By Eddie Franklin Finding the right private school in Andover can be an important decision for parents looking for strong academics, smaller class sizes, specialized programs, religious education, Montessori learning, or early-childhood education.
Andover is home to several respected private schools and educational institutions, while neighboring communities such as North Andover provide additional options for families who are willing to consider schools within a short distance of the town.
One important point is that Andover does not have 15 traditional K–12 private schools within its boundaries. Therefore, this guide includes private schools, specialized private educational institutions, early-childhood schools, and nearby options in North Andover. It also includes Proctor Academy in Andover, New Hampshire as a separate entry to help avoid confusion between the two Andovers.
Admission requirements vary considerably. Some schools have relatively simple enrollment procedures, while selective independent schools may require transcripts, interviews, teacher recommendations, essays and standardized tests.
Top Private Schools in Andover and Their Requirements
1. Phillips Academy Andover
Phillips Academy Andover is arguably the most internationally recognized private school associated with Andover, Massachusetts. Founded in 1778, the independent, coeducational boarding and day school serves students primarily in Grades 9 through 12, with a postgraduate option.
The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory education and attracts students from across the United States and around the world.
Admission is highly structured and requires more than simply completing an enrollment form.
Typical application requirements include:
- Candidate profile
- Completed application
- Academic records
- Current grades
- English teacher recommendation
- Mathematics teacher recommendation
- Counselor or principal recommendation
- Personal recommendation
- Graded writing sample
- Essays
- Interview
- Standardized testing
- Application fee
International applicants may also need to provide proof of English-language proficiency depending on their educational background.
Phillips Academy also provides financial aid to qualifying families, making it possible for students from different economic backgrounds to apply.
2. The Pike School
The Pike School is an independent, coeducational school in Andover serving children from Pre-K through Grade 9.
The school focuses on developing students academically while also encouraging creativity, curiosity, collaboration and personal growth.
Because Pike serves several age groups, admission requirements can differ according to the grade for which a student is applying.
Requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Student information
- Previous school records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student assessment
- Parent information
- Interview or family meeting
- Application fee
Parents should begin the process early because private-school spaces can be limited, particularly in popular grade levels.
3. St. Augustine School
St. Augustine School is a Catholic school in Andover serving students from Pre-K through Grade 8.
The school combines traditional academic instruction with Catholic education and values formation. It can therefore appeal to families looking for both academic development and a faith-based environment.
Typical admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Birth certificate
- Previous school records
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Student information
- Registration fee
- Placement assessment where applicable
Families should also check the school’s current policies concerning parish affiliation and enrollment priorities.
4. Andover School of Montessori
Andover School of Montessori provides a Montessori-based education for children in the Andover area.
The Montessori approach places considerable emphasis on independence, hands-on learning, self-directed activity and developmentally appropriate education.
Admission can therefore involve more than simply reviewing academic grades.
Potential requirements include:
- Application
- Parent/guardian information
- Child’s records
- Family interview
- Student observation
- Health records
- Birth documentation
- Enrollment deposit or fee
Parents interested in Montessori education should also consider whether their child’s learning preferences and developmental stage fit the school’s approach.
5. Melmark New England
Melmark New England is a specialized educational institution in Andover serving children and young people who require specialized educational and developmental support.
It is different from a conventional private school because admission is generally based on the student’s specific educational needs and the services available.
Potential requirements include:
- Referral
- Application
- Educational records
- Individualized Education Program (IEP), where applicable
- Assessment reports
- Relevant professional documentation
- Parent/guardian information
- Eligibility review
Families should contact the institution directly to determine whether the available program is appropriate for their child.
6. Professional Center for Child Development
The Professional Center for Child Development provides specialized educational and developmental services for children.
Unlike a conventional private elementary or secondary school, its programs are designed around children’s developmental and educational needs.
Admission or enrollment may require:
- Application or referral
- Developmental records
- Educational records
- Assessments
- Parent/guardian information
- Health information
- Program eligibility review
The exact process depends on the child’s age and the specific service being requested.
7. Anderson School
Anderson School is another private educational institution associated with Andover.
Because smaller specialized schools can operate differently from mainstream independent schools, parents should confirm the school’s current grade offerings and admission procedures before applying.
