MOUNT ALVERNIA ACADEMY is a private, coeducational Catholic School for students in nursery through grade six.
Established in 1927 and located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the school is situated on a beautiful campus overlooking Boston College comprised of three buildings, two playground areas, and two playing fields.
Mount Alvernia is a Franciscan Independent Catholic elementary school.
Mount Alvernia Academy is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Board of Education of the Archdiocese of Boston.
MAA was named a 2015 & 2022 National Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence.
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 314 students
- Yearly Tuition: $12,250
- Average class size: 20 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Mount Alvernia Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
Year Founded
1927
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Sat. Aug 30, 2025
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2015, 2022
Student Body
Total Students
314 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
27%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
20 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$12,250
Tuition Notes
Sibling Discounts apply for Preschool - Sixth Grade and Preschool Tuition Schedule Separate
Admissions Director
Mrs. Mary Walsh
Admissions Associate
Daniel Griffin
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
5 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
6 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Art ClubChess Club
Extended Day Program (until 5:45 PM)Glee Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Band
Recreational Athletic Programs:
After School Sports Program
School Notes
- School Motto: God made me to live, not just for myself, but to share my gifts with others.
- Mount Alvernia Academy provides an unparalleled education for children from Preschool through Sixth Grade. Committed to develeping each student - intellectually, spiritually, and phycially - in an environment that celebrates community and friendship, we prepare the students for the challenges of tomorrow.
- With the goal of building a strong foundation in academic areas and critical thinking skills, the students study mathematics, reading, writing, science, and foreign language using technology, project-based learning, problem-solving strategies, and creative educational endeavors.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mount Alvernia Academy cost?
Mount Alvernia Academy's tuition is approximately $12,250 for private students.
What sports does Mount Alvernia Academy offer?
Mount Alvernia Academy offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Intramural Sports Only and Rugby.
What is Mount Alvernia Academy's ranking?
Mount Alvernia Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Mount Alvernia Academy?
The application deadline for Mount Alvernia Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 10/6/2023
Mt. Alvernia Academy has provided our family with a strong community and robust academics in all aspects of the school -- classroom experience, on the athletic fields, and while exploring the expansive campus. We joined the MAA community in 2009 and are consistently impressed by the quality of instruction and care in how MAA addresses all aspects of child development. As a fellow educator, I'm impressed with MAA's strong and clear curricular goals. My 3 children, with different personalities and learning profiles, felt seen and heard at MAA ~ and as they transitioned to their secondary schools, continue to return to MAA to remain involved with the community. Check it out!
5 5/12/2023
"I have an extraordinary experience with my 5-year-old son at a hidden gem school in the Chestnut Hill area. It's located in a safe and vibrant community, and has amazing teachers and parents working together."
5 5/12/2023
"I have an extraordinary experience with my 5-year-old son at a hidden gem school in the Chestnut Hill area. It's located in a safe and vibrant community, and has amazing teachers and parents working together."
Endorse Mount Alvernia Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

The End of Teacher Tenure As We Know It?
Teacher tenure in our public schools is under attack. Will tenure as we know it survive? Some thoughts here.

Schools for Gifted Children
Teaching gifted children requires deft handling. These children need intellectual and sensory stimulation. But they also need guidance and careful nurturing so that they grow up handling their special gifts and themselves appropriately.

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.