The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Delaware
St. Peter's Episcopal School is a highly-regarded independent school located just 15 miles from Georgetown in Lewes. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a nurturing Christian environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. The school consistently receives excellent parent reviews for its academic rigor, community atmosphere, and preparation for high school.
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Sussex Academy
Charter School Network
Sussex Academy is a highly-rated charter school serving students in grades 6-12 from throughout Sussex County, including Georgetown. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and a specialized STEM academy. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school boasts strong college acceptance rates and competitive athletic programs. Parent reviews highlight the challenging academic environment, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive extracurricular offerings that serve the broader Georgetown community.
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The Jefferson School
Private Independent School
Located directly in Georgetown, The Jefferson School serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on individualized learning plans. The school specializes in supporting students with learning differences while maintaining high academic standards. Features include small student-teacher ratios, certified special education staff, college preparatory courses, and vocational training programs. The campus includes specialized classrooms, computer labs, and therapeutic spaces. Parents consistently praise the school's supportive environment, experienced faculty, and success with diverse learners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Georgetown, Delaware, and what are their educational approaches?
Georgetown, DE, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique approach. **St. Peter's Episcopal School** is a private Christian school offering a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, emphasizing a traditional academic curriculum within a values-oriented environment. **The Jefferson School** provides a highly individualized, mastery-based education for students in grades 6-12, focusing on one-on-one instruction and flexible pacing, which is particularly beneficial for gifted students or those needing a non-traditional setting. **Sussex Academy** is a public charter school (which functions like a tuition-free, application-based public school) for grades 6-12, known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and STEM focus. For a strictly private high school experience, families in Georgetown often also consider schools in nearby towns like Lewes or Milford.
How does tuition for private schools in Georgetown, DE, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Delaware?
Tuition in Georgetown's private schools is generally competitive within Delaware. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Peter's Episcopal School tuition ranges approximately from $7,000 to $9,000, while The Jefferson School's personalized model results in a higher tuition, typically in the $15,000-$18,000 range. Delaware offers unique financial assistance programs that Georgetown parents can utilize. The most notable is the **Delaware Inspire Scholarship**, a tax-credit scholarship program for K-8 students attending private schools, which can significantly offset costs based on family income. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based financial aid and may participate in the **SEED Scholarship** for in-state college tuition, which incentivizes staying in Delaware for higher education.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Georgetown area?
Private and charter schools in Georgetown leverage the local environment for specialized programs. **Sussex Academy** (charter) has a renowned STEM and environmental science program, utilizing its proximity to Delaware's coastal ecosystems for hands-on learning. They also offer strong arts and athletics. **The Jefferson School** specializes in highly personalized academic plans, allowing for deep dives into specific subjects, independent study, and flexible scheduling that can accommodate internships or dual-enrollment at Delaware Technical Community College's Georgetown campus. **St. Peter's Episcopal School** emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, character education, and incorporates music, art, and Spanish into its core curriculum. Given Georgetown's role as the Sussex County seat, some programs also integrate civic education and government internships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Georgetown, Delaware?
The timeline and process vary. For **St. Peter's Episcopal School** and **The Jefferson School**, the application process typically begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year. These schools often have rolling admissions but encourage early application. Steps usually include a campus tour, submission of an application with fees, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student interview/assessment. **Sussex Academy**, as a public charter school, has a state-mandated lottery system for admission if applications exceed seats. Their application window is strictly in the winter (often January-February), with the lottery held in March. For all schools, contacting them directly by early fall is highly recommended to secure specific dates and requirements for Georgetown-area residents.
For a family in Georgetown, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Indian River) and the available private/charter options?
The key considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, cost, and program specificity. The **Indian River School District** offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 experience with diverse programs, sports, and activities. Choosing a private option like **St. Peter's** or **The Jefferson School** often centers on smaller class sizes, specific religious or values-based education, or highly individualized instruction. **Sussex Academy** (charter) offers a rigorous, choice-based public alternative without tuition but requires an application and lottery. For Georgetown families, transportation is a factor: the district provides busing for charter schools, but not typically for private schools. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., mastery-based, faith-based) or a more traditional, comprehensive district environment with potentially greater extracurricular breadth.
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