2020 Best Private High Schools in Essex CountyAbout this List

Phillips Academy

• Private School
• Andover, MA
• 9-12
• 98 reviews

Middle School Student: Phillips Academy is a wonderful high school! The summer session there is amazing! It's educational but has loads of fun with it! It's cool how you could interact with people around the world. Everyone here is very friendly and amazing! The food there at Paresky Commons is delicious! I would recommend middle schoolers to come and try out the summer session, and upcoming high schoolers and high schoolers to come and apply there at Phillips Academy!
Read 98 Reviews

• A+

• 1,150 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Brooks School

• Private School
• North Andover, MA
• 9-12
• 43 reviews

Senior: For the first 2 years, I absolutely loved it. I loved how tight knit the school was, the small classes and the structured schedule. But as I reached my Junior year, I started feeling like this school was too small for me. For a person that is looking for a community, Brooks can definitely provide that. Students always say hi and because most faculties also live on campus, your teachers are not just your teachers but also your coach, dorm parent and more. But if you are looking to branch out and try a bunch of new things and explore yourself, Brooks might not be the place for you. Though Brooks does try to accommodate students like that, offering independent studies and the freedom to pick and choose classes senior year, it is just not the same as some bigger schools.
Read 43 Reviews

• A+

• 352 Students
• 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Governor's Academy

• Private School
• Byfield, MA
• 9-12
• 53 reviews

Junior: Governor’s is a welcoming community that is diverse and welcomes every kind of person. The faculty, teachers, students, and overall community make you feel like the best version of yourself. The teachers want you to succeed in your school work, and so does everyone else in every other aspect of your life. Governor’s is a place where you feel accepted and that you are working towards greatness.
Read 53 Reviews

• A+

• 406 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Waring School

• Private School
• Beverly, MA
• 6-12
• 17 reviews

Alum: I loved going to Waring. The academics are unparalleled. Not only do you study a myriad of subjects, you learn the philosophy behind them. Teachers genuinely care about their students. Waring has made considerable effort to increase diversity in the past five years, they have their hearts in the right place but they dont seem to put any funding behind their efforts - at least not in terms of scholarship money. The social scene in my early years a student was trying, but ultimately taught me skills that will aid me in my chosen career path. This is influenced by a clear decision to favor traditional sports over other hobbies. Thanks to Waring, I'm well prepared for college, often having covered many topics in my early high school years at Waring. I am well prepared for collaborative projects, and I'm very well travelled thanks to all the opportunities Waring provides. If you're curious about Waring, go visit; attend student plays, art shows, or sports games. It's an incredible school.
Read 17 Reviews

• A+

• 165 Students
• 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Pingree School

• Private School
• South Hamilton, MA
• 9-12
• 76 reviews

Works Here: Pingree is an innovative, challenging, diverse, and authentically student-centered college-prep, co-ed day school. Pingree is setting an exciting new bar for New England prep schools, focusing on an interdisciplinary, creative curricula that supports wellness and installs character and empathy. Students are challenged and happy, teachers are passionate and creative, parents are engaged and active, and resources are abundant -- all of which lead to impressive college placement and alumni success. Pingree is second to none for a life- and college-prep day experience in New England!
Read 76 Reviews

• A+

• 389 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. John's Prep

• Private School
• Danvers, MA
• 6-12
• 110 reviews

Parent: Our son is a freshman at St. John's and he couldn't be happier. The Prep is an exceptional school from the teachers, to administrators and fellow students. The campus, while beautiful and meticulously maintained, allows students to feel more independent as they walk to their classes each day. It is evident early on that the individuals who either teach, work, or volunteer at SJP care deeply about each student and love what they do. From sports, to clubs, to service, the opportunities for student involvement are endless. It makes us happy to see our son being challenged in his classes, while also embracing student life. We know at St. John's, he will not only receive an excellent education with continued Catholic values, but will have a brotherhood/ network for life.
Read 110 Reviews

• A+

• 1,448 Students
• 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bradford Christian Academy

• Private School
• Haverhill, MA
• 1-12
• 37 reviews

Parent: BCA enabled our young daughter to reach her full potential in school. During her first four years at our local elementary school, our daughter lagged well behind her peers in learning to read. She felt like she was stupid. I held many meetings with the learning specialists at the school, but no answers were given. At fifth grade, we placed our daughter at BCA. Within two months, the educators at BCA told us that our daughter likely had dyslexia, and recommended testing and participation in a specialized tutoring program. This tutoring, combined with BCA's small class sizes and highly involved teachers made all the difference. Our daughter's self-esteem improved, and she felt like she was very smart and capable. By the time she got to high school, our daughter was earning high honors. She graduated BCA with an A.P. Capstone diploma and was accepted into a very competitive college where she is thriving. Thank you BCA for helping our special girl succeed in school and life!
Read 37 Reviews

• A

• 225 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Central Catholic High School

• Private School
• Lawrence, MA
• 9-12
• 285 reviews

Junior: As I transfer student, I cannot say enough great things about Central. The students and faculty have been nothing but helpful in helping ,e to adjust to my new surroundings. From ensuring my success academically, athletically, and spiritually Central has truly been an amazing experience thus far. The teachers take their jobs incredibly seriously and strive to push students to be the best that they can be. Central is not just a school, it's a family. From sporting events to retreats, Central provides various opportunities for the student body to connect with each other and be involved. I'm very proud to be a raider!
Read 285 Reviews

• A

• 1,200 Students
• 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Covenant Christian Academy

• Private School
• Peabody, MA
• PK, K-12
• 35 reviews

Works Here: Covenant is a hidden gem on the North Shore! The Academic program is excellent with very high standards and strong curriculum. The community feel is one of warmth and joy. Each student is known and celebrated as an individual - and they love coming to school each day. Enrollment has increased by 10% each year for the past several years - due to the quality of program, reasonable tuition and satisfied families. The extra curricular activities allow students to explore their gifts and talents in MANY areas. It is a fantastic option for those who are looking to prepare their children for college and for life!
Read 35 Reviews

