St. John’s Preparatory Private School

• Location: Danvers, Massachusetts, USA,
• Founded: 1907,
• Age of students: from 10 to 16 years old,
• Type of education: separate, school for boys,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Enrollment in grades 9-12: 1,058,
• Programs: college preparatory, accelerated, honors, Advanced Placement.

Founded in 1907, St. John's Prep is an all-boys school that has provided a high standard of education for more than 116 years, which has been tested by 17,000 graduates who have achieved success in their field.

Brother Benjamin founded the school. It is a Catholic school whose students come from a range of faith traditions. 70% are Catholic. Students come from MA, NH, and ME.

The academic aspirations embedded in the St. John's Prep curriculum manifest themselves in a context that goes beyond traditional textbooks, notes, and tests. Foreign students are given the opportunity to process materials in various disciplines through a practical approach, with a special focus on hands-on learning. In the classroom, laboratory work, simulations are carried out, gamification is used, curricula are flexibly changed, and field trips are arranged. In addition, the participation of colleagues and classmates in presentations is organized - this is how constructive cooperation develops. In every classroom and discipline, St. John's Prep students are constantly motivated to think independently, write proficiently, and express themselves clearly.

The High School uses a seven-day Waterfall Schedule. Counselors help students plan a workload that balances academics, well-being, co-curricular activities, and free time. Freshmen are encouraged to leave a free period in their schedules to adjust to school and complete independent work.

In the Middle School, students join small advisory groups led by a faculty or staff member. These groups meet for 30 minutes each day for independent study, extra help, workshops designed by school counselors, music lessons, and prayer services. In grades 7 and 8, students keep the same subject teachers for two years.

The Center for Learning and Academic Success has learning coaches and a math / science tutor. Middle School students stay with the same counselor through grades 6-8, while High School students work with their counselor for four years, including the college application process. Two members of the counseling team focus exclusively on students' social and emotional well-being.

The High School has nine academic departments.

• The core Middle School disciplines are English, history, science, math, and religious studies,
• Throughout all three years of Middle School, students take computer science, fine arts, physical education, and world language classes,
• The High School has core requirements in computer science, English, fine arts, math, religious studies, science, social studies, and world languages.

In the 2025-26 school year, 438 students took Advanced Placement (AP) exams. They took 982 exams in total. 74% of students who took AP exams received scores of 3 or higher. In spring 2026, the Advanced Placement program recognized 182 students: 76 AP Scholars with Distinction, 35 AP Scholars with Honor, and 71 AP Scholars.

Spring 2026 results for the Class of 2027 showed a mean score of 1199 on the SAT standardized test: 594 in reading and writing and 605 in math. The middle 50% SAT range was 1070-1330.

The Class of 2027 had two National Merit Semi-Finalists and 11 National Merit Commended Students.

The High School Drama Guild has won the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild competition 20 times. Students regularly receive awards at the organization's drama festival for lighting, sound design, and stage production.

• The school mascot is The Eagles,
• Students follow a dress code,
• On the first day of school, current students, faculty, and staff welcome newcomers with a prolonged standing ovation,
• At the end of their junior year, rising seniors receive gold Spire pins to symbolize their role as the oldest students in the school,
• Prep magazine is published twice a year,
• Dusty joined the School Counseling team in 2023 as the school's first facility comfort dog,
• The St. John's Prep Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1985.

Members of the Class of 2026 continued their education at the following institutions:

United States:

• Boston College,
• Boston University,
• Babson College,
• Bentley University,
• Columbia University,
• Cornell University,
• Dartmouth College,
• Georgetown University,
• Georgia Institute of Technology,
• Harvard University,
• Northeastern University,
• Purdue University,
• Rochester Institute of Technology,
• University of Notre Dame,
• University of Pennsylvania,
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

United Kingdom:

• University of St Andrews.

Ireland:

• University College Dublin.

One of the important aspects of studying at St. John's Preparatory School is the integration of international students into the school community: foreign students come here from all over the world, with great enthusiasm, with a desire to receive a quality education. To make the stay of international students as comfortable and convenient as possible, the school provides special opportunities for living outside the campus boundaries.

Most international students choose to live in a boarding house, which is provided by the school: it is located near the educational complex, which provides a quick and convenient transport connection between the place of residence and the classrooms. This allows students to focus on their studies and avoid wasting precious time on the road.

For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere and full immersion in English-speaking culture, the school offers the opportunity to stay with hospitable families. This is a great opportunity to experience the American way of life, immerse yourself in the local culture, and develop your English communication skills in an informal setting.

Daily lunch and a snack are included in Middle School tuition.

St. John's Preparatory School is a member of the MIAA Catholic Conference, where other Catholic high schools are also present: Malden Catholic High School, Boston College High School and Catholic Memorial High School. St. John's Prep is ranked sixth in the conference in some sports.

There are more than 60 circles of interest and extracurricular activities – although many of them have moderator-teachers, many are entirely managed by students. Among the clubs and circles of interest are academic organizations: The Spire newspaper, the yearbook, the Concordia newspaper and the Cicero Society Discussion Club. In entertainment clubs, the improvisation club and the aviation club are popular. There are also many clubs that help students further prepare for life after college: Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Model UN, Trial simulation, Animal Welfare Club, and Future Entrepreneurs Club.

List of the popular sport activities at St. John's Prep includes:

• Swimming;
• Water polo;
• Diving;
• Rugby;
• Skiing;
• Struggle;
• Mountain biking;
• Yachting;
• Golf;
• Fencing.

• 80% of faculty have advanced degrees,
• The Middle School has an average class size of 16 and a student-teacher ratio of 10:1,
• The High School has an average class size of 18 and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1,
• Eagles Nest Orientation and Eagles Wings Orientation are two-day programs held before classes begin for students in grades 6 and 9, respectively,
• The freshman life coordinator meets individually with every freshman to help with settling in, finding clubs, and communicating with teachers.

Located in Danvers, Massachusetts, 20 minutes north of Boston, the St. John's Prep campus is impressive in its beauty and covers an area of 175 acres. The campus of St. John's Preparatory School is home to many buildings, athletic fields, theaters, swimming pools, paths, libraries, canteens, and art studios:

• Main administrative building;
• Memorial Dining Hall;
• A. E. Studzinski Library;
• Brother Benjamin Hall;
• Alumni Hall;
• Ryken Field;
• The Riken Art Center (including parking for visitors);
• C.F.X. Academic Center;
• Staff building;
• Memorial Gymnasium;
• Xavier Hall;
• Tennis courts;
• Cronin Stadium;
• Leo and Joan Mahoney Wellness Center;
• C.F.X. Commons;
• Pete Frates '03 Diamond;
• A field on Summer Street.

The year of study at St. John's Preparatory School is divided into two semesters, which include about 15 weeks each. The fall semester begins in August and lasts until December, while the spring semester runs from January to May.

Some services are paid additionally to tuition fee, such as:

• Entry and registration fees,
• Visa (F-1),
• Flight tickets and transfer,
• Accommodation,
• Health and life insurance,
• Accident insurance,
• Nutrition,
• iPad (for high school),
• Educational materials (Textbooks and electronic manuals),
• Bus transport (optional),
• Music lessons,
• School and sports uniforms,
• Activities and excursions: overnight trips and select trip opportunities/retreats,
• Personal expenses.

An enrollment deposit of 10% of tuition is required.

An iPad is included in Middle School tuition. Tuition insurance is included for both Middle School and High School students. Clubs, athletics, and arts activities are included, except for overnight trips and select trip opportunities/retreats.

Middle School tuition includes all retreats, Grade 8 Celebration, and Field Day. High School tuition includes freshman and sophomore retreats, academic field trips, science lab fees, and commencement.

When deciding to enroll in St. John's Prep, you must complete an online application and attach the following documents to it:

• Official report card in the original language (with certified translation) for the previous two years + for the current,
• English language proficiency testing,
• Copy of passport,
• Questionnaire for parents and students,
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers.

The translation must be in English.

After reviewing the application, the candidate will be assigned an interview date, based on the results of which a decision on admission will be made.

Campus tours and shadow days offer opportunities to get to know the school.

St. John's Preparatory School has approximately 1,500 students from grades 6 to 12, making it the largest private educational organization in the Boston area.

Graduates of St. John's Prep successfully enter some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the world, including Ivy League institutions, the University of Chicago and Duke University.

99% of graduates go on to four-year colleges and universities. The Class of 2026 received offers of admission from 283 colleges and universities, including 39 Catholic institutions. These offers came from schools in 44 U.S. states and eight countries:

• Canada,
• China,
• England,
• Ireland,
• Italy,
• Scotland,
• Spain,
• The United States.

St. John's Preparatory School is open for international students entering grades 9-11.

Language requirements:

• 9th grade: TOEFL 70+,
• 10th grade: TOEFL 80+,
• 11th grade: TOEFL 90+.

List of the required documents for application:

• Report card for 2 years + current year (even if it is not completed)  from the current school;
• 2 letters of recommendation;
• Questionnaire for parents and students;
• Short essay.

In addition, international students will be required to attend an interview.

Approximately 39% of students receive financial support based on their needs, with an average meeting the needs of 99% of families. St. John's Prep uses Clarity Financial Aid to process and determine the needs of all financial aid applications submitted.

The St. Francis Xavier Merit Scholarships are an award for freshmen with outstanding prospects. Eligibility for this scholarship is dependent on the results of the entrance examinations and the student's overall application, a separate application for this scholarship is not required. The award is given over four years of secondary school. Students on the St. Francis Xavier Merit Scholarship may also qualify for financial aid based on their need.

The St. Francis Xavier Merit Scholarship, which focuses on mastery, leadership, character building, and encouraging service to others, is named after St. Francis Xavier, a religious congregation that sponsors St. John's Prep and 12 other schools across the United States.

The Jack Kirby '55 Alumni Association Scholarship, named for a 1955 graduate, is awarded annually to a rising senior. Selection considers personal achievement, community service, and a desire to maintain close ties with the school. The scholarship was established in 1992.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision