The Best Private Schools in Taunton, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taunton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Country Day School
Independent
Providence Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school that serves students from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including the Taunton area. The school offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes (average 12 students) and personalized learning. PCD features comprehensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and extensive leadership opportunities. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, hands-on learning experiences, and strong college placement support. The 33-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities.
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The Wheeler School
Independent
The Wheeler School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including the Taunton region. Wheeler offers a innovative, student-centered curriculum from nursery through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory program in the upper school. The school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Facilities include state-of-the-art science centers, art studios, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. Wheeler's academic program features Advanced Placement courses, interdisciplinary studies, and extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Bishop Stang High School
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students from across Southeastern Massachusetts, including Taunton. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Bishop Stang provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taunton, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options for families living in Taunton, Massachusetts, and are there many schools located within the city itself?
While Taunton itself has a limited number of standalone private elementary/middle schools, families commonly look to excellent independent and parochial schools in the broader Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island area. Notable nearby options include Bishop Stang High School (a diocesan Catholic school in North Dartmouth, MA), Providence Country Day School (in East Providence, RI), and The Wheeler School (in Providence, RI). Many Taunton families also consider schools in the Greater Boston area. This means commuting is a common consideration, and exploring schools with transportation services or carpool networks is important for Taunton residents.
How does tuition for private schools near Taunton, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid resources are specifically available to Massachusetts residents?
Tuition for day schools in the Taunton area and Southeastern New England varies widely, typically ranging from approximately $15,000 to over $50,000 annually for day students. Massachusetts offers unique financial support through the **School Choice program** for public schools, but this does not apply to private institutions. However, Massachusetts residents may qualify for state tax deductions for educational expenses. More significantly, most private schools, including Bishop Stang, offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, the **Children’s Scholarship Fund Boston** and similar organizations sometimes serve the wider region, and many schools participate in loan programs like **Your Tuition Solution**. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school using the **SSS (School and Student Services)** platform.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Taunton, MA, that might not be available in the local public district?
Schools in this region often provide distinctive programs leveraging their independence and resources. For example, **Bishop Stang High School** offers a robust STEM program with dedicated engineering and biomedical science tracks. **Providence Country Day School** emphasizes project-based learning and has a strong Mandarin Chinese program. **The Wheeler School** is known for its innovative "Aerie" flexible learning program and extensive arts offerings. Furthermore, many of these schools have partnerships with nearby universities and marine science institutions, providing research opportunities not typically found at the high school level. For Taunton families, access to specialized college-prep curricula and global language options are key differentiators.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Taunton, MA, and when should we start planning?
The admissions process for competitive private schools in this region is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the timeline typically starts **12-18 months in advance**. Open houses and tours for schools like Bishop Stang, PCD, and Wheeler are held in the fall (September-November). Application deadlines are usually between **January and February** for the following academic year, with standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE) often required by December. Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Given that Taunton families may be considering schools across state lines (MA and RI), it's vital to confirm specific deadlines for each institution and plan for potential entrance exam preparation. Starting research and visits in the spring of your child's 7th grade year is strongly advised for 9th-grade entry.
For a family in Taunton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school that may involve a significant commute?
The decision involves weighing several Taunton-specific factors. The **Taunton Public Schools** district offers neighborhood convenience and no tuition. Choosing a private school often means a daily commute of 30-60 minutes to North Dartmouth, Providence, or beyond, impacting family schedules and extracurricular participation. However, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, different religious or pedagogical approaches, and potentially more consistent access to advanced coursework. A key consideration is the long-term plan: many private high schools in the area feed directly into competitive colleges. Parents should honestly assess the commute's impact, visit both local public schools (like Taunton High) and private options, and calculate the total cost beyond tuition, including transportation, uniforms, and activity fees.
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