The Best Private Schools in Westport, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westport. 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 School
Providence Country Day School is an independent college preparatory school that serves families from Westport and the greater Southeastern New England region. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, PCD emphasizes personalized learning and strong student-teacher relationships. The school features state-of-the-art science and technology facilities, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive arts education. Their college counseling program boasts exceptional placement rates at selective colleges and universities.
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Bishop Stang High School
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Westport and throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletics teams. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, Bishop Stang provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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Notre Dame School
Diocese of Fall River
Notre Dame School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school that serves Westport families seeking faith-based education. The school provides a strong academic foundation with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and science education. Their STEM program includes robotics and coding curriculum starting in early grades. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated art and music spaces. With a focus on character development and community values, Notre Dame maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. The school prepares students for success at competitive high schools throughout the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westport, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Westport, Massachusetts, and are they located in-town or require commuting?
Westport, MA, is a smaller coastal community, so most top-tier private schools are located in neighboring towns, requiring a commute. The schools you mentioned—Bishop Stang High School (in Dartmouth), Providence Country Day School (in East Providence, RI), and Notre Dame School (in Fall River)—are popular choices for Westport families. There are also other options in nearby New Bedford, Dartmouth, and the Greater Providence area. It's important for Westport parents to factor in daily transportation logistics, as very few, if any, K-12 private schools are physically located within Westport's town boundaries.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Westport, MA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are specifically available for Massachusetts residents?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Westport families varies. For example, Bishop Stang High School's tuition is typically slightly below the state average for Catholic high schools, while Providence Country Day School's tuition is more aligned with regional independent school averages. As Massachusetts residents, families should actively inquire about need-based financial aid, which is commonly offered. Additionally, Massachusetts has the **School Choice** program for public schools, but this does not apply to private institutions. However, some schools may participate in state-supported scholarship programs for specific demographics. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through each school's process, often using the Clarity Application.
Given Westport's coastal and agricultural setting, do any local private schools offer specialized academic programs that connect to these environmental themes?
Yes, several schools in the region leverage Southeastern New England's unique environment. Bishop Stang High School has a strong science curriculum with marine biology connections, benefiting from proximity to the coast. Providence Country Day School emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and may offer project-based courses related to environmental science and sustainability. While not in Westport itself, these schools often incorporate field studies and partnerships with local marine institutes or farms, providing a relevant, place-based education that resonates with Westport's community character.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Bishop Stang that serve Westport, MA, students?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop Stang High School typically begins in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting an application by a January or February deadline, taking a placement exam (like the HSPT), and providing records and recommendations. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For Westport families, it's vital to plan early due to the competitive nature of these regional schools and to coordinate with the Westport Community Schools district if considering a transfer from the public system.
How do the academic and extracurricular offerings at Westport's public schools compare to those at nearby private schools, and what are the key trade-offs for families?
Westport Community Schools offer a solid public education with the benefit of no tuition. However, nearby private schools like Bishop Stang or Providence Country Day often provide smaller average class sizes, more specialized college preparatory tracks, and distinct extracurricular niches (e.g., robust theater, specific sports teams, or religious education). The key trade-off for Westport families is cost versus personalized attention and program specificity. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a particular religious affiliation, a specific academic intensity, or is willing to invest in a longer commute for a perceived broader range of opportunities not available in the smaller Westport district.
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