The Best Private Schools in Ellington, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Northwest Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Hartford
Northwest Catholic is a co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple towns including Ellington. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities serving over 400 students from 30+ towns.
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East Catholic High School
Archdiocese of Hartford
East Catholic High School is a regional Catholic college preparatory school that serves Ellington and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 16 Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs including robotics and engineering, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. East Catholic emphasizes faith-based education while preparing students for college success with a 100% college acceptance rate.
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The Master's School
Non-denominational Christian
The Master's School is an independent Christian college preparatory school serving students from Ellington and the Greater Hartford area. The school offers a rigorous academic program integrated with biblical worldview, featuring honors and Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM curriculum, and competitive athletics. The 80-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellington, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Ellington, Connecticut?
While Ellington itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Hartford/Tolland County area. The most prominent options include Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford (a co-ed college-preparatory school), East Catholic High School in Manchester (a diocesan co-ed high school), and The Master's School in West Simsbury (a Christian college-preparatory school for grades PreK-12). It's important to note that these are all day schools requiring commuting, as there are no major private school campuses within Ellington's town borders. Many Ellington families also consider smaller parochial elementary schools in neighboring towns.
How does the tuition for private high schools near Ellington, CT, compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the top private high schools accessible from Ellington typically ranges from approximately $18,000 to $24,000 per year for the 2024-2025 academic year. East Catholic and Northwest Catholic generally fall in the lower to mid-range of this scale, while The Master's School may be at the higher end. All these schools offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs based on demonstrated need. As Connecticut residents, Ellington families should also investigate the state's **"CT CARES"** scholarship program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students attending non-public schools, potentially reducing the net cost significantly.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellington offer that differentiate them?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. **Northwest Catholic** is known for its strong STEM programs and the "Project Lead The Way" engineering curriculum. **East Catholic** has a renowned arts program and extensive athletic offerings, competing in the CCC conference. **The Master's School** emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and offers distinctive programs like its House System for community building and outdoor education. For Ellington students interested in agriculture or equine studies, nearby schools like Watkinson School in Hartford or Suffield Academy might also be considered for their unique programs not typically found in public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools serving Ellington, CT, students?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade admission, the timeline typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often September-November), submitting applications by December or January, taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) or SSAT in the winter, and completing interviews and submitting records. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For Ellington families, it's crucial to plan for transportation, as these schools do not provide district busing. Many families form carpools with other local students attending the same school.
How do the private school options near Ellington compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated Ellington Public Schools?
Ellington Public Schools are consistently ranked among the top districts in Connecticut, offering a strong, tuition-free education. The choice for many families comes down to specific values and offerings. The private options provide a faith-based education (Catholic or Christian at the listed schools), often with smaller average class sizes and a different student-teacher ratio. They draw a geographically diverse student body from across the region, which can broaden your child's social network beyond Ellington. The college preparatory focus is often more uniform, with all students being on a track for higher education. For some families, the structured environment and specific mission of the private school align with their goals, despite the excellent free public alternative.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Private Secondary Schools Near Ellington, CT | A Parent's Guide
For families in Ellington, Connecticut, the search for "private secondary schools near me" is often driven by a desire for a specific educational environment that aligns closely with family values and academic aspirations. While Ellington itself is home to a strong public school system, the surrounding region offers a rich tapestry of private secondary options, each with distinct identities and strengths. Understanding the local landscape is key to finding the right fit for your student’s high school journey.
Geographically, Ellington is wonderfully positioned to access several highly-regarded institutions. Your search will naturally lead you to schools like Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford and East Catholic High School in Manchester. Both are co-educational, college-preparatory schools rooted in the Catholic tradition, offering robust academic programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and a strong sense of community. The commute to either is quite manageable, with East Catholic being particularly convenient for many Ellington families. Another excellent nearby option is The Master’s School in West Simsbury, which provides a Christ-centered education focusing on academic excellence and character development. These schools represent the core of what many local families consider when they begin looking for private secondary schools near me.
However, the decision extends far beyond location and reputation. It’s crucial to consider the daily logistics and community connection. Visiting these campuses is essential. Attend an open house, schedule a shadow day for your child, and talk to current parents. Pay attention to the commute during typical drop-off times. The drive to West Hartford or Simsbury can vary with traffic, so factor that into your family’s routine. Also, explore where other Ellington students are enrolling. A strong contingent from your town at a particular school can ease the transition, providing familiar faces and carpool opportunities. These local networks are invaluable and a key part of the private school experience in our community.
When evaluating options, delve into what each school offers beyond the core curriculum. Are you looking for championship-level athletics, a renowned arts program, or specific advanced placement or dual-enrollment courses? Schools like Northwest Catholic and East Catholic boast impressive athletic conferences and arts programs, while The Master’s School offers a distinctive discipleship model. Consider the culture and size; a smaller school might offer more personalized attention, while a larger one provides greater diversity in courses and activities. Ultimately, the best private secondary school near you is the one where your child will be known, challenged, and inspired. For Ellington parents, the process is an investment in finding a community that not only prepares students academically for college but also nurtures their growth as individuals, all within a supportive framework that resonates with your family’s values. The journey requires research and reflection, but the result—a tailored educational path for your teenager—is well worth the effort.
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