At BC High, we believe education is far more than test scores, textbooks, and completing worksheets. Our educational model is rooted in the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis—care for the whole person, and centers on the Jesuit values of competence, conscience, compassion and commitment. We support students through a rigorous academic curriculum, a close-knit environment cultivated by our house system, over 100 athletic teams and co-curricular options, and robust college counseling services.

For curious and motivated boys, an all-boys private school offers greater intellectual engagement and development opportunities than most public high schools. From morning prayer to advanced academic courses and hands-on service projects, every aspect of life is designed to develop both the mind and the heart. For many families, the unique combination of academic excellence, character development, and Jesuit values is why they choose BC High for their son’s education.

The Key Differences Between Private and Public School Education

Public schools are funded by state, federal, and local governments, and they must accept students who live in the school district. Given those geographic restrictions, instruction quality and student engagement may vary greatly. However, Boston Public Schools offer school choice, allowing parents to register at several schools, ranked by preference. For families who use school choice, a computerized system may make the ultimate decision on where their child will go to school, balancing school seat availability and proximity.

Boston’s public schools are some of the most diverse in the country, and give students the opportunity to learn about other cultures. Boston’s public school curriculum is set by the state, and may be tailored to fit MCAS testing requirements rather than student needs, ability levels, or interests. 

On the other hand, private schools are funded through tuition, endowments, and donations, though many schools offer financial aid to qualifying families. One advantage of private school education is the freedom to set the curriculum, updating courses to include new and emerging research and offering electives based on student interest. These schools tend to employ teachers with advanced degrees in their subject who exhibit a high degree of expertise. Lastly, private schools are more selective in their admissions, ensuring high-level classroom discourse.  

The Pros & Cons of Public School in Boston

Pros:

  1. Low cost: Public school costs are paid through local and state taxes.
  2. Diverse student population: Boston’s public schools have students from over 139 countries
  3. Close to home: In many cases, your public school is based on your location, so your son’s school is likely nearby.

Cons:

  1. May lack academic rigor: State curriculum may be centered around MCAS testing.
  2. Little college support: Public schools offer little hands-on college counseling support.
  3. Little individual attention or support: Large classrooms make it hard to challenge or support individual students.

The Pros & Cons of Private School in Boston

Pros:

  1. Academically challenging: Private school curricula tend to be more rigorous.
  2. College admissions support: Personalized support as your child applies to college.
  3. Diverse co-curriculars and athletics: Numerous activities that fit your child’s unique interests.

Cons:

  1. Tuition costs: Families must pay for private school costs, or seek financial aid.
  2. May be further from home: Private schools may be further away than a local public school.
  3. Limited services for special education: Most private schools will not have special education offerings.

6 Reasons Why Parents Choose BC High

1. Character Focused Values: ​​

Our Jesuit values are integrated into every facet of school life, from curriculum to athletics to service projects. We follow the Jesuit ideal of living compassionately in service of others, and emphasize character building and ethical development in our students.

2. Access to Academic Support:

The Academic Resource Center is available to all BC High students. ARC staff help students develop the organization, time management, and study skills they need to excel in high school, college, and beyond.

3. College Preparation:

BC High offers robust college preparation services that deliver results: our students matriculate to top colleges nationwide, with acceptances to Ivy League and top-tier universities higher than the national average. Our post-secondary seminar during junior and senior years guides students through every step of the college admissions process with hands-on support.

4. Diverse Co-Curriculars and Athletics:

We support students’ diverse interests through our 100+ co-curricular activities, including athletic teams, intramural sports teams, clubs, and arts programs.

5. Urban Location with Global Reach:

Nestled in the heart of Boston, BC High students have the opportunity to serve local communities. Additionally, our global education programs offer outreach initiatives in countries around the world.

6. Brotherhood and Community:

A BC High education extends far beyond the classroom. We educate the whole person— head, heart, and hands—to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for the complex challenges they will face. The lifelong connections made at BC High extend into adulthood, and one of the benefits of BC High is our vibrant alumni network that will continue to support your son long after he graduates.

How to Decide Between Public and Private School for My Child

Selecting the right school begins with understanding your son—his learning style, his interests, and the kind of environment where he will be most supported and inspired. Families should take time to reflect on their child’s academic goals, social needs, and personal talents to determine whether a private school setting like BC High could help him flourish. It’s also important to consider practical factors such as:

However, the best way to make an informed decision is to experience the campus firsthand. We invite you to schedule a visit at BC High to learn more about how our Jesuit approach to education can help your son grow into a young man of competence, conscience, and compassion.

Making A Decision

Our commitment to educating the whole person through rigorous academics, ongoing academic support, diverse co-curricular activities and athletic teams, and complementary college counseling services makes BC High Boston’s premier choice for private, Jesuit, Catholic education for grades 7-12. To learn more about why BC High may be the right school for your son, schedule a visit, attend an open house, or reach out to our enrollment team to learn more.