The Best Private Schools in Shelton, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shelton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence School
Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools
St. Lawrence School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Shelton and surrounding communities for over six decades. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based values and academic excellence. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts education, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The school features modern facilities including updated classrooms, science labs, and technology resources. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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Greens Farms Academy
Independent School
Greens Farms Academy is a prestigious independent day school located in nearby Westport, serving students from Shelton and throughout Fairfield County. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12 with exceptional academic outcomes. GFA features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is renowned for its personalized attention, with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities.
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Fairfield College Preparatory School
Jesuit Secondary Education
Fairfield College Preparatory School is a highly respected Jesuit all-boys college preparatory school located in nearby Fairfield, serving students from Shelton and throughout the region. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Jesuit educational traditions with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and service learning. Prep features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, a robust STEM program, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The campus includes modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong college placement record and commitment to forming "men for others" through its comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shelton, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Shelton, Connecticut, and what are their key characteristics?
Shelton itself is home to the well-regarded St. Lawrence School, a Catholic K-8 institution offering a faith-based education. For secondary and college-preparatory options, families in Shelton often look to neighboring towns. Two of the most prominent are Greens Farms Academy (Pre-K through 12) in Westport, known for its global learning initiatives and arts programs, and Fairfield College Preparatory School (9-12), a Jesuit all-boys school in Fairfield with a strong emphasis on rigorous academics and community service. Additionally, many Shelton families consider other excellent schools in the Fairfield County region, such as Lauralton Hall in Milford or Christian Heritage School in Trumbull, leveraging Shelton's central location for access.
How does tuition for private schools in the Shelton, CT, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Shelton and greater Fairfield County area is generally at or above the Connecticut state average due to the region's higher cost of living and operational expenses. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area day school tuition can range from approximately $10,000-$15,000 for elementary grades at parochial schools to over $50,000 for upper grades at elite independent schools. Most schools, including St. Lawrence, Greens Farms Academy, and Fairfield Prep, offer need-based financial aid programs. It is crucial to apply for aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions. Connecticut also has a tax deduction for certain educational expenses, and some families utilize the state's 529 plan for K-12 tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Shelton, CT, that differentiate them from public options?
Private schools in this region often offer specialized programs not typically found in public school curricula. For example, Greens Farms Academy features a distinctive Global Learning program with travel and exchange opportunities. Fairfield College Preparatory School offers a comprehensive Robotics program and extensive service-learning trips. St. Lawrence School integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) throughout its curriculum. Furthermore, many area private schools have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, and often feature signature programs in entrepreneurship, environmental science, or performing arts that leverage their independent status and resources.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Shelton, CT, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Greens Farms Academy and Fairfield Prep, the timeline for fall entry starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps generally include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and receiving decisions in March. St. Lawrence School may have a more rolling admissions process but still encourages early application. It is common for Shelton families to apply to multiple schools. We strongly recommend visiting each school's admissions webpage in the summer before your target enrollment year to mark critical dates, as spaces, especially in sought-after grades, are limited.
For a family living in Shelton, what are the main considerations when choosing between the Shelton Public School District and a private school in the area?
The decision often hinges on several factors unique to Shelton. The Shelton Public School District is well-regarded, offering a solid education with no tuition cost. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, college-prep, progressive), smaller class sizes, or specialized programs. For Shelton residents, a major practical consideration is transportation; while the district provides busing for some private schools within a certain radius, attending a school like Greens Farms Academy may require a significant parental commute. Families must weigh the financial investment against their educational priorities, the social environment, and the value they place on the distinct community and mission offered by private institutions in Fairfield County.
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