The Best Private Schools in Portland, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Portland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Independent Day School
Independent School Network
The Independent Day School is a co-educational independent school serving students from Portland and surrounding towns from preschool through eighth grade. The school offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on character development. IDS features comprehensive STEM programs, extensive arts education, and unique outdoor learning opportunities on its 13-acre campus. The school prepares students for success in secondary education with a well-rounded curriculum and dedicated faculty.
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Xavier High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford
Xavier High School is a premier Catholic, college-preparatory school for young men serving the Portland area and greater Middlesex County. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and competitive athletic programs. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% college acceptance rate, Xavier provides personalized attention and comprehensive college counseling. The campus features modern science labs, athletic facilities, and technology resources to support student development.
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Mercy High School
Sisters of Mercy
Mercy High School is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory school that has been serving Portland and surrounding communities for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, specialized academies in STEM and arts, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Mercy emphasizes leadership development, community service, and personalized education with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. The school boasts modern facilities including science laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Portland, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Portland, Connecticut, and what grade levels do they serve?
Portland, CT, is served by several notable private institutions in the immediate and surrounding area. For high school, the prominent options are Xavier High School (all-boys, grades 9-12) in nearby Middletown and Mercy High School (all-girls, grades 9-12) in Middletown. For younger students, The Independent Day School in Middlefield serves grades Pre-K through 8. While Portland itself has a limited number of private campuses, its central Connecticut location provides convenient access to these well-regarded schools. Families should also explore parochial options in neighboring towns for additional K-8 choices.
How does tuition for private schools in the Portland, CT, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Portland area varies by school type and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, high schools like Xavier and Mercy have tuitions typically ranging from $18,000 to $20,000. The Independent Day School's tuition is structured by grade, generally between $12,000 and $25,000 for Pre-K through 8th grade. Connecticut private schools actively offer need-based financial aid, and many have robust scholarship programs. Critically, Connecticut is one of the few states with a tax credit scholarship program (the Connecticut ACE Scholarship) and a voucher program for students with special needs, which can significantly offset costs for eligible Portland families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Portland, CT, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Portland area offer distinct programs that leverage their independent or faith-based missions. Xavier High School features a nationally recognized Engineering & Applied Science program and extensive robotics teams. Mercy High School emphasizes STEM for women with a dedicated Science & Technology Center and global studies programs. The Independent Day School offers a nature-based curriculum utilizing its 60-acre campus, including outdoor classrooms and environmental science integration—a unique feature for elementary/middle education. These specialized offerings often provide more concentrated pathways than the comprehensive but broader curriculum of Portland's public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Xavier and Mercy for a student from Portland?
The enrollment process for Portland students seeking entry into Xavier or Mercy High Schools begins in the fall of a student's 7th or 8th grade year. Key steps include: attending Open Houses (typically September-November), taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in December or January, submitting an application by mid-January, and providing records and recommendations. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March for the following fall. It is highly recommended that Portland families initiate campus visits early, as these schools draw from a wide region of central Connecticut, and spaces are competitive.
For a family living in Portland, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools and area private schools?
Portland families should weigh several local factors. Academically, Portland Public Schools are well-regarded, so the decision often hinges on desired specialization (e.g., single-gender education, specific faith-based values, or advanced STEM tracks) and smaller class sizes offered by privates. Logistically, consider the daily commute to schools in Middletown or Middlefield. Financially, compare the cost of private tuition against the potential for enhanced individualized attention and program-specific opportunities. Culturally, consider whether a community-focused neighborhood school or a larger, mission-driven private community is a better fit. Many Portland families use a mix, with students attending public elementary and transitioning to private high schools for specialized programs.
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