Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 405 students
- Yearly Tuition: $79,600
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / Jan. 31
- Source: ✓Verified school update
The Governors Academy
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 405 students
- Yearly Tuition: $79,600
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / Jan. 31
- Source: ✓Verified school update
Upcoming Events
School Rankings
The Governors Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Resources
School Facts
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade
Year Founded
1763
First Day of School
Mon. Sep 14, 2026
Last Day of School
Mon. May 31, 2027
Campus Size
456 acres
School Motto
Non Sibi Sed Aliis
Student Body
Total Students
405 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 31%
Academic Profile
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
73%
Average Class Size
11 students
Average Percentile SSAT
81%
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Number of AP Courses
28 courses
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / Jan. 31
Yearly Tuition Cost
$79,600
Tuition Notes
$79,600 for boarding students
$64,900 for day students
% on Financial Aid
30%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$57,670
Acceptance Rate
23%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Mike Kinnealey
Endowment Size
$110 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
17 sports
Colors
Cardinal & White
School Mascot
The Governor
School Notes
- The Governor's Academy, an independent school north of Boston, draws bright, bold students in grades 9 through 12 from all over the world into an open and optimistic learning community.
- Whether boarding or day, students are surrounded by dedicated faculty and staff on a beautiful, 456-acre campus.
- Govs students strive for excellence, discover new passions, and go further than they ever thought possible.
- Bright, bold, and ambitious students have been learning and growing at The Governor's Academy, the oldestboarding school in New England, for over 250 years. Located in Byfield, Massachusetts, thirty-three miles north of Boston and five miles south ofNewburyport, our independent school's expansive campus is bordered by the Parker River and the Great Marsh.
- The Governor's Academy is an open, optimistic learning community filled with life-changing opportunities. Students in ninth through twelfth grade learn and grow atGovernor's in our classrooms, studios, theaters, fields, and courts. Surrounded by friends and teachers, our students discover and develop their passions acrossacademics,arts, andathletics, and achieve excellence.With a history as long and rich as ours, traditions at Governor's create a lasting bond between generations of students, faculty, and staff.
- Whether you remember delivering a Chapel Talk,hosting the Special Olympics Soccer Tournament, enjoying the HolidayFeast after the Candlelight Service, laughing with friends on a Saturday night at Mansion House, or jumping the wall at Commencement, these memories last a lifetime. It's in these traditions-experienced together-that the spirit of our school comes to life.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Booker T. Washington Jr. - Son of famous abolitionist, statesman and author
- Yu Kil Chun - First Korean to study in West; essayist and social reformer
- Theophilus Parsons - Helped draft Bill of Rights and developed US judiciary system
- Edward Preble - Commodore of the USS Constitution
- Dan Gadzuric - NBA basketball player
- Jeb Bradley - Congressman - New Hampshire
- Samuel Phillips - Founder of Phillips Academy, Andover
- Duncan Robinson - NBA basketball player
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Governors Academy cost?
The Governors Academy's tuition is approximately $79,600 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Governors Academy?
The acceptance rate of The Governors Academy is 23%, which is lower than the national average of 71%. The Governors Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Massachusetts with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from The Governors Academy?
The Governors Academy famous alumni include: Booker T. Washington Jr., Yu Kil Chun, Theophilus Parsons, Edward Preble, Dan Gadzuric, Jeb Bradley, Samuel Phillips and Duncan Robinson.
What sports does The Governors Academy offer?
The Governors Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. The Governors Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for most sports offered.
What is The Governors Academy's ranking?
The Governors Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for The Governors Academy?
The application deadline for The Governors Academy is Jan. 15 / Jan. 31.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed The Governors Academy also viewed these schools: Phillips Academy Andover, Pingree School, Brooks School, Phillips Exeter Academy and Middlesex School.
The nearest high school to The Governors Academy is Solstice School (1.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is North Shore Montessori School (2.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
Distance: 13.8 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 1,154 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 25 | Extracurriculars: 54
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Distance: 7.4 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 394 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 20
537 Highland St
South Hamilton, MA 01982
(978) 468-4415
Distance: 9.7 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 351 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 16 | Extracurriculars: 28
Episcopal
1160 Great Pond Road
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 725-6255
Distance: 16.3 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 1,106 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 22
Alternative School
20 Main St
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Distance: 29.7 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 429 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 20 | Extracurriculars: 71
1400 Lowell Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
Distance: 13.8 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 1,154 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 25 | Extracurriculars: 54
180 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749-4050
Distance: 7.4 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 394 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 20
537 Highland St
South Hamilton, MA 01982
(978) 468-4415
Distance: 9.7 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 351 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 16 | Extracurriculars: 28
Episcopal
1160 Great Pond Road
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 725-6255
Distance: 16.3 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 1,106 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 22
Alternative School
20 Main St
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 777-3437
Distance: 29.7 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 429 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 20 | Extracurriculars: 71
1400 Lowell Road
Concord, MA 01742
(978) 371-6524
Distance: 35.0 mi
Gr: K-12 | 1,020 students
Avg. class size: 14 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 56
170 Centre Street
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 898-1798
Distance: 12.6 mi
Gr: 6-12 | 173 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 6 | Extracurriculars: 19
35 Standley Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 827-8793
Distance: 10.5 mi
Gr: K-12 | 212 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 4 | Extracurriculars: 1
Christian
97 Oxford Ave. & 320 S Main Street
Haverhill, MA 01835
(978) 373-7961
Distance: 18.8 mi
Gr: 6-12 | 795 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 21 | Extracurriculars: 23
Catholic
101 Willow St.
Reading, MA 01867
(781) 944-4900
Distance: 27.5 mi
Gr: 7-12 | 471 students
Avg. class size: 11 students
Sports: 16
All-boys
350 Prospect Street
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 993-5220
Distance: 28.7 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 1,044 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 68
80 Gerry's Landing Rd
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 547-6100
Distance: 15.0 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 432 students
Avg. class size: 16 students
Sports: 11 | Extracurriculars: 17
Christian
83 Pine Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 535-7100
Distance: 13.2 mi
Gr: PK-8 | 214 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 6
74 Hart St
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 927-1064
Distance: 32.1 mi
Gr: PK-12 | 404 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 10 | Extracurriculars: 23
69 Middlesex Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 566-7462
Distance: 3.7 mi
Gr: NS-12 | 218 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 37
14 Forest Ridge Drive
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 777-4699
Distance: 1.3 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 27 students
Special Education School
20 Bowlery Dr
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 948-2346
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: PK-6 | 43 students
Extracurriculars: 4
Montessori School
121 Wethersfield St
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 495-2244
Distance: 3.7 mi
Gr: NS-12 | 218 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 37
14 Forest Ridge Drive
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 777-4699
Distance: 4.4 mi
Gr: NS-PK
Daycare / Preschool
151 Low St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-8152
Distance: 4.5 mi
Gr: K-8 | 201 students
Catholic
1 Washington St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-7780
Distance: 1.3 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 27 students
Special Education School
20 Bowlery Dr
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 948-2346
Distance: 3.7 mi
Gr: NS-12 | 218 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 37
14 Forest Ridge Drive
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 777-4699
Distance: 7.4 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 394 students
Avg. class size: 13 students
Sports: 20
537 Highland St
South Hamilton, MA 01982
(978) 468-4415
Distance: 7.9 mi
Gr: 8-12 | 10 students
Special Education School
102 W Main St
Merrimac, MA 01860
(978) 384-8290
Distance: 9.7 mi
Gr: 9-12 | 351 students
Avg. class size: 12 students
Sports: 16 | Extracurriculars: 28
Episcopal
1160 Great Pond Road
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 725-6255
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: PK-6 | 43 students
Extracurriculars: 4
Montessori School
121 Wethersfield St
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 495-2244
Distance: 3.7 mi
Gr: NS-12 | 218 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 37
14 Forest Ridge Drive
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 777-4699
Distance: 4.5 mi
Gr: K-8 | 201 students
Catholic
1 Washington St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-7780
Distance: 7.3 mi
Gr: 5-8 | 84 students
Special Education School
194 R Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-3114
Distance: 7.9 mi
Gr: 8-12 | 10 students
Special Education School
102 W Main St
Merrimac, MA 01860
(978) 384-8290
Distance: 2.2 mi
Gr: PK-6 | 43 students
Extracurriculars: 4
Montessori School
121 Wethersfield St
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 495-2244
Distance: 3.7 mi
Gr: NS-12 | 218 students
Avg. class size: 15 students
Sports: 19 | Extracurriculars: 37
14 Forest Ridge Drive
Rowley, MA 01969
(978) 777-4699
Distance: 4.4 mi
Gr: NS-PK
Daycare / Preschool
151 Low St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-8152
Distance: 4.5 mi
Gr: PK-K | 99 students
Montessori School
20 Pleasant St
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-7165
Distance: 4.8 mi
Gr: NS-PK | 40 students
Daycare / Preschool
1 Daniel Lucy Way
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-5649
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Wm Diamond Middle School
(Math: 84% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
99 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 861-2460
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 861-2460
9495.1 miles
Gr: 6-8 | 936 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
John Glenn Middle School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
99 Mcmahon Road
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 275-3201
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 275-3201
9495.3 miles
Gr: 6-8 | 604 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Joseph Estabrook
(Math: 76% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
117 Grove Street
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 861-2520
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 861-2520
9495.3 miles
Gr: K-5 | 490 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Bedford High School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
9 Mudge Way
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 275-1700
Bedford, MA 01730
(781) 275-1700
9495.4 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 868 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Clyde Reeves
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 Lexington Street
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 937-8240
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 937-8240
9495.4 miles
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
School Reviews
5 2/29/2020
This school has been wonderful for our child. She is a sophomore boarder which was a hard choice for us but ended up being the best thing by far for her. Academics are far better than her previous school. The faculty and staff are incredibly kind. The kids are encouraged to try new things, ranging from sports and arts to academic pursuits. They are stretched and academics aren't always easy, but the overall ethos is one of kindness. She is amazingly happy at Govs, and we are beyond thrilled with Governors. it all seems to work out in the end.
Endorse The Governors 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
When Your Child Outpaces the Private School Curriculum
Learn what parents can do when a child finishes private school coursework early, including acceleration, curriculum compacting, advanced classes, enrichment, and signs the school needs a new plan.
How Much Teacher Access Does Your Child Get?
Learn how to evaluate teacher access at private schools, including extra-help time, advising, communication, academic support, and the questions families should ask before choosing a school today.
When a Private School Teacher Leaves Midyear
When a private school teacher leaves midyear, parents need clear answers. Learn what schools should do, what children may experience, and when a departure signals deeper concerns.
Request Info
Did You Know?
The average private school tuition in Essex County, MA is $26,952 for elementary schools and $45,503 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Essex County, MA is 74% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).
Most Popular Articles
Quick Links
SCHOOL SEARCH TOOLS:
SCHOOL BY TYPE (MA):
- Blue Ribbon (9)
- All-girls (21)
- All-boys (31)
- Montessori (69)
- Daycare / Preschools (576)
- Summer School Programs (180)
- Dual Language Immersion Programs (8)
- Special Education (116)
- Alternative (32)
- ADD/ADHD Support (152)
- Online Schools (8)
- Religiously Affiliated (278)
- School Membership Associations (581)
- Schools with famous alumni (96)
OPEN-HOUSES & JOBS:
PUBLIC & BOARDING SCHOOLS:
PRIVATE SCHOOL DATA: