Why Choose Saint Paul's Choir School?

The Benefits of Our Unique Choir School

A one-of-a-kind education for boys in grades 3–8! At Saint Paul’s Choir School, we combine world-class musical training with academic excellence and a deep foundation in Catholic faith. Families choose us not only for our rigorous curriculum, but because of the transformative, joyful experience their sons gain through community, character-building, and sacred music.

In addition, many SPCS graduates go on to attend highly selective high schools and later enroll at some of the top universities in the United States. We are especially proud that a number of former SPCS students have returned to study at Harvard University, including three alumni who are currently enrolled there.

Read a few quick facts that make our school truly exceptional!

Why a choir school education?

As a Choir school, we emphasize that music and choral singing is at Saint Paul's foundation and is centered around one of the best Catholic Choirs of Men and Boys in United States.

Though the Choir sings at all the major liturgies of St. Paul's Church, it frequently tours to sing around the U.S. and internationally, including performances with such world-class ensembles as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. The privilege of singing with the choir in the renowned acoustics of St. Paul's is an experience that stays with all of the boys for life.

While choral singing—primarily in service to the liturgies of St. Paul’s Church—is at the heart of our program, our music curriculum offers a wide range of performance opportunities both nationally and internationally. Recent tours have taken our students abroad, including a visit to Vatican City, where they sang at the Vatican and participated in events alongside the Pope. Most recently, they traveled to France, performing in some of the country’s most renowned cathedrals, including those in Paris and Solesmes.

The poise, discipline, and confidence that boys develop through performing complex musical works before large audiences prepare them to excel in high school, college, and beyond. The program provides an exceptional introduction to the rich choral and organ traditions of the Church, fostering both musical skill and personal growth. Many alumni continue their musical pursuits in high school and college, and some go on to successful careers in music.

Why an all-boys education?

At Saint Paul’s Choir School, we celebrate and value everything it means to be a boy. We understand that boys learn, develop, and engage with the world in unique ways, and we intentionally design our educational program to support their growth academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our goal is not simply to educate boys, but to help form young men of integrity, empathy, resilience, confidence, and service.

An all-boys environment provides students with the freedom to focus on learning, leadership, and personal growth. Without many of the social pressures often associated with coeducational settings, boys are encouraged to explore the full range of their interests and talents. They discover that they can be scholars, musicians, artists, athletes, leaders, and loyal friends—often all at once. Free from limiting stereotypes, students develop the confidence to take intellectual risks, ask questions, pursue excellence, and embrace new challenges.

Research suggests that all-boys schools can offer several advantages, particularly when paired with strong academics, high expectations, and positive role models. These benefits include:

Increased academic engagement
Greater willingness to take intellectual risks
Enhanced confidence in the classroom
Stronger participation and leadership opportunities
Fewer social distractions and stereotype pressures
Meaningful male mentorship
A culture that celebrates achievement
Strong camaraderie and brotherhood

At Saint Paul’s, our faculty and staff understand what motivates and inspires boys. Through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and a supportive school culture, students are encouraged to develop their unique gifts while growing into thoughtful and responsible young men.

The confidence and poise cultivated through daily participation in our renowned music program further distinguish the Saint Paul’s experience. By performing complex musical works before large audiences, students develop discipline, composure, and self-assurance—qualities that serve them well in high school, college, and throughout their lives.

Above all, St. Paul’s Choir School is a community where boys are known, challenged, supported, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.

"To make friends is an understatement, because when you're here for all that time and doing everything with everyone, you get to know someone really well and it feels like you're family." Colin Lapus, Organist Class of 2017

Why a catholic education?

At Saint Paul’s Choir School, our Catholic faith tradition informs every aspect of school life. While we take great pride in preparing students for success at some of the region’s finest secondary schools, our ultimate mission is much greater: to help each boy grow in faith, virtue, and wisdom as he seeks to discover his God-given purpose and positively impact the world around him.

Inspired by the Catholic Church’s rich 2,000-year tradition of spiritual, intellectual, cultural, scientific, literary, and philosophical learning, our curriculum encourages students to explore truth, beauty, and goodness across all disciplines. Every boy studies the beliefs and practices of the Catholic faith and gains an appreciation for the Church’s enduring influence on the world and the reasons why more than one billion people share the Catholic faith today.

Recognizing the central role of prayer in cultivating a relationship with God, Holy Mass is celebrated each school day. Through active participation in the liturgy and the singing of sacred music, students encounter the beauty of the Church’s rich musical tradition and deepen their understanding of the faith. For Catholic students, Mass includes the opportunity to receive Holy Communion, a sacramental encounter with Jesus Christ. Non-Catholic students are warmly welcomed and invited to approach for a prayerful blessing.

It is our hope that through daily worship, religious formation, and participation in the sacred music of the Church, each boy develops a deeper appreciation of God’s presence in his life and grows into a faithful, compassionate, and purpose-driven young man.

Graduates of St. Paul’s Choir School leave with a strong foundation in faith, character, and academic excellence. Many go on to attend outstanding secondary schools, including The Roxbury Latin School, Saint Sebastian's School, Belmont Hill School, Catholic Memorial School, Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, Boston University Academy, Boston College High School, and Xaverian Brothers High School. Their success reflects not only academic preparation, but also the faith, discipline, and sense of purpose cultivated during their years at Saint Paul’s.