The Best Private Schools in Westminster, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westminster. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of North Central Massachusetts
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of North Central Massachusetts is a highly-regarded private school serving Westminster and surrounding communities. Located just minutes from Westminster in Fitchburg, this AMS-accredited institution offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school features carefully prepared classrooms with specialized Montessori materials, experienced AMI-trained teachers, and a child-centered approach that fosters independence and lifelong learning. Families from Westminster appreciate the school's strong academic foundation, peaceful learning environment, and emphasis on developing the whole child. The campus includes outdoor learning spaces and gardens that complement the Montessori curriculum.
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Applewild School
Independent School Association of Massachusetts
Applewild School is a prestigious independent day school serving Westminster and the greater North Central Massachusetts region. Founded in 1957, this ISAM-accredited school offers a comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is renowned for its challenging academic curriculum, small class sizes, and exceptional faculty. Applewild's 26-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, music rooms, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and community engagement. Westminster families value the school's strong sense of community, individualized attention, and excellent preparation for secondary education.
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St. Anna School
Diocese of Worcester Catholic Schools
St. Anna School is a highly-rated Catholic private school serving Westminster and the Leominster area. Established in 1964, this diocesan school provides a faith-based education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic program integrated with Catholic values and traditions. St. Anna features modern classrooms, technology integration, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and community service. Families from Westminster appreciate the school's safe, nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong academic outcomes. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before and after-school care, making it accessible for working families in the Westminster area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westminster, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Westminster, Massachusetts?
Westminster, MA, is home to a few notable private schools, though many families also consider options in neighboring towns. Within Westminster itself, St. Anna School is a private Catholic school serving grades Pre-K through 8. Just over the border in Fitchburg, The Montessori School of North Central Massachusetts offers a Montessori education for early childhood and elementary students. A short drive away in Fitchburg, Applewild School is a prominent independent day school for grades Pre-K through 8, with a strong reputation in the region. Westminster parents often find a blend of local parochial, independent, and Montessori philosophies within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Westminster, MA, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Westminster area varies by school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Anna School's tuition is approximately $6,000-$7,000, which is below the state average for private elementary schools, partly due to its parish subsidy. Applewild School's tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000, aligning more closely with averages for independent schools in Massachusetts. The Montessori School of North Central Massachusetts typically falls between these ranges. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Massachusetts residents may also utilize the state's 529 college savings plans for K-12 private school expenses, a specific state-level consideration for financial planning.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Westminster, MA, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools near Westminster often integrate the region's natural and historical resources into their programs. Applewild School, for instance, utilizes its 26-acre campus with woodlands and trails for environmental science and outdoor education. The Montessori School of North Central Massachusetts emphasizes hands-on, nature-based learning consistent with Montessori principles. St. Anna School incorporates community service projects within Westminster and the surrounding North Central MA communities. Furthermore, proximity to Fitchburg State University and the region's tech and manufacturing hubs allows some schools to foster partnerships for STEM enrichment, which is a growing focus in the area's private education landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Westminster, Massachusetts families?
The timeline is crucial for Westminster parents as spaces can be limited. Most independent schools like Applewild and Montessori programs have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. St. Anna School, as a parish school, may have a more flexible timeline but encourages early inquiry. A key local consideration is that many families from Westminster and surrounding towns (Ashburnham, Fitchburg, Leominster) apply to the same schools, so initiating visits and applications the prior fall (September-November) is highly recommended. Open houses are typically held in the fall.
For a family in Westminster, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. The Ashburnham-Westminster Regional School District (including Oakmont Regional High School) is well-regarded, offering a comprehensive public education. Private options provide alternatives: a faith-based environment at St. Anna, a progressive independent curriculum with small classes at Applewild, or a child-led Montessori approach. A practical consideration for Westminster residents is transportation; while the public district provides busing, private schools may not, so commuting to Fitchburg or other locations is a factor. Additionally, private schools may offer more consistent small-group instruction, while the public district provides a broader range of extracurriculars and specialized programs at the secondary level due to its larger size.
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