About MAA

MAA: A Private Independent Catholic School where every student is known, loved, nurtured, and given a foundation for a lifetime.

MAA is an award-winning, co-educational Preschool through Grade 6 school rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition and open to all, proudly serving Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, since 1927.

In a community distinguished by exceptional public, private, and parish schools, MAA stands apart as a premier private Catholic school and the only two-time Blue Ribbon Award winner in the Boston area. Guided by the Franciscan spirit, we are an inclusive community where students live our mission each day - sharing their gifts and talents to make the world a better place.

Why MAA?

MAA is the only independent, co-educational Blue Ribbon Catholic school in Chestnut Hill serving students from Preschool through Grade 6. We cultivate academic excellence and personal growth, eduating the whole child within a faith-filled environment. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, our community values integrity, kindness, respect, and service to others.

Our faculty delivers a dynamic curriculum enriched by meaningful extracurricular opportunities, ensuring that every student discovers their strengths, develops new talents, and grows in confidence. For families seeking an exceptional education in the Boston area, MAA provides a foundation that extends beyond academics—forming students of character and leadership. With 100% of our graduates attending competitive secondary schools, MAA prepares students to excel academically and thrive personally in their next chapter. Click below to explore where our graduates go!

Individualized Attention through Small Group Instruction & Small Class Sizes

Through small-group instruction in reading and math and an average class size of 16, along with enrichment and academic support provided by our Learning Specialist team, each student benefits from a learning experience tailored to their unique strengths and needs—ensuring that every child is known, loved, challenged, and supported. This personalized approach allows teachers to meet students where they are, build on their strengths, and address areas for growth. As a result, students develop a love of learning and achieve meaningful academic progress.

Nurturing Growth on Four Beautiful Acres

Nestled on a beautiful four-acre campus in Chestnut Hill, across the street from Boston College and minutes away from Boston, MAA offers an environment where students grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Our holistic approach to education integrates rigorous academics with faith formation and character development.

Our comprehensive programs include:

Engaging, innovative academics
Faith-based religious instruction rooted in the Franciscan tradition
Athletics, physical education, and after-school activities
Art, Music, Library, and Technology classes
Spanish language instruction

From Preschool through Grade 6, MAA students develop the knowledge, confidence, and foundation to succeed in middle school, high school, and beyond. Explore campus through our virtual tour by clicking below.

Discover MAA

For families seeking a nurturing, academically rigorous, and faith-filled environment, MAA offers an unparalleled education. Rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, MAA combines a robust curriculum, small class sizes, and a close-knit, welcoming community to provide the best Catholic school experience in the Boston area.

Whether you are interested in early childhood education or our elementary program, Mount Alvernia Academy is committed to fostering the intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth of each student—preparing them to become life-long learners and responsible stewards of the Earth. Come visit MAA and explore our campus by clicking below!