For the 2026 school year, there are 4 private preschools serving 1,117 students in Dorchester Center, MA.
The top-ranked private preschools in Dorchester Center, MA include St. John Paul Lower Mills and St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy.
The average acceptance rate is 99%, which is higher than the Massachusetts private preschool average acceptance rate of 81%.
Top-Ranked Dorchester Center Private Preschools (2026)
School
Location
Quick Facts
St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy
(Catholic)
2214 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0019
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0019
Gr: PK-8 | 466 students Avg. class size: 15 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
St. John Paul Lower Mills
(Catholic)
2200 Columbia Rd
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0019
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0019
Gr: PK-8 | 419 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Epiphany School
(Episcopal)
154 Centre St
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 326-0425
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 326-0425
Gr: PK-8 | 120 students Avg. class size: 15 students
Wesley Child Care Center
Daycare / Preschool (Catholic)
29 Stanton St
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 436-5800
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 436-5800
Gr: PK-K | 112 students
Dorchester Center, Massachusetts Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
The Joy Of Learning Montessori Institute (Closed 2013)
Montessori School
533 Washington St
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0021
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
(617) 265-0021
Gr: K | 52 students
Overview
This Town (Dorchester Center)
This State (MA)
# Schools
4 Schools
Student Body:
# Students
1,117 Students
77,982 Students
% Average Students of Color
98%
33%
Academics and Faculty:
# Teachers
76 Teachers
7,874 Teachers
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
10:1
Average Class Size
15 students
15 students
Average Number of AP Courses
15 courses
13 courses
Tuition and Acceptance Rate:
Average Yearly Tuition Cost
$6,450
$16,788
Average Acceptance Rate
99%
81%
Average Endowment Size
$50 million
$28.43 million
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.52
0.65
# American Indian Students
2 Students
74 Students
% American Indian Students
n/a
n/a
# Asian Students
10 Students
3,267 Students
% Asian Students
1%
4%
# Hispanic Students
76 Students
4,199 Students
% Hispanic Students
7%
6%
# Black Students
713 Students
5,010 Students
% Black Students
64%
7%
# White Students
13 Students
33,860 Students
% White Students
1%
45%
# Hawaiian Students
n/a
56 Students
% Hawaiian Students
n/a
n/a
# Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
% of Two or more races Students
n/a
n/a
# Others Students
303 Students
28,918 Students
% of Others Students
27%
38%
All Ethnic Groups
Extracurriculars and Sports:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked private preschools in Dorchester Center, MA?
The top-ranked private preschools in Dorchester Center, MA include St. John Paul Lower Mills and St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy.
How many private preschools are located in Dorchester Center?
4 private preschools are located in Dorchester Center.
Recent Articles
Private School Fees Increase Mid-Year: A Parent Action Plan
A 2026 parent action plan for managing mid-year private school tuition increases, including contracts, negotiation tips, and financial options.
Private School Scholarship Scams & Red Flags to Watch Out For (2026 Guide)
Learn how to spot private school scholarship scams in 2026, including red flags, real examples, and expert tips to protect families.
Diversity in Private Schools: Progress and Obstacles in 2026
Explore how private schools are advancing diversity in 2026, key gains made, ongoing challenges, and what families should know.