The Best Private Schools in Stoneham, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stoneham. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Waring School
Independent
The Waring School is an acclaimed independent day school serving grades 6-12 that attracts students from Stoneham and throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Known for its unique bilingual French-English program and humanities-focused curriculum, Waring emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and global citizenship. The school features small seminar-style classes, extensive outdoor and experiential education programs, and a strong arts curriculum. With a beautiful 32-acre campus and a commitment to developing lifelong learners, Waring consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities while maintaining an inclusive, intellectually vibrant community.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
St. Mary's Parish
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school located in nearby Winchester that serves families throughout the Greater Boston area, including Stoneham. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through grade 8 education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty, modern technology integration, and extensive extracurricular programs. The school maintains a strong community atmosphere with high parent satisfaction and consistently produces students well-prepared for competitive high schools.
Programs:
Austin Preparatory School
Augustinian Order
Austin Preparatory School is a co-educational, independent Catholic school serving students in grades 6-12 from Stoneham and surrounding communities. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive arts and athletic offerings. With a beautiful 50-acre campus, state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs and performing arts center, and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Austin Prep provides personalized attention and strong academic outcomes. The school emphasizes Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stoneham, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Stoneham, Massachusetts?
Stoneham itself is home to St. Mary's School, a private Catholic school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 8. For secondary education, families in Stoneham commonly consider nearby institutions such as Austin Preparatory School in Reading (a co-ed, independent Augustinian school for grades 6-12) and The Waring School in Beverly (a unique, French bilingual school for grades 6-12). Additionally, Stoneham's proximity to Boston and the Route 128 corridor provides access to dozens of other independent and parochial schools, making it a hub for private education options in the Greater Boston area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Stoneham, MA area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Massachusetts?
Tuition in the Stoneham area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's School typically ranges from approximately $8,000-$10,000, while Austin Prep's tuition is around $25,000, and The Waring School's is over $40,000. Massachusetts offers specific financial assistance programs that Stoneham families can utilize. Most notable is the **School Choice/Chapter 70 state funding** for some charter and out-of-district public options, but for traditional private schools, significant need-based financial aid is offered directly by the schools themselves. Additionally, Massachusetts has tax-advantaged **529 plans** that can be used for K-12 private school tuition, and some families may qualify for deductions related to educational expenses on state taxes.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools serving Stoneham students?
The private schools accessible to Stoneham families offer distinct academic profiles. **St. Mary's School** provides a structured, faith-based curriculum with a strong emphasis on community service. **Austin Preparatory School** is known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Augustinian values, robust STEM programs, and extensive athletics. **The Waring School**, though a longer commute, offers a truly unique experience: a fully bilingual (English/French) curriculum, an interdisciplinary, project-based learning model, and a focus on humanities and collaborative learning without traditional letter grades. This diversity means Stoneham parents can seek out specialized environments from classical to progressive.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Stoneham, MA area?
The timeline for Greater Boston private schools is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. For fall entry, the process typically starts in **August or September** with open houses and inquiry submissions. Application deadlines for schools like Austin Prep and Waring are usually in **January or early February**. This is often followed by student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in **March**, with enrollment contracts due in April. For St. Mary's School, the process may be more rolling but starting early is still strongly advised. Stoneham parents should note that demand for spots, especially in middle and high school grades, is very high across the region.
How do the private school options for Stoneham residents compare to the town's public school system?
Stoneham Public Schools are well-regarded, offering a standard Massachusetts curriculum with recent investments in facilities. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific programs. Private options typically offer **smaller class sizes** (e.g., 15:1 vs. public's larger ratios), **specialized curricula** (like language immersion or faith-based education), and often more extensive **arts and extracurricular offerings** at the secondary level. However, Stoneham High School provides strong AP programs and sports. The decision may also involve logistics: paying substantial tuition versus no cost for public school, and considering commute times to private schools outside Stoneham. Many families value the community anchor of the local public system, while others seek the specific mission of a private institution.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities