerings.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools near Somerville, and how early should we apply?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in Fall (especially for key entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grade), you should start researching schools 12-18 months in advance. The standard timeline involves: attending open houses (typically September-November), submitting applications by early January (often with a common form like the **SAO**), completing student assessments/visits in January-February, and receiving decisions in mid-March. Given the intense competition for spots, especially at schools like BB&N and Shady Hill, it is critical to adhere to deadlines. Many schools also have sibling and legacy policies that affect availability. We recommend touring and applying to 3-5 schools to balance selectivity.
For a family living in Somerville, what are the key considerations when deciding between the well-regarded Somerville Public Schools and a private school?
This decision hinges on educational philosophy, resources, and logistics. Somerville Public Schools (SPS) are known for their diversity, progressive community focus, and significant investment in new facilities like the Somerville High School building. The SPS curriculum is strong, with notable world language programs and arts initiatives. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., progressive, classical), smaller class sizes, more extensive extracurricular offerings, and a different community scale. The commute is a major practical factor: private schools require daily travel to neighboring towns, while public schools offer neighborhood walkability. Financially, it's the contrast between property taxes funding public schools and direct, high tuition payments. Many families in Somerville value the city's vibrant, diverse public system, while others seek the tailored environment and resources of premier private institutions.
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