St. Paul`s Choir`s School is an academically excellent, highly selective, Catholic Day School for boys grades 3-8 in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. Founded in 1963, St. Paul's is the only Catholic boys' choir school in the United States.
The Choir tours, records, and broadcasts frequently, and the boys develop great personal confidence through frequent performance.
Collaborations have included performances with groups such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Lyric Opera, and Harvard Glee Club.
International and national tours have included performances and sung Masses at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico City), the Frauenkirche and Heilig Geist (Munich, Germany), Koln Cathedral (Germany), Salzburg Cathedral (Austria), Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (Washington, D.C.), and the Vatican.
Boys graduate to attend prestigious high schools including BC High, Xaverian Brothers High School, Roxbury Latin, Catholic Memorial, Philips Andover, Boston Latin, and Boston University Academy.
A number of past students are also graduates of Harvard and Yale Universities.
Admission to St. Paul's Choir School is by audition.
For more information, please contact Patrick Moran, Director of Admissions, at pmoran@saintpaulschoirschool.us or 617-868-8658.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: School with Special Program Emphasis
- Grades: 3-8
- Enrollment: 42 students
- Yearly Tuition: $19,600
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Average class size: 10 students
- Application Deadline: Feb. 28 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 3-8
Year Founded
1963
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
42 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
4:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Students wear khaki pants, black shoes, black belt, white buttoned-down shirt, and school tie, or school polo
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Feb. 28 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$19,600
Tuition Notes
Applications for financial aid are welcome. Yearly, we award $250,000 in tuition reductions!
Summer Program Cost
$575
Summer Program Cost Notes
Scholarships are available for the summer program. There is also a current family discount of $200.
% on Financial Aid
80%
Acceptance Rate
70%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Patrick Moran
Admissions Associate
Caroline Ortiz
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Frassati Society, Stock Market Club, Study Hall
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorister Rehearsal, Evening Vespers
Frassati Society, Stock Market Club, Study Hall
Arts and Music Programs:
Chorister Rehearsal, Evening Vespers
School Notes
- St. Paul`s Choir`s School is an academically excellent, highly selective, Catholic Day School for boys grades 4-8 in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. Founded in 1963, St. Paul's is the only Catholic boys' choir school in the United States, modeled on the European tradition of `Choir Schools`.
- The Choir tours, records, and broadcasts frequently, and the boys develop great personal confidence through frequent performance.
- Recent collaborations have included performances with groups such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Lyric Opera, and Harvard Glee Club.
- The Choir has also performed for audiences in Washington, DC, New York City, and the Vatican.
- Boys graduate to attend prestigious high schools including BC High, Roxbury Latin, Philips Andover, Boston Latin, and Rivers Academy.
- A number of past students are also graduates of Harvard and Yale Universities.
- Admission to St. Paul's Choir School is by audition.
- For more information, please contact Patrick Moran, Director of Admissions, at pmoran@saintpaulschoirschool.us or 617-868-8658.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Mr. Leo Abbot '64 - Current organist and former Music Director and Organist of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston https://www.najihakim.com/links/musicians/leo-abbott/
- Dr. Basil Considine '94 - An expert in French opera of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Recently named one of the "Movers and Shapers" by Musical America and a Fullbright Academic Scholar https://basilconsidine.org/about/
- Mr. William Endicott '08 - Music Director at Holy Name Parish in West Roxbury https://holynameparish.com/music-ministry
- Mr. Alexander Pattavina '10 - Associate Organist and Choirmaster at Saint Bart's in Manhattan and winner of the 2019 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival https://stbarts.org/music/music-at-st-bartholomews-church/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkpcQhyaNO4
- Mr. Paul Sullivan '69 - Alumnus and Grammy-Award winner https://rivermusic.com/grammy-award/
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does St. Pauls Choir School cost?
St. Pauls Choir School's tuition is approximately $19,600 for private students and $575 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of St. Pauls Choir School?
The acceptance rate of St. Pauls Choir School is 70%, which is higher than the national average of 69%.
Who are famous alumni from St. Pauls Choir School?
St. Pauls Choir School famous alumni include: Mr. Leo Abbot '64, Dr. Basil Considine '94, Mr. William Endicott '08, Mr. Alexander Pattavina '10 and Mr. Paul Sullivan '69.
Does St. Pauls Choir School offer a summer program?
Yes, St. Pauls Choir School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
When is the application deadline for St. Pauls Choir School?
The application deadline for St. Pauls Choir School is Feb. 28 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 28 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is St. Pauls Choir School located?
St. Pauls Choir School is located in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, MA.
School Reviews
5 10/4/2022
The school is amazing, the staff is awesome! My son learns so much from school!
5 4/8/2022
SPCS is synonymous with excellence wherever it is analyzed. Catholic values, outstanding academic and musical education, small classes, and strong relationships. As my son says, SPCS is a big family. He's very happy!
5 2/7/2022
Our son has been at St. Paul`s for two years. He has been happy and engaged since the first day and has made great academic progress. The classes are small, allowing for almost individualized instruction. Being all-boys allows the faculty to tailor the curriculum to boys` learning styles. The music is not just about the music. It is a vehicle for stretching their brains, for learning how to collaborate, for developing time management skills, and for experiencing the pride that comes with authentic achievement. I should note that St. Paul`s requires a significant time commitment from the boys and from families. That is all by design-- the boys get so much out of being a Chorister because they put so much into it. We are neither Catholic nor particularly musical but have never second-guessed our decision to send our son to St. Paul`s. It has strong academics and a close community with many wonderful traditions. Our son is thriving there!
5 2/3/2022
Our son joined St. Paul's Choir School (SPCS) in the middle of 3rd grade and as much as we loved our public school, we have not regretted our decision to go to St. Paul's. Our son likes the fact that SPCS is an all-boys school. He sings, plays the piano, studies hard, and best of all loves going to school. We could not have asked for a more welcoming and diverse community!
5 2/3/2022
I have taught here for nine years, and I love what this school does for middle schoolers. The grades 5-8 choral rehearsals do such a wonderful job of leveling the social playing field. Boys respond to and support one another's talents and progress. As a teacher, too, the small classrooms are quite the gift. There is always enough "air time" for each student to speak and plenty of opportunities to differentiate for each of our learners.
5 2/1/2022
SPCS is part of our son's life since 5th grade. This is a great school that supports his skills from academics, music, social-emotional, faith, faith, service, all aspects of his life as a person. We could not be happier with the experience he is having there.
5 12/13/2021
We joined SPCS when my son was entering 7th grade and he made impressive progress in the small, in-person classes when many schools were still teaching remotely. I love that they read primary texts in social studies, practice public speaking in rhetoric, and go deep into music theory. The curriculum is rigorous, but the encouragement of the teachers has meant that my son's confidence has grown immensely in his time there.
5 11/8/2021
Our son is receiving an excellent education at Saint Paul`s. The school offers a unique and rigorous academic, musical, and religious education along with small class sizes, nurturing teachers, and a wonderful community. A must-see the school!
5 11/2/2021
I can't say enough wonderful things about this school. The music education is exceptional (plus all the benefits that come with being part of choir-like teamwork and presence). The fact that it's a boy's school also means they really teach to boys - lots of breaks and activity, and fast-paced, but also focused on character formation and developing them into kind and compassionate young men. The small classes and excellent faculty offer a rigorous education. Since fall 2020 the school has been full-time in person and taken great care to operate safely during COVID.
5 5/17/2016
The school is on the rise. This school offers the musical opportunity of a lifetime. Academically, it's getting a lot better. All in all, I''d highly recommend this school.
Endorse St. Pauls Choir 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
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.