The Best Private Schools in Whitman, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Whitman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thayer Academy
Independent School
Thayer Academy is a prestigious co-educational independent school serving grades 6-12, located just 15 minutes from Whitman. With a 143-year legacy of academic excellence, Thayer offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes personalized learning with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Thayer consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Cardinal Spellman High School
Catholic Schools Office, Archdiocese of Boston
Cardinal Spellman High School is a Catholic co-educational college preparatory school located in nearby Brockton, serving students from Whitman and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with honors and AP courses, complemented by strong STEM and arts programs. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With a focus on character development and community service, Spellman provides a supportive environment with diverse extracurricular activities and competitive sports teams. The school maintains strong college placement records and has an active alumni network.
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St. John the Evangelist School
Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools
St. John the Evangelist School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving students from preschool through grade 8, located in nearby Canton. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, STEM programs, and comprehensive religious education. Features include modern classrooms, science lab, computer lab, and library facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community involvement while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Extracurricular offerings include sports, arts, and various clubs. Many graduates continue to top private high schools in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Whitman, Massachusetts
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Whitman, MA, and are there any located directly in town?
While Whitman itself is a smaller town, it is situated in a region with several highly-regarded private schools. Directly in Whitman, you will find St. John the Evangelist School, a Catholic elementary school serving grades Pre-K through 8. For secondary education, families commonly look to nearby towns. Two of the top options are Thayer Academy, a prestigious independent day school in Braintree (about 15 minutes away) serving grades 6-12, and Cardinal Spellman High School, a Catholic college-preparatory school in Brockton (about 10 minutes away) for grades 9-12. This proximity provides Whitman residents with a strong mix of independent and faith-based educational choices without needing to relocate.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Whitman, MA, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Whitman area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John the Evangelist School's elementary tuition is approximately $6,000-$8,000, with parish subsidies often available for active members. Cardinal Spellman High School's tuition is around $15,000-$17,000. Thayer Academy's tuition is notably higher, aligning with elite independent schools, at approximately $55,000-$60,000 for the upper school. Crucially, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in Massachusetts' tax-advantaged **U.Plan Prepaid Tuition Program** and the **SEED Plan** (Schoolchildren’s Educational Enrichment Deposit Program), which are important state-specific considerations for families budgeting for K-12 education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Whitman, MA, that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Whitman offer distinct programs that can be a major draw. Thayer Academy features an extensive **STEM Institute**, competitive athletic leagues (ISL), and renowned arts facilities. Cardinal Spellman High School provides a structured college-prep curriculum with a required theology program and often boasts strong community service integration. St. John the Evangelist School offers a faith-based education with small class sizes, which is a key differentiator from Whitman's public elementary schools. Furthermore, these private schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for specialized courses, advanced research opportunities, and global studies programs that may be more limited in scope within the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Whitman, MA, area, and when should we start?
The process is school-specific, but a general timeline is critical for Whitman families. For sought-after schools like Thayer Academy, the process for middle and upper school entry begins **12-18 months in advance**, with open houses in the fall, application deadlines in January/February, and decisions released in March. Cardinal Spellman and St. John the Evangelist also have fall open houses, with applications due in the winter for the following academic year. It's highly recommended to start researching and visiting schools in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Many schools host "Shadow Days" for prospective students, which are invaluable. Due to competitive entry, especially at Thayer, early preparation for entrance exams (SSAT, HSPT) is advised.
For a family living in Whitman, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools (Whitman-Hanson Regional) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Whitman-specific factors. The **Whitman-Hanson Regional School District** offers a no-tuition, comprehensive K-12 education with the benefit of a consistent local peer community. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial investment and daily commuting to Braintree, Brockton, or elsewhere. Key considerations include: educational philosophy (faith-based at Spellman/St. John's vs. independent at Thayer vs. public), class size (private schools typically have smaller ratios), specialized programs (like Thayer's arts or advanced STEM), and athletic/arts offerings. For high school, consider the social environment and college matriculation lists. Many Whitman families value the strong community feel of the public schools, while others seek the specific academic rigor, values, or specialized opportunities the private institutions provide.
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