As families across the South Shore begin thinking about the next steps in their children’s education, many are navigating a process that can feel confusing and high-stakes. Alison MacDonald, Vice President of Educational Strategy at BC High, says that parents often want to explore options but may struggle to know where to begin.
“One of the things that we found when we conducted market research last year was that over three-quarters of parents of high school-aged kids are saying things like, I'm really interested in what kinds of options are out there for my children, but I don’t know what to pursue. I almost feel like it's too overwhelming to really do much about it,” MacDonald said.
She encourages families to think in terms of fit, a concept more commonly associated with college searches but just as important for middle and high school. She noted that within her own family, each child needs something different. “For our daughter, who has great creativity, she's very interested in social justice and the arts… she would really benefit from a smaller class size,” MacDonald said.
A useful starting point, she said, is looking closely at a school’s mission and values, then checking whether those ideals show up in daily practice. “Does the school practice what it preaches? They might say, we have really individualized learning, but then you see the class sizes are a lot bigger than you would've expected,” she said. Talking directly with students and families during open houses or tours can reveal whether a school is living out what it claims.
MacDonald acknowledged that many South Shore families live in strong public school districts and may question whether private schools offer enough added value. She pointed to stability and consistency as factors some families consider. “There's that stability that a private school is going to give you,” she said, referencing moments when public school disruptions like strikes or budget layoff issues led families to explore private school options. She also said that during the pandemic, private schools often returned to classrooms sooner.
Academic experience can differ as well. “If you have the opportunity at a private school to be in an AP class of 10 kids versus the same AP class of 27 kids, that might make a big difference to the quality of the instruction,” MacDonald said. She recalled that as an English teacher, small class sizes allowed her to give deeper, more individualized attention to students.
She also highlighted the influence of alumni networks. “Almost every private school is offering things that after kids graduate, they have this sort of… band of brothers that they can reach out to,” she said, noting the connection and support graduates often receive. She contrasted that with her own public school experience, saying she “never saw anything like that as an advantage.” College outcomes also play a role. Acceptance rates are much higher at many private schools, which can be a big factor for parents to consider. “Ask to look at their placement data for universities. That can be telling."
Social concerns also factor into family decisions, especially when students worry about leaving longtime friends. MacDonald said this hesitancy is common. “Most students end up having two really solid groups of friends, one from their hometown and one that they develop within their school,” she said. Open houses and accepted student events, she added, often help students imagine themselves in a new environment.
When comparing two private schools, she said the deciding factor often comes down to in-person experiences. “Every school is going to have a flashy website. Every school is going to say the right things. It's much more about… the feel and what you hear on-site,” MacDonald said. Speaking with families and students already in the school can offer candid insights.
MacDonald also encouraged families not to rule out private school based on cost alone. “Don't be worried about the sticker price. Every school offers financial aid,” she said. The key questions, she added, include what the school values, whether that aligns with the family’s priorities and what experiences the school can offer that differ from their public school.
“There’s not one school in the world that would be a good school for every student,” she said. Finding the right match, she emphasized, depends on understanding fit, values, and the student’s needs.