The Best Private Schools in Westwood, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
Xaverian Brothers High School is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men that has been serving Westwood and surrounding communities for over six decades. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, and a comprehensive arts curriculum. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention in a supportive environment. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
Programs:
Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Sisters
Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory school for young women located just minutes from Westwood in neighboring Dedham. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong emphasis on STEM education, including competitive robotics teams and advanced science programs. The curriculum includes 17 AP courses and extensive opportunities in visual and performing arts. Ursuline's 30-acre campus features modern academic buildings, science and innovation labs, athletic facilities, and beautiful green spaces. The school is known for its supportive community and strong college placement record.
Programs:
Boston College High School
Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
Boston College High School is a Jesuit, Catholic college-preparatory school for young men that serves students from Westwood and throughout the Greater Boston area. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing students with rigorous academic challenges. Located on a 40-acre campus overlooking Boston Harbor, BC High features exceptional facilities including modern classrooms, science and innovation centers, extensive athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes intellectual growth, spiritual development, and commitment to justice through its comprehensive curriculum and extensive extracurricular offerings.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westwood, Massachusetts
What are the primary private secondary school options for families residing in Westwood, Massachusetts?
While Westwood itself is primarily served by its highly-rated public school system, several prestigious private secondary schools are located in the immediate area and draw a significant number of students from Westwood. The most prominent are Xaverian Brothers High School (a Catholic, all-boys school in Westwood), Ursuline Academy (a Catholic, all-girls school in Dedham, bordering Westwood), and Boston College High School (a Jesuit, all-boys school in Boston, accessible via commuter rail from Westwood Station). These schools offer distinct religious and educational philosophies, making them the core of the local private school landscape for grades 7-12.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Westwood, MA, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Westwood area is significant and aligns with the Boston metropolitan averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $25,000. Massachusetts schools are required to offer equitable financial aid, and these institutions typically have robust need-based assistance programs. For example, Xaverian Brothers offers its own financial aid and participates in the state's **School Choice** program for certain towns, while Ursuline Academy and BC High have substantial endowments dedicated to aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like FACTS, to be considered for grants, scholarships, and sometimes sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Westwood-area private schools offer that complement the local community's strengths?
Schools in this area leverage their proximity to Boston's academic and tech hubs. Xaverian Brothers features a strong STEM program and the **Xaverian Value System** emphasizing humility, trust, and compassion. Ursuline Academy offers a renowned **STEAM** (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program and extensive leadership opportunities for young women. Boston College High School provides an exceptional **Advanced Placement** curriculum, global immersion trips, and a unique **Arrupe** Division for grades 7 & 8. All three schools offer extensive service-learning programs, reflecting the community's values, and have athletic rivalries and collaborations that define the local independent school culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Westwood, MA, and how competitive is admission?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. Prospective families should attend open houses in the fall (September-November) of their child's 7th grade year for 9th grade entry. Application deadlines are typically in early December, with required components including the **SSAT** or **ISEE** standardized test, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. Admissions decisions are released in March. Competition is strong, particularly for Boston College High School, which draws from a wide regional pool. Strong academic records, character, and demonstrated interest are key. For Xaverian and Ursuline, being a Catholic student or sibling of an alum can be a factor, but not a requirement.
For a family in Westwood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing public schools and the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Westwood Public Schools are consistently top-ranked in Massachusetts, offering a rigorous, comprehensive education with diverse AP courses and extracurriculars at no direct cost. Choosing a private school like Xaverian, Ursuline, or BC High involves a significant financial investment but often provides a distinct value-based or faith-based education, smaller average class sizes for more personalized attention, and a defined community culture. Transportation is also a factor: Westwood Public provides busing, while private schools may offer limited bus routes or require independent transportation. Many families value the private schools' focused college counseling and longstanding alumni networks connected to Boston-area institutions.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities