#1 Best Independent 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 Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
The highest-graded schools of this kind in Essex County, MA. Top 11 of 11 schools.
#2 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
Tower School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Smaller classes than 80% of independent schools in Massachusetts
Marblehead, MA
A+Overall grade219 students4 students per teacher
#3 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
Shore Country Day School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
The smallest classes of any independent school in Beverly
Beverly, MA
A+Overall grade275 students5 students per teacher
#4 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
Glen Urquhart School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 6 students per teacher
Beverly, MA
AOverall grade174 students6 students per teacher
#5 Best Independent 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
#6 Best Independent 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
#7 Best Independent 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
#8 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
Waldorf School at Moraine Farm
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Serving families in Beverly since at least 2011
Beverly, MA
BOverall grade102 students9 students per teacher
#9 Best Independent Schools in Essex County, MA
Brookwood School
Independent school · Grades Pre-K–8
Small classes: about 8 students per teacher
Manchester, MA
BOverall grade262 students8 students per teacher
#10 Best Independent 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
#11 Best Independent 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.