Saint Columbkille Partnership School has a long history of educating children to become their best selves in a safe and caring learning environment.
We are a Catholic school with a rich tradition of forming the whole child.
Our partnership with Boston College, including our designation as a laboratory school, enables us to advance our inquiry-based curriculum, enhance the professional development of our faculty, and revitalize our building.
We are a national model for Catholic education, fusing tradition with innovation.
Our partnership with St. Columbkille Parish allows us to ground our learning in faith.
Our teachers are committed to their work and care deeply for their students.
The majority of our teachers have a master's degree or continue to study at Boston College.
We view families as full partners in the educational process and it is this relationship that ensures a warm community atmosphere.
We encourage you to visit our school and experience that environment firsthand.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 371 students
- Yearly Tuition: $9,200
- Acceptance rate: 47%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Saint Columbkille Partnership School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Language-based, Mild Learning Differences, Specific Learning Disability
Year Founded
1901
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 1, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
2
Student Body
Total Students
371 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
42%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
98%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
15 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Please visit our website to see images of uniforms.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $10,150 to $12,150 depending on the grade level. Financial aid is available.
Discounts for multiple children from one family. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
% on Financial Aid
47%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$3,200
Acceptance Rate
47%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Rachel Rumely
Admissions Associate
Emily Fonte
Application URL
Endowment Size
$1 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
14 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
21 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Archery Club, Art Club, Best Buddies, Chess Club, Dance Club, Drama Club, Fit Kids Club, Garden Club, Junior Choir, Knitting Club, Math Club, Rowing Club, Service Club, Ski Club, Strong Women Strong Girls, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Instrumental Lessons, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Field Hockey Club, Sports Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Educating through faith, service, and leadership.
- School Mascot: Crusader
- Saint Columbkille Partnership School is a pre-K through Grade 8 Roman Catholic lab school located in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood of Boston. Since 1901, Saint Columbkille has been a mainstay within its surrounding community, and has educated children for many generations.In 2018, Saint Columbkille Partnership School wasdesignated as a laboratory schoolof Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development. The majority of our teachers and administrators are credentialed with graduate degrees fully funded by Boston College.The mission of Saint Columbkille Partnership School has driven its dedicated faculty and staff to build a sustainable educational model that serves local families. Reestablished in 2006 as a Partnership School, the resources of theArchdiocese of Boston,Boston College,andSt. Columbkille Parishare combined to offer a rigorous and comprehensive education rooted in Gospel teaching and committed to Catholic educational and religious traditions. As a result of this unique collaboration, the school charted a new direction to create a flagship Catholic school in Boston and a new national model of excellence in Catholic early childhood, elementary, and middle school education.We utilize the newest and best practices in education while teaching prospective teachers and future Catholic school administrators. We strive to develop the whole child: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically. Employing Jesuit pedagogy, our school prepares children to live lives of faith, service, and leadership for the greater glory of God and the betterment of society.
- Mission
- Saint Columbkille Partnership School is a community of families, educators, and partners inspired by the values of the Gospel. We are committed to the education of children of all backgrounds in an environment that cultivates respect, mutuality, and care. Rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, we search for the truth with joy, practice the good with conviction, and contemplate the beautiful as we prepare students for lives of faith, service, and leadership.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Edward J. Thomas, Class of 1961 - Noted for his philanthropic contributions. -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Saint Columbkille Partnership School cost?
Saint Columbkille Partnership School's tuition is approximately $9,200 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Saint Columbkille Partnership School?
The acceptance rate of Saint Columbkille Partnership School is 47%, which is lower than the national average of 71%.
Who are famous alumni from Saint Columbkille Partnership School?
Saint Columbkille Partnership School famous alumni include: Edward J. Thomas, Class of 1961 - Noted for his philanthropic contributions..
Does Saint Columbkille Partnership School offer a summer program?
Yes, Saint Columbkille Partnership School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Saint Columbkille Partnership School offer?
Saint Columbkille Partnership School offers 14 interscholastic sports: Archery, Basketball, Crew, Cross Country, E-sports, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Nordic Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is Saint Columbkille Partnership School's ranking?
Saint Columbkille Partnership School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Saint Columbkille Partnership School?
The application deadline for Saint Columbkille Partnership School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Saint Columbkille Partnership School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
First Day of School, Grades K2 - 8 (STCPS Calendar)
August 28, 2025 (Thursday)
First Day of School: 2.9, K0, & K1 (STCPS Calendar)
September 02, 2025 (Tuesday)
Thanksgiving Break - No School (STCPS Calendar)
November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
Last Day of School: 11:05 a.m./11:15 a.m. Dismissal (No After-School Program) (STCPS Calendar)
June 18, 2026 (Thursday)
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Saint Columbkille Partnership School also viewed these schools: New Covenant School, Shady Hill School, Brimmer and May School, Jackson Walnut Park School and Belmont Day School.
The nearest high school to Saint Columbkille Partnership School is Mesivta High School Of Greater Boston (0.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Shaloh House Hebrew Day School (0.3 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-5 | 103 students 6.2 miles 7 Clematis
Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 643-5511
Lexington, MA 02421
(781) 643-5511
6.2
PK-5
103
Grades: PK-8 | 531 students 1.6 miles 178 Coolidge Hill
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
1.6
PK-8
531
Grades: PK-12 | 404 students 1.8 miles 69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 566-7462
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 566-7462
1.8
PK-12
404
Grades: NS-6 | 267 students 2.2 miles 200 Jackson Road
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 202-9772
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 202-9772
2.2
NS-6
267
Grades: PK-8 | 338 students 3.5 miles 55 Day School Lane
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
3.5
PK-8
338
School Reviews
5 11/4/2020
I can not say enough about the quality of the teachers at Saint Columbkille. Every teacher has or is working toward a Masters in Education at Boston College. They are passionate about teaching and committed to the students they lovingly teach. When we survey our parents about what they like most about Saint Cols, it is always the teachers. I am proud to work alongside them.
Endorse Saint Columbkille Partnership School. 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
June 09, 2025
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
June 09, 2025
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the StigmaFinding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
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.
