By Eddie Franklin Choosing the right private school is an important decision for parents who want to give their children a strong academic foundation, supportive learning environment, and opportunities for personal development. Andover, Massachusetts, is particularly known for its outstanding educational institutions, including highly selective independent schools, Montessori schools, Catholic schools, specialized learning centers, and private early-childhood programs.
However, there is an important distinction to make when searching for private schools in Andover. The town itself does not have 15 traditional K–12 private schools. Therefore, this list includes established private educational institutions in Andover as well as a few reputable private schools in nearby North Andover and Methuen.
Whether you are searching for a preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, specialized program, or an independent boarding school, the following options can help you understand what is available and what you may need when applying.
Top Private Schools In Andover And Requirements
1. Phillips Academy Andover
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: 9–12 and postgraduate
Phillips Academy Andover is arguably the most internationally recognized school associated with the town. Founded in 1778, the independent school provides both boarding and day-school options for high school students.
The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum covering sciences, humanities, mathematics, languages, arts, athletics, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Because admission is highly selective, students generally need to demonstrate strong academic ability as well as interests and achievements outside the classroom.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be expected to provide:
- Completed admission application
- Academic transcripts and school reports
- English teacher recommendation
- Mathematics teacher recommendation
- Counselor or principal recommendation
- Personal recommendation
- Student essays
- Graded writing sample
- Interview
- Standardized test scores
- Parent/guardian information
International applicants may also need to demonstrate English-language proficiency.
Financial aid is available for qualifying families, making the school an option worth researching even for families who cannot afford the full cost of attendance.
2. The Pike School
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: Preschool through Grade 9
The Pike School is an independent school designed primarily for younger students. Its program combines academics with opportunities for creativity, collaboration, athletics, and personal development.
With classes extending through Grade 9, Pike can serve families who want an independent-school environment before their children eventually move into a secondary school.
Admission Requirements
Requirements can vary by grade, but families may generally need:
- Completed application
- Student information
- Previous school records
- Parent/guardian information
- Teacher recommendations for older applicants
- Student visit or assessment
- Parent meeting or interview where applicable
- Enrollment documentation
Parents should begin the process early because spaces in popular grade levels can be limited.
3. St. Augustine Elementary School
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
St. Augustine Elementary School is a Catholic school providing education from the early years through middle school.
The school combines academic instruction with Catholic values and religious formation, making it particularly relevant to families looking for a faith-based private education.
Admission Requirements
Parents may be required to submit:
- Application form
- Birth certificate
- Previous school records
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration documents
- Required fees
- Student assessment where applicable
Families should also check whether there are additional requirements relating to religious affiliation or participation.
4. Andover School of Montessori
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: Preschool through Grade 8
Andover School of Montessori follows the Montessori educational philosophy, which emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, exploration, and developmentally appropriate education.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional teacher-led instruction, Montessori classrooms encourage students to learn through carefully designed activities and practical experiences.
Admission Requirements
Typical requirements may include:
- Application
- Child’s birth information
- Previous school records
- Parent/guardian information
- School visit
- Student observation
- Age or grade eligibility
- Enrollment forms
- Health records
A school visit can be particularly useful for parents who are unfamiliar with the Montessori approach.
5. Melmark New England
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Specialized education
Melmark New England is different from a conventional private school. It provides specialized educational and support services for children and young people with complex learning and developmental needs.
For families whose children require individualized educational support, institutions such as Melmark can provide an alternative to mainstream private schools.
Admission Requirements
Because eligibility is based on individual educational needs, families may be asked for:
- Previous educational records
- Individualized Education Program (IEP)
- Psychological or educational evaluations
- Medical documentation where relevant
- Referral information
- Parent/guardian information
- Assessment results
- Other documentation required to determine eligibility
Parents should speak directly with the institution before beginning the admission process.
6. Anderson School
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Specialized education
Anderson School is another specialized educational option serving students who may need an educational environment different from a conventional classroom.
Specialized schools typically focus on individualized learning plans, additional educational support, and the particular needs of each student.
Admission Requirements
Depending on the student’s circumstances, families may need:
- Student educational records
- IEP documentation
- Professional evaluations
- Referral documents
- Previous school reports
- Parent/guardian information
- Student assessment
- Eligibility documentation
The admission process is likely to depend more on student needs than on a conventional application alone.
7. Kathy Herward Child Care Center
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Early childhood education and care
For parents looking for private educational care for younger children, the Kathy Herward Child Care Center is another option to consider in Andover.
