The Best Private Schools in Lakeside, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lakeside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Stanwich School
Independent
The Stanwich School is a highly regarded coeducational independent school serving students from preschool through grade 12. It is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on character development and leadership. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields, and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities such as robotics, music, and competitive sports. With a focus on individualized attention and a supportive community, it consistently achieves high college placement rates and parent satisfaction.
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The Woodhall School
Independent
The Woodhall School is a specialized boarding and day school for young men with ADHD and other learning differences, offering a structured and supportive environment tailored to individual needs. It emphasizes academic remediation, executive functioning skills, and personal growth through small classes, one-on-one tutoring, and therapeutic support. The school features well-equipped facilities, including technology-enhanced classrooms and outdoor spaces for recreation, and has a strong reputation for helping students gain confidence and succeed in college and beyond. Parent feedback highlights its transformative impact and dedicated staff.
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The Covenant School
Christian
The Covenant School provides a Christ-centered education that integrates faith with academic excellence, serving students from early childhood through high school. It offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, fine arts, and athletics, all within a nurturing environment focused on spiritual growth and community service. The school boasts dedicated faculty, modern classrooms, and a strong track record of preparing students for college and lifelong success. Parents praise its family-like atmosphere and commitment to holistic development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lakeside, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lakeside, Connecticut, and what are their educational philosophies?
Lakeside, CT, is served by several notable private schools, though many are located in nearby towns within Fairfield County. The most prominent include The Stanwich School in Greenwich (Pre-K-12, known for its structured, classical curriculum and character education), The Covenant School in Simsbury (a Christian, classical school serving Pre-K-12), and The Woodhall School in Bethlehem (a unique boarding and day school for young men in grades 9-12 who benefit from a structured, supportive environment). While Lakeside itself is a small community, families typically look to these and other schools in the broader Greenwich/Danbury areas. It's important to visit each to understand their distinct approaches, as they range from classical and religious to specialized therapeutic models.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lakeside, CT, area compare to the Connecticut state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Lakeside area is among the highest in Connecticut, reflecting Fairfield County's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, day school tuition at schools like The Stanwich School can range from approximately $35,000 to over $50,000 for upper grades. The Woodhall School, as a boarding institution, has a comprehensive fee significantly higher. These figures are above the state's private school average. However, most schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Connecticut also has no tax-credit scholarship program, so aid is primarily sourced directly from the schools' endowments.
What unique or specialized academic programs do private schools near Lakeside, Connecticut, offer that differentiate them from public options?
Private schools in the Lakeside vicinity often offer specialized programs not always available in public districts. The Stanwich School emphasizes a "Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric" classical trivium model, with strong Latin and logic curricula. The Woodhall School specializes in a highly individualized, skill-based approach for students who may have struggled in traditional settings, focusing on executive function and self-advocacy. While the local public schools in Region 9 (Joel Barlow High School) are highly rated, these private options provide distinct pedagogical philosophies, smaller class sizes, and, in the case of Covenant, a faith-based integration. Specialized arts, athletics, or college counseling resources are also typically more intensive.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lakeside, Connecticut, families?
The admission process for competitive private schools in the Lakeside area is rigorous and begins early. For fall entry, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines (with some schools having earlier deadlines for financial aid), student visits and interviews (usually in January/February), and notification dates in March. Schools like Stanwich and Covenant may require standardized testing (such as the ISEE or SSAT). Given the limited seats and high demand, especially in entry grades, starting the process early and engaging deeply with each school's specific requirements is essential for Lakeside applicants.
For a family in Lakeside, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated local public schools and private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, individual student needs, and community environment. Lakeside is part of the Easton/Redding/Region 9 public school district, which includes the acclaimed Joel Barlow High School. Parents choosing private schools typically seek a specific type of community (e.g., faith-based at Covenant), a particular pedagogical approach (classical at Stanwich), or specialized support for learning differences (therapeutic at Woodhall). Private schools offer smaller, more intimate settings and often more flexibility in curriculum. The trade-off is significant tuition cost versus "free" public education. For many Lakeside families, it's not about the quality of education—which is high in both sectors—but about finding the best fit for their child's learning style and family values.
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