The Best Private Schools in Fairfield, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fairfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fairfield College Preparatory School
Jesuit Schools Network
Fairfield Prep is a Jesuit college preparatory school for boys offering a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on character formation and service. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a 100% college acceptance rate, Prep offers 22 AP courses and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes the Jesuit educational philosophy of educating the whole person.
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Greens Farms Academy
Independent School
Greens Farms Academy is a coeducational independent day school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. Located just minutes from Fairfield, GFA offers a challenging academic program with innovative learning spaces and a strong focus on global citizenship. The campus features modern academic buildings, arts facilities, and athletic centers. The school emphasizes experiential learning and offers extensive opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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St. Luke's School
Independent School
St. Luke's School is a secular, college-preparatory day school serving grades 5-12, with many students commuting from Fairfield. The school features a modern campus with innovative learning spaces and emphasizes a mission of developing responsible citizens and leaders. St. Luke's offers a rigorous academic program with extensive AP offerings and maintains a strong college counseling program. The school's Center for Leadership provides unique opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through real-world applications.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fairfield, Connecticut
What are the main types of private schools available in Fairfield, CT, and how do they differ?
Fairfield, CT, offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily including independent day schools and Catholic preparatory schools. Top-tier independent schools like Greens Farms Academy and St. Luke's School offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula with extensive arts, athletics, and global programs, typically serving grades Pre-K/K through 12. Fairfield College Preparatory School is a prominent Jesuit, all-boys Catholic high school emphasizing a values-based education. Additionally, the area has several parochial elementary schools and specialized independent schools. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious affiliation, single-gender vs. co-ed environments, and campus culture, allowing parents to find a strong match for their child's needs.
How does the tuition for private schools in Fairfield, CT, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Fairfield County private schools is among the highest in Connecticut, reflecting the region's cost of living and the schools' extensive resources. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day school tuition for upper schools can range from approximately $45,000 to over $60,000. This is above the state's private school average. However, most schools, including Greens Farms Academy, St. Luke's, and Fairfield Prep, have robust need-based financial aid programs, often awarding millions of dollars annually. Connecticut also offers a tax deduction for educational expenses, and some schools participate in state-sponsored scholarship programs for lower-income families. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are signature offerings at Fairfield-area private schools?
Private schools in Fairfield leverage their proximity to New York City and a resource-rich community to offer distinctive programs. Greens Farms Academy features its "Global Citizenship" initiative, including global travel and a waterfront campus with marine science opportunities. St. Luke's School is noted for its Center for Leadership, integrating ethics and entrepreneurship across the curriculum. Fairfield College Preparatory School offers a strong STEM curriculum through its Jesuit model and unique programs like the "Prep Corps" Army JROTC. Many schools also have partnerships with local corporations and universities in Fairfield and Bridgeport, providing exceptional internships and research projects for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Fairfield, CT?
The admission process for Fairfield's top private schools is highly structured and begins well in advance. For entry in Fall 2025, the process typically starts in the summer or early fall of 2024. Key steps include: attending open houses (September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines (often January 15th or 31st), completing student interviews and visits (fall/winter), and taking standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE. Notification dates are usually in mid-March, with reply deadlines in early April. For younger grades, especially Pre-K and Kindergarten, waitlists can be long, so early inquiry is crucial. Sibling and legacy applicants often have priority but must still meet all deadlines.
How do the outcomes and environments of private schools in Fairfield compare to the highly-rated public school districts like Fairfield Public Schools?
Fairfield Public Schools are consistently top-rated in Connecticut, offering a strong, tuition-free education. The choice often comes down to specific needs and environment. Private schools in Fairfield generally offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students vs. 20-25 in public), more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies (e.g., Jesuit, progressive). They often have more flexibility in curriculum design and specialized college counseling, resulting in high matriculation rates to selective colleges. Public schools offer a broader socioeconomic diversity and extensive extracurriculars due to larger student bodies. For families seeking a particular religious foundation, specific learning support, or a very intimate community, private schools provide targeted alternatives to the excellent public system.
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