Possible requirements include:
- Application form
- Student information
- Previous educational records
- Parent/guardian information
- Assessment
- Interview
- Health documentation
8. Brooks School
Brooks School is a private college-preparatory school located in North Andover, making it an important option for families searching for private schools around Andover.
The school serves secondary-school students and provides a college-preparatory educational environment.
Typical requirements for an independent-school applicant may include:
- Application
- Academic transcripts
- Teacher recommendations
- Student essays
- Interview
- Standardized testing where required
- Parent information
- Application fee
Applicants should check the school’s current admissions calendar because deadlines can be significantly earlier than those of ordinary public schools.
9. St. Michael Elementary School
St. Michael Elementary School in North Andover provides Catholic education for younger students.
It is an option for families who want their children to receive elementary education within a Catholic school environment.
Common enrollment requirements may include:
- Application
- Birth certificate
- Previous school records
- Health records
- Immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration fee
- Placement information where applicable
Families should confirm the current age and grade requirements before submitting an application.
10. Meritor Academy North Andover
Meritor Academy North Andover is an early-childhood education option serving families in the wider Andover area.
Unlike selective college-preparatory schools, early-childhood centers generally focus on enrollment availability, age requirements and required documentation.
Parents may need to provide:
- Enrollment application
- Child’s birth information
- Parent/guardian information
- Emergency contacts
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Tuition agreement
Availability may vary according to the child’s age and the number of spaces available.
11. North Andover KinderCare
North Andover KinderCare provides early-childhood education and childcare services for young children.
For parents searching for an educational environment before elementary school, it can be another option to consider in the Andover area.
Typical enrollment requirements include:
- Completed enrollment forms
- Child’s information
- Parent/guardian information
- Emergency contacts
- Health and immunization records
- Tuition agreement
- Required enrollment documents
Parents should confirm the available age groups and current openings.
12. The Kathy Herward Child Care Center
The Kathy Herward Child Care Center is an early-childhood institution in Andover.
It is more appropriate for families searching for childcare and early learning than for parents looking for a traditional private high school.
Enrollment requirements may include:
- Child’s personal information
- Parent/guardian information
- Health records
- Emergency contacts
- Enrollment forms
- Tuition arrangements
- Required medical documentation
13. Next Generation Children’s Center
Next Generation Children’s Center is another early-childhood option in Andover.
The center provides services for young children and can be considered by parents looking for early education before the elementary-school years.
Potential requirements include:
- Enrollment application
- Child’s birth information
- Parent/guardian details
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Emergency contacts
- Tuition agreement
Admission may depend on the child’s age and availability of space.
14. The SHED Children’s Campus
The SHED Children’s Campus is an early-childhood educational option in Andover.
For families with preschool-aged children, it provides another alternative to traditional childcare arrangements.
Parents may need to submit:
- Enrollment application
- Child information
- Parent/guardian information
- Health documentation
- Immunization records
- Emergency contacts
- Enrollment and tuition forms
Parents should verify the exact age range and programs currently offered.
15. South Main KinderCare
South Main KinderCare is another early-learning institution serving families in Andover.
It is particularly relevant to parents searching for preschool and early-childhood programs rather than private middle or high schools.
Typical requirements include:
- Enrollment forms
- Child information
- Parent/guardian details
- Emergency contact information
- Health records
- Immunization information
- Tuition agreement
16. Proctor Academy
Proctor Academy deserves a special mention because there are two different Andovers that can cause confusion in online searches.
Proctor Academy is located in Andover, New Hampshire, not Andover, Massachusetts. It is a private, college-preparatory boarding school serving high-school students.
It may appear in searches for “private schools in Andover,” but families looking specifically for Massachusetts schools should distinguish it from Phillips Academy Andover.
Typical admission requirements include:
- Application
- Academic records
- Teacher recommendations
- Student information
- Interview
- Essays or other application materials
- Application fee
17. Greater Lawrence Technical School
Greater Lawrence Technical School serves students from communities including Andover, Lawrence, Methuen and North Andover.
It should not technically be classified as a private school because it is a public regional vocational-technical school. However, it is worth mentioning because parents searching for secondary educational options in Andover may encounter it frequently.
The school offers technical and vocational programs alongside academic education.
Admission requirements may include:
- Completed application
- Residency information
- Required admissions documentation
- Academic information
- Application within the specified admissions period
Where applications exceed available places, the school uses an admissions process that can include a lottery.