• A

• 310 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

The Academy at Penguin Hall

• Private School
• Wenham, MA
• 9-12
• 6 reviews

Parent: This school is only 3 years old. They have come a long way and continue to strive to be the best High School experience available for young woman. There are many challenges as a newer school but the administration and staff are amazing and open to fresh , bold, innovative ideas to continue their growth. Each student is encouraged to be themselves, to be confident and empowered in everything they do. I could not be happier with the school.
Read 6 Reviews

• A

• 150 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Presentation of Mary Academy

• Private School
• Methuen, MA
• 9-12
• 30 reviews

Senior: It is a very quirky and corny school. I enjoyed this aspect of it. However, if you are not in conformity with that vibe then it is a completely different experience. The food is so bad and completely over-priced. The administration is approachable, but sometimes lacks that sort of administrative duty. I am approaching the end of my Presentation of Mary Academy career, and gradually coming to appreciate the environment a lot more. There are lots of acceptance throughout the student body.
Read 30 Reviews

• A-

• 210 Students
• 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Clark School

• Private School
• Rowley, MA
• K-12
• 12 reviews

Junior: I'm very happy to go here. I learned so much more in a year here than I did in all my years before, both about myself and about the subjects I took this past year. Because it's such a small school, staff gets to know you incredibly well and that plays a huge advantage in you getting into the school and the place in your life that you desire - there are students who go to 4-year liberal arts colleges, visual and performing arts colleges both of which are strong programs at Clark, even MIT and WPI have happened for those inclined towards engineering. It's also interesting to me that you can be taught Physics by someone with a masters in Physics, not Education which is the default in public. Though, because it's so small, AP classes and sports cannot be produced for general consumption and instead need to be done independently. So while it's a bit trickier doing these things at Clark it's not impossible and if you show that these things are so important to you, it's a good look.
Read 12 Reviews

• A-

• 150 Students
• 5:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Sparhawk School

• Private School
• Amesbury, MA
• PK, K-12
• 17 reviews

Senior: Sparhawk School is a very welcoming community that helps and supports each other. The school does a fantastic job at making everyone feel included and feel part of a family. The teachers are very good at helping students one-on-one and giving them resources. The students and staff are welcoming and kind.
Read 17 Reviews

• A-

• 150 Students
• 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Bishop Fenwick High School

• Private School
• Peabody, MA
• 9-12
• 108 reviews

Senior: I love Bishop Fenwick High School. All four years of my high school experience have been amazing and something I will never forget. The family I have made, the person they formed me to be today will always appear in my everyday actions and the way I carry myself. The administration are amazing people and has helped me through the college process to their full capability. The first words I remember hearing coming to Fenwick was the Fenwick Family. At the time it didn't have much of meaning; however, now that statement is a major impact on who I am and the people I associate and will continue to associate with everyday.
Read 108 Reviews

• A-

• 565 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Fellowship Christian Academy

• Private School
• Methuen, MA
• PK, K-12
• 20 reviews

Parent: We have been so pleased with the kids' school over these last 4 years. I volunteer in the morning to hang out with the kids in the gym before school starts and I am always amazed and grateful to see how kind and well-behaved the kids are with their friends and how respectful they are with their teachers. Every single teacher with whom I have interacted demonstrates a real interest in each child - an interest in each child succeeding as caring, responsible and civic minded adults, but most of all an interest in making sure each child knows that they are here by God's perfect plan and that they can always rest in Him, knowing that when the rest of the world doesn't seem to care, their Creator loves them. I have kids in the kindergarten, elementary, middle school and high school - so I have it covered!
Read 20 Reviews

• B+

• 130 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Mary's Lynn

• Private School
• Lynn, MA
• 6-12
• 81 reviews

Parent: A wonderful catholic, college preparatory school that values the entire student experience. The teachers bring both academic knowledge to the classroom, and hands on real world experience that develops the growth of the entire student body. The intentional diversity of the school demonstrates its leadership on the north shore, and the school recognizes the importance of being prepared to experience global faces on college campuses and in the work place today. It is also a place to still have fun and meet friends for life!
Read 81 Reviews

• B+

• 475 Students
• 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School

• Private School
• Lawrence, MA
• 9-12
• 83 reviews

Senior: Most of the schools in the area often treat the students as a number and focus their resources on just the most talented student. But here at Notre Dame Cristo Rey high school, each student is treated more than a number and is treated like a family member. Each student is pushed to be the best they can be and the school encourages their students to strive to be better. The teachers here truly care about the students by staying after school for extra help or assistance. When you come here to Notre Dame Cristo Rey high school you become a member of a family. The school to me is like a second home and has a welcoming environment. There is no school in Lawrence that can compare or even match-up.
Read 83 Reviews

• B-

• 274 Students
• 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Landmark School

• Private School
• Prides Crossing, MA
• 2-12
• 28 reviews

Parent: This school changed my son's life. He went from being a kid who lacked confidence, hated school, and didn't have many friends to a confident young man who thrived academically and socially. The teachers are amazing! They care about every student and go the extra mile to make sure their needs are being met—not only academic needs but also social and emotional.
Read 28 Reviews

• NG

• 475 Students
• 3:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

St. Ann's Home

• Private School
• Methuen, MA
• 1-11

• NG

• 113 Students
• 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

Futures School

• Private School
• Beverly, MA
• PK, K-12

• NG

• 46 Students
• — Student-Teacher Ratio

Solstice School

• Private School
• Rowley, MA
• 8-12

• NG

• 19 Students
• 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio