The Best Private Schools in Taftville, Connecticut
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taftville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Norwich Free Academy
Norwich Free Academy
Norwich Free Academy is one of Connecticut's most prestigious independent schools serving the Taftville area and surrounding regions. As an endowed academy, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and renowned arts programs. The campus features historic architecture combined with modern academic facilities, including specialized science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, NFA provides exceptional academic rigor alongside extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. Bernard School
Diocese of Norwich
St. Bernard School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Taftville and eastern Connecticut. The school offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on character development and faith formation. Features include comprehensive Advanced Placement curriculum, modern STEM laboratories, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts opportunities. The campus includes recently renovated academic facilities, regulation athletic fields, and dedicated spaces for performing arts. Parents consistently praise the school's supportive community and strong college placement record.
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The Williams School
The Williams School
The Williams School is an exceptional independent college preparatory school that serves students from Taftville and throughout southeastern Connecticut. Located on the Connecticut College campus, the school offers unique access to college-level resources and facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and global perspectives with strong Advanced Placement offerings, distinctive marine science programs utilizing nearby coastal resources, and innovative global studies initiatives. The school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized college counseling, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taftville, Connecticut
What are the primary private school options serving families in Taftville, Connecticut, and are they located directly in the village?
While Taftville itself is a village within the town of Norwich and does not host major private school campuses, families typically look to nearby Norwich and New London for options. The top schools include Norwich Free Academy (a privately endowed, independent high school in Norwich), St. Bernard School (a Catholic PK-12 school in Uncasville, Montville), and The Williams School (a college-preparatory day school in New London). These schools are all within a 15-20 minute drive from Taftville and represent the core private institutions for the area, offering day student enrollment to Taftville residents.
How does the unique "endowed academy" model of Norwich Free Academy (NFA) affect Taftville residents differently than traditional private schools?
Norwich Free Academy operates as a privately endowed, independent high school that serves as the designated public high school for Norwich and several surrounding towns, but also accepts tuition-paying students from other districts like Taftville (which is part of Norwich). For a Taftville family, this creates a unique choice: NFA is their assigned, tuition-free public high school, but it functions with the autonomy and programming of a private institution. To attend as a "private" student from a non-sending town would require paying tuition. This model means Taftville residents essentially have access to a "private-like" education within the public system, a distinctive feature of education in this part of Connecticut.
What are the typical tuition ranges for the private schools near Taftville, CT, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $18,000 - $25,000 for day students at St. Bernard School and The Williams School. Norwich Free Academy's tuition for non-sending town students is typically lower, often around $16,000-$18,000, reflecting its hybrid model. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Connecticut residents may also be eligible for the Connecticut Capitol Scholarship Grant Program, which provides vouchers for students attending private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
For a family in Taftville seeking a faith-based education, what is the local Catholic school option, and what is its enrollment process?
St. Bernard School, located in Uncasville, is the primary Catholic PK-12 institution serving the Taftville area. The enrollment process typically begins in the fall prior to the desired entry year, with open houses held from October through January. Application deadlines are often in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment. As a diocesan school, it gives priority to Catholic families from supporting parishes, but admits students of all faiths. Families from Taftville should contact the admissions office early to understand seat availability for their child's grade level.
How do the specialized academic programs at private schools near Taftville, like The Williams School, cater to specific student interests, such as marine science?
The Williams School in New London leverages its proximity to the coast and Long Island Sound to offer a distinctive Marine Science program, which includes dedicated coursework, field research, and potential internships. This is a notable advantage for Taftville students with interests in environmental science. Similarly, Norwich Free Academy offers extensive arts and technical education pathways in its Slater Memorial Museum and state-of-the-art career labs. St. Bernard School provides strong college-prep with a values-based curriculum. These specialized programs allow Taftville families to choose a school based on a child's specific aptitudes, beyond a standard academic offering, which is a key benefit of the private options in this region.
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