2024 Best NCEA Schools in the Boston Area

• Danvers, MA•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.49 out of 5  148 reviews

Senior: I have had an excellent experience at St. John’s Prep. Although I have experienced many challenges, the school has done an excellent job in preparing me for college. Additionally, I have felt that the school guides its students every step of the way, which instills a sense of confidence in all of us. The school culture is great. Although we are a sports powerhouse, the school does a good job at promoting other aspects of student involvement, such as drama productions. While the racial/ethnic diversity isn’t great, SJP is richly diverse in terms of interests and personalities, which ensures that there is a place for everyone to fit in.... Read 148 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,446

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.43 out of 5  204 reviews

Alum: Going to BC High was easily one of the best decisions I/my parents have ever made. It is truly a school that goes above and beyond, with an unbreakable sense of community and brotherhood. Between the incredible teachers that truly care and the excellent guidance department, the opportunities are endless if you take advantage of them. BC High has made me a more well-rounded student and person, and I do not know where I would be today without this school. The friendships you make at this school will be some of the best and most long-lasting ones you will ever make, even through college and beyond. The location and commute on the T and interaction/proximity to the city makes every student a responsible, independent, and, well-adjusted member of society way before they are expected to be. I would love to see more investment in the arts, and diversity could be better, but other than that, there is not much more that I can think of that I would change.... Read 204 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,403

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• West Roxbury, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  97 reviews

Junior: I’ve always despised school, growing up I bounced around from school to school and I could never find the right fit. All my life I have been surrounded by teachers who thought boring lessons straight out of a book and clearly showed a lack of inspiration and effort when it came to teaching. Just as I was about to bow my head and surrender to the education system, it was CM that revived my thirst for knowledge. Despite the fact that I have only been enrolled for a year CM has provided me with an experience like no other. At CM I feel like that teachers believe in me and care about me. I feel inspired to learn everyday and I appreciate the efforts the teachers put into engaging lessons. But the best thing about CM is the countless opportunities available to a student. CM offers a wide range of teams and clubs to be appart of. You can be a star athlete one day, a debater the next, and peer minister by the end of the week. Next year I will be a junior and I already can’t wait to go back!... Read 97 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 597

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Malden, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.39 out of 5  164 reviews

Senior: I have absolutely loved my experience at MC. From the start, everyone has always been so friendly and welcoming. I have never seen anyone with a frown in the classrooms and the teachers always make learning fun. It doesn't even feel like learning in the sense that we are all stuck in a classroom listening to a boring speech the entire time. It's interactive! We are asked questions and challenged to put ourselves outside our comfort zone- in a safe environment of course. Overall Malden Catholic has been such a blessing and I cannot wait to someday send my future children there as well!... Read 164 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 871

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Tyngsboro, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  67 reviews

Parent: When our little elementary school closed at the end of our eldest son's Kindergarten year, we were heartbroken. We loved that the school community truly felt like family and welcomed any and all members from various backgrounds so openly. We were unsure where to send our children as a result of this closure until we toured Academy of Notre Dame. Not only did their professionalism and academic expectations remind us of our previous school, but upon hearing and seeing evidence that one of the cornerstones of the school is the celebration of diversity, we were convinced that we had found the perfect place for our children to learn and grow. These past 2 years have been nothing short of stressful, but one thing we did not have to worry about is whether or not our children were continuing to be educated and nurtured the same way they had that first part of the year at NDA when school was in person before Covid shut down the country. Our kids continued to flourish thanks to their teachers... Read 67 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 210

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Milton, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  115 reviews

Sophomore: Small school is the best. Everyone knows each other and teachers really get to know you! Academics are rigorous and expectations are high. Lots of extra activities to participate in (drama, sports, clubs).... Read 115 reviews

• grade A

• Students 316

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Westwood, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.45 out of 5  168 reviews

Senior: The best part of my Xaverian experience is my incredible friends. The school has this cool community vibe where everyone is really friendly and supportive. Additionally, we get to do cool stuff for the community, like volunteering and helping others. For example, I participated in the Xaverian Global Encounter program, where we worked at the André House, an independent ministry agency that provides resources to unhoused people and economically disadvantaged populations in the Phoenix area. It feels really good to make a positive impact. On the other hand, we have a great variety of sports and clubs at Xaverian. I joined the varsity swimming team and several clubs, and it's a blast! The worst part of my Xaverian experience is the lack of diversity. It would be awesome to see more people from different backgrounds and cultures. Regarding changes, I think it would be great if they could find a way to maintain high academic standards but make things a bit less stressful for students.... Read 168 reviews

• grade A

• Students 980

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Dedham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  101 reviews

Parent: Ursuline Academy has given our daughter the opportunity to be the best version of herself academically, as well as athletically. During these formative years, it was important that we could rely on a school that assisted us, as parents, in building confidence in our daughter and helping her to achieve excellence to the best of her ability. Ursuline keeps our daughter engaged in her studies, and allows for a great experience on the field or on stage. She has made wonderful friendships that expand beyond the walls of the school. I highly recommend Ursuline Academy to help get the best out of your daughter!... Read 101 reviews

• grade A

• Students 360

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Hingham, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  117 reviews

Senior: I am very grateful for being able to attend Notre Dame Academy. I find that the teachers care a lot about their student's success. There has been a change in administration resulting in some teachers leaving which is my only negative about the school. Otherwise, I feel very prepared to go to college next year!... Read 117 reviews

• grade A

• Students 430

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Lawrence, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.06 out of 5  359 reviews

Sophomore: For me, going to central really changed my life in so many ways. Never have I gone to a private, let alone catholic school in my whole life. But central has really given me so many opportunities and made me into a better person. There’s great academics, sports, various clubs, service hour opportunities, and sometimes they even offer places to work at and get paid! I got a job because of my school. There is so much more to do in central!... Read 359 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,214

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Brockton, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  146 reviews

Parent: My daughter is a rising senior at Spellman this fall. Our experience as a family has been incredible. For the students the academics and the teachers went beyond our expectations. For us the teachers went above and beyond inside and outside the classroom. The faith based education you receive at Spellman keeps kids grounded no matter what is going on in the world. Ministry and service at Spellman is an integral part of the students experience at Spellman. From the class retreats, service days, service trips, campus ministry and school masses, our daughter has gained so much more than just an education. There is so much to be involved in whether it’s sports, clubs, theatre, government, there is something for every student to spread their wings. As a mom the teachers and administrators have been incredibly supportive the last four years. All of the staff go above and beyond in anything you need. You feel a part of the Spellman family and make lasting meaningful relationships.... Read 146 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 462

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Peabody, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  133 reviews

Parent: With a current senior and a freshman it is fair to say we are Crusader supporters! To sum it up: the kids, faculty and administration make each other better. From academics to athletics, to the school atmosphere, there is a nurturing yet rigorous emphasis on developing the children to be strong contributors in the world. We have seen first hand with our oldest, the maturity in both the classroom and competitions that have prepared him well with fundamentals to move on to college. For our freshman we have witnessed the importance of flourishing in an environment that has both depth and breadth of offerings from a curriculum perspective as well as an extra-curricula perspective. It amazes us to see what the school is offering and even more so to witness our kids actively participate in so much, be recognized for their contributions and develop the skills necessary to be future leaders in society. Perfect fit all around thanks to the foundation laid at Fenwick.... Read 133 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 494

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Lowell, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  121 reviews

Senior: Lowell Catholic is the place to be! Filled with amazing teachers, wonderful staff, challenging academics, and state-of-the-art facilities, Lowell Catholic takes pride in the work that its students and staff do to make Lowell Catholic wonderful. Lowell Catholic has a welcoming and enriching community with plenty of resources available to students. You will never be bored at Lowell Catholic, as there is always something to get involved in. With lots of sports, clubs, activities, there is always something to be done to become a part of our community.... Read 121 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 713

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Braintree, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  106 reviews

Parent: Archbishop Williams is exceeding our expectations in every way. I currently have two students attending the school. One in the Junior High and one in the High School. My children are very different from one another and each has found a home here. The teachers are engaged, kind, challenging, responsive and willing to go the extra mile. I have noticed that MANY show up to sports events and other activities to support their students. The administration is available and accessible. They are also very involved with the students. As a mom of an Athlete, the Sports complex is a game changer! And I would also say, as someone who commutes quite the distance, families support each other with transportation. Overall, we are THRILLED with AWHS.... Read 106 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 727

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Nashua, NH•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  276 reviews

Senior: Overall, my experience at Bishop Guertin High School has been amazing, not only for furthering my academic knowledge but bringing me friendships with many that will last a lifetime. On the positive side of Bishop Guertin, the teachers are extremely knowledgeable and always have pushed me hard, no matter the subject, putting me in a far better place for my future than those attending public schools. In addition, I have always been held to a very high standard while at Bishop Guertin High School, which leads to the fact that I am well-prepared for my college years and all of my future endeavors. On the negative side of Bishop Guertin High School, there is almost too much homework and assessments as it becomes very overwhelming. Also, the teachers tend to put unnecessary stress on the students, which becomes exhausting. I personally would like to see the communication amongst the teachers be better and better security around the school, protecting the student population.... Read 276 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 788

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Dorchester, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  50 reviews

Junior: It’s a good school with a lot of opportunities like going to college on a full scholarship and make many connections of the CWSP where once a week they send students to work for their tuition in places like the museum of science, CRB Front office, child care, etc. To this there is good things and bad things like for example when I worked at the front office at school I learned new social skills like answering the phone, talking with parents, doing attendance and dismissal, etc which are good skills to have for a future job. A con of this is there isn’t a lot of privacy for students like when students work in the front office like me we see a lot of documents and personal things from other students like their conditions where they live and I don’t think that’s a good idea, also there are some teachers and staff in the building that bully and gossip about the students and spread rumors, the school mostly care about their looks than the students well being.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 211

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Arlington, MA•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  118 reviews

Senior: The academics are excellent, at least if you're an honors/advanced/AP student. In CP classes, students often don't care about grades and are very distracting and immature. Most teachers are great people and will spend extra time helping you if needed. Athletics are a big part of life here at AC, unfortunately boys sports get way more spectators than girls. Nearly all students go to the boys football/hockey/basketball/baseball games which are very fun, lots of school spirit. But we don't have a track, a real football field, or a very big gym. The social scene is comprised of "friend groups." Make good friends freshman year and stick with them. People go out often after school together and on the weekends. There's mixing between grades and boys/girls for friends. The Catholic culture here is negligible. Expect daily prayers, mandatory Mass, etc. but not much in terms of genuine faith. School administration is too afraid of "cancel culture" to stand up for important Church teachings.... Read 118 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 675

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Lynn, MA•

• Private School•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  111 reviews

Works Here: I love that many students participate in outside activities such as clubs and sports. However, as a math teacher, this sometimes disrupts students' learning process. Students are often dismissed for participating in their extracurricular activities. I love having technology accessible to my students as I can project my ti-84 CE calculator on the big screen. I wish teachers had access to color printers. This would help explain transformation to my students who need a little more visual aid. Saint Marry is a nice community where all students are welcome. We have many athletes who train hard both on and off the field. I love being a math teacher, hosting games to help the students learn better. I wish I had more whiteboards. I always like the movie Good Will Hunting, where they show that boards can be moved up and down. One of the best parts of teaching is giving back to a community. Seeing them get an ah moment is one of the greatest feelings a teacher gets.... Read 111 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 915

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  63 reviews

Senior: Cathedral high school was an amazing experience for me I transferred there my sophomore year. During COVID that first year it was difficult to meet people because I was online but that next year I made friends I’ll never forget the school is small but allows it to feel like a community. The teachers and administrators make it feel comfortable and truly care about the kids more than the money. There was moments that it was difficult because it did feel like the school it’s self was disorganized. Sometimes it feels like the school it’s self cares more about discipline than the kids mental health. They are so quick to notice a kid out of uniform than if they kid is mentally okay. Not all teachers and administrators but some. Some of the teachers and the other student make it fun to go to school though.... Read 63 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 307

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Newton, MA•

• Private School•

• K-6

• •
  Rating 4.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Parent: What a hidden gem in the Boston area! We truly feel that the Jackson Walnut Park experience was the best gift we gave our kids. The fully accredited Walnut Park Montessori preschool is THE best jump start program. The Catholic education at Jackson is top notch with a strong academic curriculum that is second to none. The kids get out of six grade ready to attend the most rigorous and prestigious independent secondary schools. My daughter loves her teachers, and the many fun projects they have at the end of a unit. From a volcano project in science to a book writing in math -yes, math! and churros making in Spanish, JWP know how to get kids excited about learning! Aside from that, the people are kind and inclusive. Kids become passionate about serving others and helping those in need. The character formation along with the many volunteering opportunities start as early as in preschool! We love JWP; from the teachers to the staff to the maintenance people to the Head of Schools and kids... Read 12 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 172

