#1 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Phillips Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
The only independent school in Andover
Andover, MA
A+Overall grade1,154 students6 students per teacher
2026 lists
Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Private high schools in Essex County, MA with the highest overall grades. Top 15 of 15 schools.
#2 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Fellowship Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades K–12
The only Christian school in Methuen
Methuen, MA
A+Overall grade127 students6 students per teacher
#3 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Brooks School
Episcopal school · Grades 9–12
The only Christian school in North Andover
North Andover, MA
A+Overall grade363 students7 students per teacher
#4 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Bradford Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades K–12
Smaller classes than 70% of Christian schools in Massachusetts
Bradford, MA
A+Overall grade186 students7 students per teacher
#5 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Bishop Fenwick High School
Independent Catholic school · Grades 9–12
98% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Peabody, MA
A+Overall grade458 students12 students per teacher
#6 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
The Governors Academy
Independent school · Grades 9–12
99% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Byfield, MA
AOverall grade413 students7 students per teacher
#7 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
St. Johns Preparatory School
Independent Catholic school · Grades 6–12
The only all-boys school in Danvers
Danvers, MA
A-Overall gradeAll boys1,453 students10 students per teacher
#8 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
The Academy at Penguin Hall
Independent school · Grades 9–12
100% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Wenham, MA
B+Overall gradeAll girls107 students7 students per teacher
#9 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Waring School
Independent school · Grades 6–12
96% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Beverly, MA
B+Overall grade165 students7 students per teacher
#10 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Central Catholic
Independent Catholic school · Grades 9–12
The largest of 130 Catholic schools in Massachusetts
Lawrence, MA
BOverall grade1,494 students17 students per teacher
#11 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Greater Grace Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades K–12
A Christian school in Saugus
Saugus, MA
BOverall grade216 students8 students per teacher
#12 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
School Year Abroad
Independent school · Grades 10–12
The only independent school in North Andover
North Andover, MA
BOverall grade168 students8 students per teacher
#13 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Covenant Christian Academy
Christian school (nondenominational) · Grades Pre-K–12
The only Christian school in Peabody
Peabody, MA
BOverall grade392 students10 students per teacher
#14 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School
Independent Catholic school · Grades 9–12
91% of graduates go to four-year colleges
Methuen, MA
BOverall grade283 students14 students per teacher
#15 Best Private High Schools in Essex County, MA
Clark School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–12
The only independent school in Rowley
Rowley, MA
B-Overall grade167 students6 students per teacher
Grades compare each school's official facts, such as class size, how long it has served families and where graduates go, with similar schools. They're a starting point: visit, ask questions and trust what you see.