The Best Private Schools in Wakefield, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Wakefield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Academy
Phillips Academy Andover is one of the nation's most prestigious independent boarding and day schools, serving students from Wakefield and surrounding communities. Founded in 1778, the academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with over 300 courses, including extensive Advanced Placement and post-AP options. The 500-acre campus features state-of-the-art science centers, arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1 and an endowment exceeding $1 billion, the school provides exceptional resources including global learning opportunities, extensive research programs, and championship athletic teams. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities worldwide.
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Lexington Christian Academy
Lexington Christian Academy
Lexington Christian Academy is an independent Christian college preparatory school serving Wakefield and Greater Boston communities. Founded in 1946, LCA offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Christian values with rigorous college preparation. The school features modern STEM labs, performing arts centers, and competitive athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and strong college counseling. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and championship athletic teams. The school maintains strong college matriculation records and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Mary's High School
St. Mary's Parish
St. Mary's High School is a Catholic, coeducational college preparatory school serving Wakefield and North Shore communities since 1881. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith formation, character development, and college readiness. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. St. Mary's is known for its strong community atmosphere, academic rigor, and successful college placement record, with graduates attending selective universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Wakefield, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Wakefield, Massachusetts?
While Wakefield itself has a limited number of private schools within its town borders, families commonly look to neighboring communities for prestigious options. Notable schools within a reasonable commute include Phillips Academy Andover (a world-renowned boarding/day school), Lexington Christian Academy in nearby Lexington, and St. Mary's High School in Lynn. Additionally, there are several well-regarded K-8 parochial and independent schools in surrounding towns like Reading, Melrose, and Stoneham. Wakefield's proximity to Route 128/I-95 and Route 93 provides access to a wide array of private institutions across the North Shore and Greater Boston area.
How does the tuition for private schools near Wakefield, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for private day schools in the Wakefield area varies significantly, generally ranging from approximately $15,000 to over $50,000 for upper schools, with boarding schools like Phillips Academy Andover at the higher end. These figures are often above the Massachusetts state average for private schools due to the region's high cost of living and concentration of elite institutions. However, most schools, including Lexington Christian Academy and St. Mary's, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Importantly, Massachusetts also has the **School Choice program**, but this typically applies to public schools between districts; for private schools, parents should investigate individual school aid, scholarships, and the state's **7% tax deduction for private school tuition and expenses** (up to certain limits).
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Wakefield, MA?
Private schools in this region offer specialized programs that leverage Greater Boston's academic and cultural resources. Phillips Academy Andover features an extensive museum (Addison Gallery) and global learning initiatives. Lexington Christian Academy integrates a Christian worldview with strong STEM and arts curricula. St. Mary's High School is known for its competitive athletics and college-prep programs. Many area schools also offer unique partnerships with local universities, advanced robotics programs, extensive language immersion options, and semester-away programs. The proximity to Boston allows for easy access to internships, museum partnerships, and university-level research opportunities not always available elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Wakefield, MA, area?
The timeline for most independent private schools near Wakefield is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, the process typically starts in the summer or early fall (12-18 months prior), with open houses from September to November. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application (often via SAO or Gateway), standardized testing (ISEE or SSAT), school visits/interviews, and teacher recommendations. For parochial schools like St. Mary's, the process may be slightly less rigid but still requires advance planning. Due to the competitive nature of schools like Phillips Academy Andover, families in Wakefield are advised to begin research and visits at least two years in advance.
How do the class sizes and student-teacher ratios in Wakefield's public schools compare to nearby private school options?
Wakefield Public Schools have an average student-teacher ratio of approximately 13:1, which is favorable. However, private schools in the area often boast even lower ratios, frequently between 6:1 and 10:1, providing highly individualized attention. For example, Phillips Academy Andover has a 5:1 ratio. This is a significant draw for families seeking a more personalized learning environment. The trade-off involves tuition costs and potentially a longer commute. When comparing, Wakefield parents should consider not just the ratio but also the specific educational philosophy, curriculum depth, and extracurricular offerings that smaller class sizes in private settings may enable versus the well-funded and diverse programs within the Wakefield public district.
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