The Best Private Schools in Derby, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Derby. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is Derby's premier Catholic private school offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school provides a faith-based education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community service. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and arts programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and academic outcomes.
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St. Joseph School
Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools
Located just minutes from Derby in neighboring Shelton, St. Joseph School serves the Greater Valley region with exceptional Catholic education. The school offers a rigorous academic program with advanced mathematics and science curriculum, complemented by comprehensive arts and athletics programs. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and excellent college preparatory foundation. Parents consistently praise the school's academic standards and supportive learning environment.
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The Foundation School
Independent Special Education School
Serving students from Derby and throughout Connecticut, The Foundation School provides specialized education for students with learning differences, emotional challenges, and developmental needs. The school offers comprehensive academic programs integrated with therapeutic support, behavioral intervention, and life skills training. Features include small class sizes, individualized education plans, certified special education teachers, and modern facilities designed for specialized learning needs. The school has earned strong parent satisfaction ratings for its compassionate approach and effective educational outcomes for diverse learners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Derby, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families in Derby, Connecticut, and what grade levels do they serve?
Derby, CT, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. St. Mary's School is a Catholic school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. St. Joseph School, also Catholic, serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade. For students with specialized needs, The Foundation School provides therapeutic education and clinical services for grades K-12. The selection is more limited compared to larger neighboring towns, so many Derby families also consider private schools in nearby Ansonia, Shelton, or the Greater New Haven area, which offer independent day schools and college-preparatory academies.
How does tuition for private schools in Derby, CT, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the parochial schools in Derby, such as St. Mary's and St. Joseph, is generally below the Connecticut state average for private K-8 education, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually. The Foundation School, due to its specialized therapeutic services, operates on a different model often involving funding from school districts or insurance. Financial aid is typically available through the individual schools and their affiliated dioceses. Additionally, Connecticut residents may be eligible for the state's "Academic Boost" program, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that fund private school tuition for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Derby's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Derby's private schools offer distinct programs rooted in their missions. St. Mary's and St. Joseph Schools integrate Catholic values and religious education throughout their curriculum, offering a faith-based environment. They often feature smaller class sizes than Derby's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. The Foundation School provides a completely unique offering with its integrated clinical therapy and individualized academic plans for students with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges—a specialized service not typically found in the Derby Public School District. These schools may also have unique partnerships with local community organizations in the Naugatuck Valley.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Derby, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Derby's private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in the spring. St. Mary's and St. Joseph typically require an application, records release, family interview, and possibly a student assessment. Due to their smaller size, popular grades can have waitlists, especially for Pre-K and Kindergarten. The Foundation School's enrollment process is different and is typically initiated through a referral from a public school district's Planning and Placement Team (PPT) or a clinical professional. It's crucial to contact each school directly, as timelines can vary, and applying early is always advised.
For a family considering both options, what are key factors when comparing Derby's public schools to its private schools?
Key factors include class size, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Derby Public Schools offer a no-tuition option with a full continuum of services, including advanced placement and sports programs. The private schools in Derby provide smaller, community-focused environments with specific value systems (Catholic faith) or specialized therapeutic support. A major consideration is cost versus benefit: paying tuition for a parochial school's structured environment or a specialized school's tailored services versus utilizing the free public system. Many families also consider the perceived stability and resources of the schools, as well as the convenience of location, as Derby is a compact city where all school options are relatively close.
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