The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Williams School
Independent School
The Williams School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Lebanon, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features strong Advanced Placement offerings, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Williams provides an intimate learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and character development. The campus includes modern science labs, technology resources, and athletic facilities.
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St. Bernard School
Catholic Diocese of Norwich
St. Bernard School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from preschool through grade 12. Located about 25 minutes from Lebanon, it combines academic excellence with faith-based education. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and outstanding performing arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, a chapel, athletic complex, and theater. The school community emphasizes service, leadership, and character development within a supportive environment.
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Norwich Free Academy
Independent Endowed School
Norwich Free Academy is an endowed independent school that serves as the high school for Norwich and surrounding towns including Lebanon. With a rich history dating to 1854, NFA offers a comprehensive educational experience including extensive Advanced Placement options, career technical education programs, and a renowned arts magnet program. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including specialized labs, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology resources. NFA provides diverse extracurricular opportunities and maintains strong college placement records with personalized college counseling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lebanon, Connecticut?
While Lebanon itself is a small town with a highly regarded public school system, families seeking private education typically look to nearby institutions. The most prominent options include The Williams School in New London (a college-preparatory day school for grades 7-12), St. Bernard School in Uncasville (a Catholic, co-educational school for Pre-K through 12), and Norwich Free Academy in Norwich (a unique endowed independent academy serving as the high school for multiple surrounding towns, including Lebanon, through a tuition agreement. It's important to note that NFA operates with a hybrid public/private model). Proximity to these schools, all within a 20-30 minute drive, is a key consideration for Lebanon residents.
How does the tuition and financial aid landscape for private schools near Lebanon, CT, compare to the broader state?
Tuition for the top private schools serving Lebanon, CT, varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000 annually, with day schools like The Williams School at the higher end. Connecticut has several financial aid resources, including the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) aid programs and robust need-based aid directly from the schools. A unique factor for Lebanon families is the town's tuition agreement with Norwich Free Academy (NFA); Lebanon sends its public high school students to NFA, with the town paying tuition. For a family to choose a different private school, they would be responsible for the full cost, making financial aid inquiries crucial.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Lebanon, CT?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. The Williams School emphasizes rigorous college prep with a strong marine science program leveraging its coastal location. St. Bernard School offers a faith-based education with a dedicated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) academy and competitive athletics. Norwich Free Academy (NFA) is renowned for its unparalleled diversity of elective and technical programs, including its renowned Slater Memorial Museum, extensive arts studios, and career pathways in areas like manufacturing and veterinary science. For Lebanon students, NFA's program breadth is a major draw, often compared to a small college campus.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like The Williams School or St. Bernard School for a family from Lebanon?
The process is competitive and requires early planning. For fall admission, families should begin inquiries 12-18 months in advance. Key steps typically include: attending open houses (held in the fall), submitting applications by January or February (which often include essays, teacher recommendations, and school records), and completing student interviews and entrance exams (like the SSAT or ISEE). Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. A critical local timeline involves Norwich Free Academy: while Lebanon public school students are automatically enrolled, applying to NFA from a private middle school or as an out-of-district student follows a separate, competitive admissions calendar.
Given Lebanon's excellent public schools, what are the primary reasons families in town choose private alternatives?
Lebanon families choosing private schools often seek a specific educational environment not fully met by the town's pathway to Norwich Free Academy (NFA). Reasons include: desiring a smaller, more intimate school setting than the large, campus-style NFA; seeking a specific religious or values-based education (e.g., St. Bernard); wanting a more intensely focused college-preparatory curriculum with different athletic or arts niches (e.g., The Williams School); or preferring a day school model for grades 7-12, as Lebanon's public system uses a regional middle school. The decision often hinges on the desired student experience and specialization, as the academic baseline in Lebanon's public system is already high.
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