• Student-teacher ratio 5:1

• Cambridge, MA•

• Private School•

• 3-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: Our son has been at St. Paul’s for two years. He has been happy and engaged since the first day and has made great academic progress. The classes are small, allowing for almost individualized instruction. Being all boys allows the faculty to tailor the curriculum to boys’ learning style. The music is not just about the music. It is a vehicle for stretching their brains, for learning how to collaborate, for developing time management skills, and for experiencing the pride that comes with authentic achievement (the singing in church and concerts is quite beautiful). I should note that St. Paul’s requires a significant time commitment from the boys and the families. That is all by design-- the boys get so much out of being a Chorister because they put so much into it. We are neither Catholic nor musical, but have never second-guessed our decision to send our son to St. Paul’s. It has strong academics and a close community. Our son is thriving!... Read 9 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 42

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Wakefield, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: I honestly can’t say enough about St. Joseph School in Wakefield. I have sons in 6th grade and 7th grade. The small class sizes allow for individualized attention. This school has some of the most creative, unique, caring teachers that I’ve ever encountered. The 5th grade teacher does a lot of project based learning that encompasses research, writing, presentations, creating a model (ex. a Mayan temple), and learning culturally relevant songs. The creative writing program is second to none. It is excellent preparation for their rigorous middle school program that will prepare them well for any high quality private or public high school. Our students are known for their comfort in public speaking; they get a lot of practice. The small class sizes also allow the teachers to stay on top of monitoring social media etc. that our middle schoolers may be on. They are positioned well to make sure our kids navigate these waters safely and appropriately. St. Joseph School is a gem!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 242

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Boston, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.78 out of 5  9 reviews

Parent: St. John School is one of Boston's best-kept secrets. For parents seeking an academically rigorous yet nurturing environment where children can flourish and receive a well-rounded education, this school is an absolute perfect fit. Our family, with four children in total, has been at St. John School for several years. We have seen the school grow, add programs, and evolve to fit the needs of current families. Remarkably, the tuition has remained affordable in comparison to other private schools. The school's performance during Covid was outstanding and our children were in school safely with minimal interruptions (contrary to other schools that were remote for 18 months). The dedication of the teachers and the school staff is phenomenal. They have an open-door policy. Most importantly, our children wake up eager and excited to attend school, and we attribute their enthusiasm to the outstanding teachers and the tight-knit community of students and families.... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• Students 195

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Brighton, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Parent: St. Columbkille is a gem in the heart of Brighton! And Loyola Academy, the middle school, offers a challenging and supportive alternative to the exam schools. Our kids have thrived at this school, and it has continued to expand its offerings and facilities over the eight years we have been here. Our kids have received a top notch education from kind, smart, caring, and dedicated teachers. The staff and administration are warm, inclusive, and responsive. The community is there for each other. Most recently the leadership and response to the pandemic has been thoughtful, rapid, creative, and absolutely safe. There are options for different family situations during the pandemic. Our kids have also grown socially and emotionally. The school is able to simultaneously challenge and support kids, which makes for a joyous and flourishing community. The student body is diverse, and the faculty continues to grow in diversity. I am so grateful to be part of this caring, wonderful community!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A

• Students 397

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Malden, MA•

• Private School•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Middle School Student: Cheverus Catholic is a really good school in terms of education, the teachers are really nice and actually teach proper curriculum for the grade they are teaching. The School Lunch is actually really tasty and very much improved as people in my class say. But, the student body is a but toxic and very inappropriate, their actions are even more worse then those in Malden Public Schools. They bully and say mean things about others some of the time. But the school is very diverse and it's nice to see a lot of people from different cultures to be at a school! But the bathrooms are horrendous and unsanitary except for the one of the Cafeteria level, this is one of the improvements I hope to see at Cheverus! Over all the school is actually really good and I feel really happy and safe there!... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• Students 405

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1