Documents You Should Prepare Before Applying
Regardless of the private school you choose, preparing important documents early can make the admission process easier.
Academic Transcripts
Students applying to elementary, middle or high school may be required to submit report cards or transcripts from their current or previous school.
Selective schools often review academic history as part of their admission decisions.
Teacher Recommendations
Recommendations are particularly common at independent schools.
For secondary-school applications, schools may ask teachers to comment on the student’s academic performance, classroom participation, character and learning habits.
Entrance Tests and Assessments
Some private schools conduct their own assessments, while highly selective schools may require standardized testing.
Parents should never assume that one school’s testing requirements apply to another school.
Interviews
An interview gives the school an opportunity to learn more about the student and family.
Students may be asked about their interests, academic goals, extracurricular activities and reasons for applying.
Health and Immunization Records
Preschools, elementary schools and childcare providers commonly request health and immunization documentation before enrollment.
Application and Registration Fees
Many private schools charge an application, registration or enrollment fee. The amount and whether the fee is refundable vary from school to school.
Comparison Table of Private Schools in Andover
| School | Location | Main Grades/Level | Type | Possible Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Academy Andover | Andover, MA | 9–12, PG | Independent | Application, interview, testing, transcripts, recommendations |
| The Pike School | Andover, MA | Pre-K–9 | Independent | Application, records, recommendations, assessment |
| St. Augustine School | Andover, MA | Pre-K–8 | Catholic | Application, records, health documents |
| Andover School of Montessori | Andover, MA | Elementary/Middle | Montessori | Application, records, observation/interview |
| Melmark New England | Andover, MA | Specialized | Special Education | Referral, assessments, educational records |
| Professional Center for Child Development | Andover, MA | Specialized | Developmental Education | Referral, assessments, records |
| Anderson School | Andover, MA | Varies | Private/Specialized | Application, records, assessment |
| Brooks School | North Andover, MA | 9–12 | Independent | Application, transcripts, recommendations, interview |
| St. Michael Elementary School | North Andover, MA | Elementary | Catholic | Application, records, health documents |
| Meritor Academy | North Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Early Education | Enrollment forms, health records |
| North Andover KinderCare | North Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Early Education | Enrollment and health documentation |
| Kathy Herward Child Care Center | Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Child Care | Enrollment and health information |
| Next Generation Children’s Center | Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Child Care | Enrollment and health information |
| SHED Children’s Campus | Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Early Education | Enrollment and health records |
| South Main KinderCare | Andover, MA | Early Childhood | Early Education | Enrollment and health records |
| Proctor Academy | Andover, NH | 9–12 | Independent/Boarding | Application, records, recommendations, interview |
| Greater Lawrence Technical School | Andover Area, MA | 9–12 | Public Technical | Application, residency, admissions requirements |
How to Choose a Private School in Andover
Choosing a private school should start with the child’s educational needs rather than simply the school’s name.
Parents should consider the grade level, curriculum, school philosophy, class size, tuition, financial aid, location, transportation, extracurricular activities and admission requirements.
For families seeking a prestigious independent high-school experience, schools such as Phillips Academy Andover and Brooks School may be relevant options to research. Families looking for elementary education can consider options such as The Pike School, St. Augustine School, Andover School of Montessori and St. Michael Elementary School.
Parents of younger children may instead focus on the early-childhood institutions available in Andover and North Andover.
It is also important to distinguish between private schools, specialized schools, childcare centers and public technical schools. Although all of them may appear in a broad search for schools in Andover, their admission processes and educational purposes can be very different.
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Conclusion
Andover and the surrounding North Andover area provide families with a variety of private educational options, ranging from prestigious independent secondary schools and Montessori education to Catholic schools, specialized education and early-childhood programs.
Phillips Academy Andover, The Pike School, St. Augustine School and Andover School of Montessori are among the most recognizable private-school options within Andover itself, while North Andover provides additional choices such as Brooks School and St. Michael Elementary School.
However, parents should remember that there are not 15 traditional K–12 private schools located directly within Andover, Massachusetts. A list of 15 or more therefore needs to include specialized institutions, early-childhood providers and nearby schools.
Before applying, check the school’s current grade availability, application deadline, tuition, testing requirements, interview process, required documents and financial-aid policies. Requirements can change from one academic year to another, so confirming the latest information directly with the school is always important.
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