The Best Private Schools in Dover Afb, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dover Afb. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Tower Hill School
Independent
Tower Hill School is one of Delaware's most prestigious independent schools, consistently ranked among the top private schools in the state. While located in Wilmington (approximately 1 hour from Dover AFB), the school serves families from throughout Delaware, including military families seeking exceptional educational opportunities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options, outstanding STEM research facilities, and nationally-recognized arts programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients annually, Tower Hill provides an unparalleled educational experience for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
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The Independence School
Independent
The Independence School is a premier independent school serving families throughout Delaware, including those from Dover AFB. Located about 45 minutes north of the base, the school offers an exceptional educational experience with advanced STEM programs and is currently an International Baccalaureate Candidate School. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and has a strong track record of preparing students for top colleges and universities.
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St. Thomas More Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
St. Thomas More Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school located just minutes from Dover AFB. The school offers a rigorous classical curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and academic excellence. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school provides personalized attention to students. The STEM program is particularly strong, complemented by robust fine arts offerings. The academy serves many military families from Dover AFB and maintains a supportive community atmosphere with values-based education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dover Afb, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for families living at or near Dover Air Force Base in Delaware?
Families stationed at Dover AFB have several highly-regarded private school options within a reasonable commute. The most prominent are St. Thomas More Academy in Magnolia (a Catholic, college-preparatory school), The Independence School in Newark (a pre-K through 8th grade independent school), and Tower Hill School in Wilmington (a prestigious pre-K through 12 independent school). While these schools are not in Dover proper, they are the primary choices for many military and civilian families in the area seeking private education. The commute to these schools from the base typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes. It's also worth exploring smaller local religious schools in the Dover area for closer options.
How does Delaware's unique educational choice landscape, including the "School Choice" program, affect private school affordability for Dover AFB families?
Delaware offers several state-funded programs that can significantly offset private school tuition for eligible families, which is a key consideration for those at Dover AFB. The "School Choice" program allows students to apply to any public school district with available space, but more relevantly, the "Delaware Department of Education Choice" includes a "Differential Funding" program for certain private schools. Additionally, the state has tax-credit scholarship programs for lower-income families. Military families should investigate if their chosen private school participates in these programs. It's crucial to apply early, as funding is limited. This state support can make prestigious schools like Tower Hill or The Independence School more accessible than in other states without such initiatives.
For a military family at Dover AFB with a potential PCS move, what should we consider regarding private school enrollment timelines and transfer policies?
Private schools in the Delaware area near Dover AFB, such as St. Thomas More, Independence, and Tower Hill, have firm application deadlines, typically in January or February for the following fall. However, they often have rolling admissions for mid-year openings, which can be advantageous for military families experiencing a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. It is critical to contact the admissions office immediately upon receiving orders to explain your situation. These schools are generally experienced with military transitions and may offer flexibility or have a waitlist process. Be prepared to provide records from your previous school promptly. Starting the inquiry process 6-12 months before a planned move is ideal, but don't hesitate to reach out even for last-minute relocations.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dover AFB offer that cater to a diverse, mobile military community?
Private schools in the region understand the needs of military-connected students from Dover AFB. Schools like The Independence School and Tower Hill School have robust student support systems and clubs that help new students integrate quickly. Academically, they offer strong college preparatory curricula with Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. St. Thomas More Academy provides a structured, values-based environment that some families find stabilizing during transitions. Extracurricularly, these schools offer extensive arts, athletics, and technology programs that provide continuity for students who may have participated in similar activities elsewhere. When visiting, ask specifically about their experience with military families, support for transitions, and how they handle varying academic backgrounds from different school systems.
How do the private school options near Dover AFB compare to the local public schools in the Caesar Rodney or Capital school districts?
The comparison hinges on priorities. The public schools in the Caesar Rodney and Capital districts serving Dover AFB are generally well-regarded and offer the significant advantage of proximity and no tuition. They also provide services for military-connected students. The private school alternatives, while involving a commute and cost, typically offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, specialized curricula (like Tower Hill's extensive AP offerings or St. Thomas More's classical education), and often more resources in arts and facilities. For families seeking a specific religious education (like at St. Thomas More) or a particular pedagogical approach, private schools fill that niche. The decision often comes down to a family's educational philosophy, budget (considering Delaware's choice scholarships), and tolerance for commute time versus desired program specifics.
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