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.
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