The Best Private Schools in Dover, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Andrew's School is a prestigious coeducational Episcopal boarding and day school serving the greater Delaware area, including Dover families. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and exceptional college placement, the school offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The 2,200-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement through its honor code and extensive extracurricular programs.
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Tower Hill School
Independent School
Tower Hill School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from throughout Delaware, including the Dover area. The school offers a challenging academic program with strong emphasis on critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. With exceptional facilities including modern science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic complexes, Tower Hill provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and offers comprehensive college counseling, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide. The curriculum balances traditional academics with innovative programming and character development.
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St. Anne's Episcopal School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Anne's Episcopal School provides an exceptional private education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Delaware including Dover. The school features a comprehensive STEAM curriculum, innovative outdoor classroom spaces, and strong emphasis on character development through its Episcopal tradition. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Anne's offers individualized attention and a nurturing learning environment. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities, preparing students for success in secondary education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dover, Delaware
What are the primary private school options for families living in or near Dover, Delaware, and what are their key characteristics?
While Dover itself is home to a few private options, many families in the Dover area consider schools in the broader northern Delaware corridor. The most prominent are St. Andrew's School in Middletown (a non-denominational, co-ed boarding/day school with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum), Tower Hill School in Wilmington (a prestigious Pre-K-12 day school known for strong academics and arts), and St. Anne's Episcopal School in Middletown (a Pre-K-8 school with a focus on character and community). Closer to Dover, options include The College School (a therapeutic day school) and smaller faith-based academies. The commute to Wilmington-area schools (30-45 minutes) is a common consideration for Dover families seeking a wide range of private education.
Are there any state-specific financial aid or tuition assistance programs for private schools in Delaware that Dover parents should know about?
Yes, Delaware offers a unique program called the "Delaware Student Excellence Means Equity (SEED) Scholarship" for early childhood education, which can be used at participating private preschools. More significantly, the state has a "Delaware Charter School Performance Fund" that sometimes partners with private entities, but direct vouchers for K-12 private school tuition are not currently available. However, many Delaware private schools, including those accessible from Dover, offer robust need-based financial aid. Additionally, Delaware has a 529 plan (DE529) that can be used for K-12 private school tuition up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary, offering a state tax deduction for contributions—a key financial planning point for Delaware residents.
How does the enrollment timeline and process for top private schools near Dover, DE, differ from public schools, and what are key deadlines?
Private school enrollment in the Dover region operates on a completely independent and earlier schedule than Dover public schools. For schools like Tower Hill, St. Andrew's, and St. Anne's, the application process typically begins in the fall (September-October) for admission the following academic year. Key deadlines for applications, financial aid (SSS), and entrance testing (ISEE/SSAT) are usually between January and February. Admission decisions are communicated in March. This contrasts sharply with Dover's public school registration, which is ongoing and based on residency. Planning at least a year in advance is crucial for private school admission near Dover.
Given Dover's proximity to state government and military bases, do private schools in the area offer programs that cater to these unique community aspects?
Absolutely. Dover's identity as the state capital and home to Dover Air Force Base influences private school offerings. Some schools, particularly in the wider region, offer robust civics and government programs, with opportunities for internships in Dover's legislative halls. More notably, several private schools, including St. Andrew's, have experience supporting military families, offering flexible admissions and counseling support for students transitioning due to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders. Their boarding programs can also be an option for families seeking stability if a parent is deployed. While not always advertised as a "military program," this community understanding is a significant local consideration.
What are the major considerations when comparing the academic and extracurricular offerings of Dover's public schools versus the leading private schools in the broader Delaware area?
The comparison hinges on scale, specialization, and resources. Dover public schools offer a standard curriculum with some advanced placement (AP) courses and sports, serving a large and diverse population. The leading private schools accessible from Dover, like Tower Hill and St. Andrew's, typically offer smaller class sizes, a wider array of Advanced Placement and honors courses, and often more extensive arts, robotics, or language programs. They may also have facilities like state-of-the-art labs or theaters that differ from public school offerings. However, this comes at a high tuition cost and often a commute. For families in Dover, the decision often balances the desire for highly specialized programs and individual attention against the convenience, cost, and community connection of their local public school.
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