Early-childhood programs typically place greater emphasis on age eligibility, health documentation, child development, and available spaces than on competitive academic admissions.
Admission Requirements
Parents may generally need:
- Enrollment application
- Child’s birth information
- Parent/guardian details
- Emergency contacts
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Enrollment agreement
- Tuition/payment arrangements
Because childcare spaces can fill quickly, parents should inquire about availability well in advance.
8. Next Generation Children’s Center
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Early childhood education
Next Generation Children’s Center provides educational and childcare services for young children.
It can be considered by parents who want their children to begin developing social, cognitive, communication, and early academic skills in a structured environment.
Admission Requirements
Common enrollment requirements include:
- Application
- Child information
- Parent/guardian information
- Birth documentation
- Health and immunization records
- Emergency contact information
- Age eligibility
- Enrollment agreement
- Tuition arrangements
Requirements can vary depending on the child’s age and the specific program.
9. Professional Center for Child Development
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Specialized education and child development services
The Professional Center for Child Development provides specialized services for children who may require additional developmental, educational, or therapeutic support.
It is therefore different from a traditional private elementary or secondary school.
Admission Requirements
Families may need to provide:
- Developmental information
- Educational records
- Professional assessments
- Referral documentation
- Health information
- Parent/guardian details
- Individualized education documents where applicable
An evaluation may be required before a child can participate in a particular program.
10. The Shed Children’s Campus
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: Preschool and kindergarten-age programs
The Shed Children’s Campus is another option for families searching for early-childhood education in Andover.
The program focuses on young children, meaning its enrollment requirements are generally centered on age, health, availability, and family documentation.
Admission Requirements
Parents may be asked to submit:
- Enrollment application
- Child’s birth information
- Parent/guardian information
- Emergency contacts
- Health records
- Immunization documentation
- Registration forms
- Tuition arrangements
Parents should ask about the available age groups and current openings before applying.
11. South Main KinderCare
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Preschool and childcare
South Main KinderCare is another early-childhood option for families in Andover.
The program is more focused on childcare and early learning than the traditional private-school model used by institutions such as Phillips Academy or Pike School.
Admission Requirements
Typical requirements can include:
- Child’s age and birth information
- Enrollment application
- Parent/guardian details
- Health records
- Immunization information
- Emergency contacts
- Tuition arrangements
- Required childcare documentation
Availability may depend on the child’s age and the number of spaces in each classroom.
12. Brooks School
Location: North Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: 9–12
Located in neighboring North Andover, Brooks School is a private college-preparatory boarding and day school.
For families searching for a private high school near Andover, Brooks provides another major option. Students can participate in academics, athletics, arts, leadership activities, and other extracurricular programs.
Admission Requirements
Applicants generally need:
- Completed application
- Personal essays
- Academic transcripts
- School recommendations
- English teacher recommendation
- Mathematics teacher recommendation
- Counselor or principal recommendation
- Interview
- Standardized testing
- Parent/guardian information
International applicants may also have additional English-language requirements.
Because Brooks is a competitive independent school, families should pay attention to application deadlines and begin preparing documents early.
13. Saint Michael School
Location: North Andover, Massachusetts
Grades: Elementary and middle school
Saint Michael School is a Catholic school in nearby North Andover. It provides an alternative for families looking for private elementary and middle-school education within the wider Andover area.
The school combines academic instruction with Catholic education and character development.
Admission Requirements
Parents may be required to provide:
- Completed application
- Previous academic records
- Birth certificate
- Health and immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration forms
- Required fees
- Possible student assessment
Parents should also inquire about religious requirements and available spaces for the desired grade.
14. St. Monica’s School
Location: Methuen, Massachusetts
Type: Catholic private school
St. Monica’s School in nearby Methuen gives families another private-school option within the wider Andover area.
Its Catholic educational model combines conventional academic subjects with faith formation and character development.
Admission Requirements
Depending on the grade, applicants may need:
- Admission application
- Student records
- Birth certificate
- Health documentation
- Immunization records
- Parent/guardian information
- Registration documents
- Possible assessment or interview
Families should confirm current grade offerings and admission policies before applying.
15. Russian School of Mathematics – Andover
Location: Andover, Massachusetts
Type: Mathematics enrichment
Russian School of Mathematics, commonly known as RSM, is different from a full-time private school. It provides specialized mathematics education and enrichment.
For parents looking to strengthen a child’s mathematics ability alongside their regular school education, it can be an option worth considering.
Admission Requirements
Students may generally need:
- Registration
- Student information
- Age/grade information
- Mathematics placement assessment where applicable
- Parent/guardian information
- Tuition registration
The appropriate program is generally determined according to the student’s age and mathematics level.
