The Best Private Schools in Westborough, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westborough. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's High School
Catholic Private School
St. John's High School is a premier all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving Westborough and the greater Worcester area. Founded by the Xaverian Brothers, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive STEM offerings. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. John's emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through extensive extracurricular programs and community service opportunities.
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Fay School
Independent Day and Boarding School
Fay School is the oldest junior boarding school in the United States, serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 9. Located just minutes from Westborough, Fay offers a comprehensive educational experience with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a 66-acre campus with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. Fay's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. With students from over 20 countries, Fay provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
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Worcester Academy
Independent Day and Boarding School
Worcester Academy is a prestigious independent school serving grades 6-12, located just 15 minutes from Westborough. The school offers both day and boarding options with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The 70-acre urban campus features modern academic facilities, science centers, arts studios, and athletic complexes. Worcester Academy emphasizes academic rigor combined with character development through its "Achieve the Honorable" philosophy. The school offers robust athletic programs with 23 varsity sports and extensive arts opportunities including theater, music, and visual arts. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, the school prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westborough, Massachusetts
What are the main types of private school options available for families residing in Westborough, Massachusetts?
Westborough itself is home to the prestigious, co-educational Fay School, which is the oldest junior boarding school in the U.S. and serves day students from Pre-K through 9th grade. For high school, families commonly look to nearby institutions like St. John's High School in Shrewsbury (an all-boys, Catholic, college-preparatory school) and Worcester Academy in Worcester (a co-ed day and boarding school for grades 6-12). Additionally, the broader MetroWest area offers a range of independent, parochial, and specialty schools. While Westborough's public schools are highly rated, these private options provide alternatives with specific educational philosophies, religious foundations, or boarding components.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Westborough, MA area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Westborough area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Fay School can range from approximately $40,000 for lower grades to over $50,000 for middle school. St. John's High School tuition is around $20,000, reflecting its Catholic affiliation. Worcester Academy's day tuition for upper school is comparable to Fay's upper grades. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Massachusetts also has the School Choice program, but it typically applies to public districts, not private schools. Importantly, many Massachusetts private schools participate in the state's 529 plan "Catch-Up" program, allowing families to use up to $10,000 annually from a 529 account for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools near Westborough that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Westborough area often feature distinctive programs not typically found in public districts. Worcester Academy emphasizes its "Atrium" learning commons and extensive global programming, including travel and exchanges. St. John's High School has a renowned Engineering and Design program and a strong focus on classical education within a Catholic framework. Fay School is noted for its "FaySummer" programs, a comprehensive literacy curriculum, and a capstone "Innovators and Implementers" project for 9th graders. Furthermore, these schools often have smaller average class sizes, more individualized college counseling starting in earlier grades, and, in the case of Fay and Worcester Academy, boarding programs that create a diverse, global campus environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Fay School, St. John's, and Worcester Academy for a Westborough family?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, families should begin researching 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January or February deadlines (with standardized testing like the ISEE or SSAT for some grades), and completing student visits/interviews in the winter. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admissions applications. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March for the following fall. For Westborough residents, it's crucial to coordinate this timeline with the intent notification process for the Westborough Public Schools, as spots in advanced programs can be impacted.
For a family living in Westborough, what are the key logistical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the district?
Logistics are a major factor. Westborough Public Schools do not provide transportation to private schools outside the town. Families must arrange carpooling or use private transportation services, which is a significant consideration for schools like St. John's (Shrewsbury) or Worcester Academy (Worcester), both a 15-25 minute drive. Conversely, Fay School is within Westborough, simplifying the commute. Community integration also varies: students at town-based Fay may have more local peers, while those at regional schools build networks across the MetroWest and Worcester County areas. Many families find that active parent associations and school-organized events help integrate students from Westborough into the wider school community, but involvement requires a commitment to travel for sports, arts, and other after-school activities.
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