For the 2025 school year, there are 7 private elementary schools serving 1,910 students in Dorchester, MA.
The top ranked private elementary schools in Dorchester, MA include Boston College High School, St. John Paul Ii Catholic Acad.-regional Office, and St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy Columbia Camp.
The average acceptance rate is 100%, which is higher than the Massachusetts private elementary school average acceptance rate of 72%.
71% of private elementary schools in Dorchester, MA are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Top Ranked Dorchester Private Elementary Schools (2025)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Boston College High School![Boston College High School Photo - The labyrinth in our main common area provides a metaphor for the reflective journey you take through life, as well as the internal discovery of yourself. Boston College High School Photo - The labyrinth in our main common area provides a metaphor for the reflective journey you take through life, as well as the internal discovery of yourself.]()

All-boys (Catholic)
150 William T Morrissey Blvd
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 474-5112
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 474-5112
Grades: 7-8
| 315 students
2200 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 265-0019
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 265-0019
Grades: PK-8
| 943 students
790 Columbia Rd
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 265-0019
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 265-0019
Grades: PK-8
| 283 students
Compass
Special Education School
290 Bowdoin St 294
Dorchester, MA 02122
(857) 220-2333
Dorchester, MA 02122
(857) 220-2333
Grades: K-12
| 59 students
Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center![Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center Photo - Together We Can Achieve Anything... Mother Caroline Academy & Education Center Photo - Together We Can Achieve Anything...]()

All-girls (Catholic)
515 Blue Hill Ave
Dorchester, MA 02121
(617) 427-1177
Dorchester, MA 02121
(617) 427-1177
Grades: 3-8
| 70 students
ST. BRENDAN'S SCHOOL
(Catholic)
29 RITA RD.
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 282-3388
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 282-3388
Grades: PK-6
| 215 students
Dorchester, Massachusetts Private Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Msgr. Ryan Memorial High School (Closed 2000)
All-girls (Catholic)
11 Mayhew St.
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 282-2818
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 282-2818
Grades: 9-12
| 172 students
516 Columbia Road
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 825-3883
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 825-3883
Grades: K-8
| 105 students
St. Margaret School (Closed 2004)
(Catholic)
790 Columbia Road
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 282-5621
Dorchester, MA 02125
(617) 282-5621
Grades: 1-8
| 138 students
284 Bowdoin Street
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 282-8573
Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 282-8573
Grades: K-8
| 179 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked private elementary schools in Dorchester, MA?
The top ranked private elementary schools in Dorchester, MA include Boston College High School, St. John Paul Ii Catholic Acad.-regional Office, and St. John Paul Ii Catholic Academy Columbia Camp.
How many private elementary schools are located in Dorchester?
7 private elementary schools are located in Dorchester.
How diverse are private elementary schools in Dorchester?
Dorchester private elementary schools are approximately 68% minority students, which is higher than the Massachusetts private school average of 30%.
What percentage of private elementary schools are religiously affiliated in Dorchester?
71% of private elementary schools in Dorchester are religiously affiliated (most commonly Catholic).
Recent Articles

Educational Podcasts
I've selected some general purpose and some robotics podcasts to enrich your classroom teaching. With over 2 million podcasts available, be careful to review any podcasts you want to use at home or school.

Educating Your Gifted Child
This article provides comprehensive guidance for parents of gifted children, covering identification of giftedness, common characteristics, enrichment strategies, dealing with perfectionism, and selecting appropriate schools. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a gifted child's unique abilities while addressing their social and emotional needs.

June 09, 2025
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed EducatorsNavigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.