The Best Private Schools in Harrington, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrington. 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 Episcopal boarding and day school serving students from Harrington and throughout Delaware. The school offers an exceptional International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory courses. With a stunning 2,200-acre campus, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, arts buildings, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is renowned for its academic rigor, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and commitment to developing well-rounded students through extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School
Diocese of Wilmington Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Easton, Maryland, Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School serves families from the Harrington area seeking faith-based education. The school offers a comprehensive STEAM-focused curriculum integrated with Catholic values and traditions. Modern facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Parents appreciate the strong community atmosphere and the school's commitment to nurturing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially.
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Lake Forest Academy
Lake Forest School District
Lake Forest Academy serves the Harrington area as part of the Lake Forest School District's private academy option. This college-preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education while maintaining strong arts and athletics programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and the school's commitment to character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrington, Delaware
What are the main private school options available for families residing in or near Harrington, Delaware?
While Harrington itself is a smaller city, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Kent and Sussex County areas. The most prominent include Lake Forest Academy in Felton (a short drive away), which offers a college-prep curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade. St. Andrew's School in Middletown is a prestigious, non-denominational Episcopal boarding and day school for grades 9-12, known for its rigorous academics and expansive campus. For younger students, Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School in Easton, MD, serves many families from the Delmarva region with a faith-based education. It's important to note that some top schools are a commute from Harrington, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Harrington, DE area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Harrington area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, local parochial elementary schools generally have lower tuition rates, while independent college-preparatory schools like St. Andrew's have higher fees commensurate with their residential programs and extensive resources. Delaware offers the Opportunity Fund, a tax-credit scholarship program for low- and middle-income families to attend private schools, which can be a crucial resource. Additionally, most private schools, including those near Harrington, have their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Parents should inquire directly with each school's admissions office and explore the Delaware Department of Education's website for state-specific assistance programs.
Are there private schools near Harrington, DE that offer specialized programs, such as agriculture or equestrian studies, reflecting the local community?
Yes, the private schools in this region of Delaware often incorporate unique programs that reflect the agricultural and rural character of the area. Lake Forest Academy, for instance, has a strong FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter and agricultural science pathways, allowing students hands-on learning relevant to Delaware's farming industry. While not directly in Harrington, some boarding schools in the broader region may offer equestrian programs. When researching schools, parents should ask about STEM partnerships, vocational tracks, and outdoor education initiatives that leverage the local environment, which can be a distinctive advantage over more urban private school settings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Harrington, Delaware families?
The timeline for private school enrollment in the Harrington area generally follows a traditional independent school calendar. Key deadlines for applications, financial aid forms, and entrance exams (like the SSAT or ISEE) often fall between December and February for admission the following fall. Schools like St. Andrew's have early decision options. Open houses and tours typically occur in the fall. A critical step for Harrington families is planning for potential commuting, so inquiring about transportation services or carpool networks is advisable early in the process. It's recommended to initiate contact with schools at least a year in advance, especially for competitive high school placements.
What are the primary considerations when choosing between the Harrington-area public school district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several factors specific to the Harrington context. Public schools in the Lake Forest School District (which serves Harrington) offer a no-tuition option with standardized curricula. In contrast, private schools nearby typically offer smaller class sizes, specialized academic or religious instruction, and often more extensive extracurricular offerings. For high school, a private option like St. Andrew's provides a residential community and college counseling with a national reach. Parents should consider their child's specific learning needs, the value they place on a particular educational philosophy (e.g., religious, college-prep), the daily commute to schools outside Harrington, and the financial investment. Visiting both local public and private options is essential to feel the difference in environment.