The Best Private Schools in Preston, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. 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 prestigious coeducational day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located just 15 minutes from Preston, this nationally recognized independent school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, Williams provides exceptional academic support and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development, leadership, and community engagement alongside academic excellence.
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St. Bernard School
Catholic Diocesan School
St. Bernard School is a comprehensive Catholic diocesan school serving students from preschool through grade 12, located approximately 20 minutes from Preston. The school combines strong academic preparation with character formation in a faith-based environment. St. Bernard offers a robust curriculum including 15+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts education. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a strong sense of community and has a proven track record of preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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St. Thomas More School
Private Catholic Boarding School
St. Thomas More School is a distinguished Catholic boarding and day school for boys in grades 8-12, located approximately 25 minutes from Preston. The school specializes in transforming young men through a structured environment that emphasizes academic growth, character development, and leadership. With small class sizes and individualized attention, St. Thomas More helps students achieve their full potential through a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The beautiful 100-acre campus includes modern dormitories, academic facilities, athletic complexes, and extensive recreational areas. The school has a strong tradition of preparing students for college success while instilling values of responsibility and integrity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Preston, Connecticut?
Preston itself is a small town, so most private school options are located in the surrounding New London County area. The most prominent day schools include The Williams School in New London (grades 7-12), offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum, and St. Bernard School in Uncasville (grades 6-12), a Catholic, co-educational institution. For boarding options, St. Thomas More School in Oakdale (a village of Montville, adjacent to Preston) is a well-known Catholic college-preparatory school for boys in grades 8-12 & PG. Many Preston families also consider schools in Norwich, Groton, and further into southeastern Connecticut.
How does tuition for private schools in the Preston, CT area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Preston area is generally aligned with or slightly below the Connecticut independent school average, given the region's cost of living. For the 2024-25 academic year, day school tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ for upper grades. Boarding at St. Thomas More is significantly higher, reflecting room and board. Connecticut has several financial aid resources, including the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) aid programs. Crucially, all the mentioned schools have substantial institutional financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Additionally, Connecticut's "Academic Passport" program can sometimes provide limited public funding for students attending certain private special education programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Preston, CT offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often capitalize on southeastern Connecticut's coastal and historical setting. The Williams School, located on the Mitchell College campus overlooking Long Island Sound, has a renowned Marine Science program with direct waterfront access for research. St. Bernard School emphasizes its Engineering and Biomedical Science pathways, connecting with local industries like Electric Boat and Pfizer. St. Thomas More School's structured environment and "Second Chance" mission are distinctive, focusing on turning academic performance around. Many schools also integrate local history, with field trips to Mystic Seaport, the Submarine Force Museum, and the Coast Guard Academy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Preston, Connecticut families?
The process for day schools like Williams and St. Bernard generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, with application deadlines between January and February. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized test scores (SSAT or similar), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. St. Thomas More, as a boarding school, may have more rolling admissions but encourages early application. Open houses are typically held in the autumn. Given the limited seats in these smaller schools, Preston families are advised to start research and visits 12-18 months in advance, especially for middle school entry points (grades 6-7).
For a family considering both, what are the key differences between Preston's public school system and the surrounding private school options?
Preston's public education is provided through Preston Public Schools, culminating at Preston Plains Middle School, with high school students attending Norwich Free Academy (NFA) by regional agreement. The key differences are scale, specialization, and environment. NFA is a large, diverse academy with vast course offerings but a public school class size. Private options like Williams or St. Bernard offer much smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), a specific college-prep or faith-based focus, and more individualized attention. The choice often hinges on whether a family seeks the broad, comprehensive experience of NFA or the tailored, intimate environment of a private school, alongside considerations of tuition, transportation (private schools do not provide Preston district busing), and specific academic or social needs of the child.
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