General Requirements for Private Schools in Andover
While requirements differ from one institution to another, there are several documents and steps that frequently appear in private-school admissions.
1. Completed Application
Most schools require an application containing information about the student and family.
2. Previous Academic Records
Elementary, middle, and high school applicants may need to submit report cards, transcripts, or other records from their previous schools.
3. Entrance Examination or Assessment
Some private schools use entrance assessments to determine whether a student is academically prepared for a particular grade.
4. Teacher Recommendations
Competitive independent schools may require recommendations from teachers who know the student academically.
5. Interview
Some schools conduct student and/or parent interviews as part of their admission process.
6. Standardized Test Scores
Selective secondary schools may require standardized testing such as the SSAT or another approved examination.
7. Health and Immunization Records
Preschools and elementary schools commonly require health and vaccination documentation before enrollment.
8. Birth Certificate and Identification
You may need to provide documentation verifying the child’s identity and date of birth.
9. Financial Aid Documents
Families seeking financial assistance may have to complete a separate financial-aid application and provide information about household finances.
10. Application or Registration Fee
Some schools charge an application, registration, or enrollment fee. The amount varies significantly from one school to another.
How to Choose the Right Private School in Andover
The most expensive or selective school is not automatically the right school for every child. Parents should consider the child’s needs and the family’s circumstances.
Consider the Child’s Age
A school specializing in preschool education will obviously have a different structure from a college-preparatory high school.
Consider the Educational Philosophy
Families can choose among traditional independent education, Montessori education, Catholic education, specialized education, and mathematics enrichment.
Consider Day Versus Boarding
For high school students, parents may need to decide whether a day school or boarding-school experience is more appropriate.
Consider Tuition and Financial Aid
Private-school tuition varies considerably. Families should examine the complete cost, including application fees, transportation, meals, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and other expenses.
Consider Location
A school may appear attractive academically but become inconvenient if daily transportation is difficult. Schools in North Andover and Methuen can broaden the options available to Andover families.
Visit the School
Whenever possible, visit the school before making a final decision. A campus visit can help parents and students understand the learning environment, facilities, teachers, and school culture.
Comparison Table: Top Private Schools in Andover
| School | Location | Grade/Program | School Type | Common Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phillips Academy Andover | Andover | 9–12, PG | Independent/Boarding & Day | Application, transcripts, recommendations, testing, interview |
| The Pike School | Andover | Preschool–9 | Independent | Application, records, assessment/visit |
| St. Augustine Elementary | Andover | PK–8 | Catholic | Application, records, health documents |
| Andover School of Montessori | Andover | PK–8 | Montessori | Application, records, observation/visit |
| Melmark New England | Andover | Specialized | Special Education | IEP, evaluations, records, eligibility |
| Anderson School | Andover | Specialized | Special Education | Records, evaluation, referral |
| Kathy Herward Child Care Center | Andover | Early Childhood | Childcare/Education | Application, health records, age eligibility |
| Next Generation Children’s Center | Andover | Early Childhood | Childcare/Education | Application, health records, age eligibility |
| Professional Center for Child Development | Andover | Specialized | Child Development | Referral, evaluations, records |
| The Shed Children’s Campus | Andover | PK–K | Early Childhood | Application, health records |
| South Main KinderCare | Andover | Early Childhood | Childcare/Education | Enrollment, health records |
| Brooks School | North Andover | 9–12 | Independent/Boarding & Day | Application, transcript, recommendations, testing, interview |
| Saint Michael School | North Andover | Elementary–Middle | Catholic | Application, records, health documents |
| St. Monica’s School | Methuen | School-age | Catholic | Application, records, health documents |
| Russian School of Mathematics | Andover | Math Enrichment | Specialized Enrichment | Registration, placement assessment |
Related
Conclusion
Andover and its surrounding communities provide families with a wide range of private educational choices. From prestigious independent schools such as Phillips Academy Andover and Brooks School to Montessori, Catholic, early-childhood, specialized, and mathematics-focused programs, parents have several different educational models to consider.
The most important thing is to match the school with the student’s age, academic needs, learning style, family values, location, and budget. Admission requirements can also vary considerably. A highly selective secondary school may require transcripts, teacher recommendations, essays, interviews, and standardized tests, while a preschool may primarily require age verification, health records, and enrollment documentation.
Families should therefore begin their research early, prepare the necessary documents, check application deadlines, and confirm the latest admission requirements with each school before applying.
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