The Best Private Schools in Plymouth, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plymouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Forman School
Independent
Forman School is a highly regarded coeducational college preparatory school specializing in serving students with learning differences, particularly dyslexia and ADHD. Located just 15 minutes from Plymouth, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes, individualized instruction, and state-of-the-art learning support. The 125-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. Forman emphasizes both academic achievement and personal growth, with a strong college counseling program and diverse extracurricular offerings.
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Holy Cross High School
Diocese of Bridgeport
Holy Cross High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Plymouth and surrounding Litchfield County communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with a 100% college acceptance rate and strong track record of student success.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Hartford
St. Mary's School provides exceptional Catholic education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving families from Plymouth and surrounding towns. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive STEM programs, and faith-based character education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with a focus on preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Extracurricular activities include sports, arts, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plymouth, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Plymouth, Connecticut?
Plymouth, CT, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different focus. Within the town, St. Mary's School provides a Catholic, co-educational Pre-K through Grade 8 education. For high school, many Plymouth families consider nearby Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, a college-preparatory Catholic school, or the Forman School in Litchfield, which is renowned for its specialized programs for students with learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD. While not extensive, this mix provides choices for religious education, traditional college prep, and specialized support.
How does tuition for private schools in the Plymouth, CT, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition in the Plymouth area aligns with Connecticut's generally high private school costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area high schools like Holy Cross and Forman have tuitions ranging from approximately $20,000 to over $70,000 for day students, with Forman's boarding program being significantly higher. St. Mary's elementary/middle school tuition is lower but still a substantial investment. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in the Connecticut ACE Scholarship program for K-8 students, which can provide substantial assistance to eligible families based on income.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible to Plymouth residents?
The private schools serving Plymouth offer notable specialized programs. The Forman School is nationally recognized for its expert, research-based curriculum for students with learning differences, featuring one-on-one tutoring and a focus on executive function skills. Holy Cross High School offers a robust STEM program, extensive AP courses, and a strong emphasis on community service aligned with its Catholic identity. St. Mary's School provides a foundational Catholic education with a focus on character development. This means Plymouth families can seek out environments specifically tailored to college prep, faith-based learning, or specialized educational support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Plymouth, Connecticut, area?
The enrollment process for Plymouth-area private schools generally begins in the fall for the following academic year. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting an application by January or February deadlines, providing student records and teacher recommendations, and completing any required entrance exams (like the HSPT for Holy Cross) or student interviews. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently. For schools with limited space, like Forman which draws a national boarding population, early application is strongly encouraged. It's best to contact each school's admissions office directly in the early fall to get specific dates.
How do the class sizes and extracurricular opportunities at private schools near Plymouth compare to the local public school system?
The hallmark of private schools near Plymouth is significantly smaller class sizes. While Plymouth Public Schools provide a quality education, class sizes can be larger. Private options like St. Mary's, Holy Cross, and Forman typically maintain student-to-teacher ratios of 10:1 or lower, allowing for more individualized attention. In terms of extracurriculars, the public system offers standard sports and clubs. The private schools, however, often have unique offerings: Holy Cross has a strong tradition in athletics and performing arts, while Forman provides exceptional outdoor and equestrian programs leveraging its expansive campus. The choice often hinges on seeking a specific community size or specialized activity not available in the district.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Best Private Preschool in Plymouth, CT: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Plymouth, Connecticut, beginning the search for early education can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The decision to explore private preschools is a significant first step in your child’s educational journey, setting a foundation for future learning and social development. In our close-knit community, this choice is deeply personal, often reflecting a family's desire for a specific educational philosophy, a nurturing environment, or a seamless connection to the excellent private schools that call our area home, such as Holy Cross High School, Forman School, and St. Mary's School. While these institutions serve older students, their presence highlights a regional commitment to private education that often begins with these crucial early years.
When considering private preschools in Plymouth, it’s important to look beyond a simple daycare service. The best programs focus on structured play, social-emotional growth, and kindergarten readiness, all within a setting that feels like an extension of your family. Given Plymouth’s blend of suburban and rural landscapes, many local preschools take advantage of our natural surroundings, incorporating outdoor learning and exploration into their daily routines. This connection to nature is a wonderful asset for young children. As you tour facilities, ask about their approach to early literacy and numeracy, but also inquire about time spent in gardens, on nature walks, or in simple outdoor play areas. This holistic focus is a hallmark of quality early education here.
Another key consideration is the pathway that a private preschool can provide. While not every preschool is formally affiliated with a K-12 institution, choosing one with a strong reputation and a proven track record of preparing students can be advantageous. Families who envision their children eventually attending a local private school like Forman or Holy Cross should view the preschool years as an opportunity to cultivate the curiosity, independence, and love of learning that these schools value. Furthermore, some faith-based preschool programs in the area, often connected to local churches, can offer a gentle introduction to a values-based education that aligns with families considering St. Mary's School later on.
Logistically, parents in Plymouth should consider the practicalities of location and schedule. Many private preschools offer flexible programs, from half-day to full-day options, which can be a relief for commuting parents who work in nearby hubs like Waterbury or Bristol. Building relationships with other families in the program can also strengthen your connection to the Plymouth community. Ultimately, the right private preschool will be a place where your child feels safe, engaged, and joyful about learning. Trust your instincts during visits; the warmth of the teachers and the happiness of the children are the truest indicators of a quality program. By investing time in this search, you are giving your child the priceless gift of a confident and curious start, right here in our own community.
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