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.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Fit: A Guide to Private Special Education Schools in Harrington, DE
For parents in Harrington, Delaware, searching for “private special education schools near me” can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You want a nurturing environment that understands your child’s unique learning profile, but also one that feels accessible within our Kent County community. While Harrington itself is home to excellent private institutions like Saints Peter and Paul Elementary School, the specific landscape for private special education is more regional, requiring a look at the broader area and understanding the types of support available closer to home.
First, it’s important to define what “special education” means in a private school context. Many outstanding local private schools, including those you may know like Lake Forest Academy or the renowned St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, offer robust learning support programs, accommodations, and small class sizes that can wonderfully serve students with mild to moderate learning differences, ADHD, or dyslexia. These environments provide personalized attention without a formal Individualized Education Program (IEP), often through dedicated learning specialists. This is a crucial first consideration: does your child need a mainstream private school with strong support, or a specialized school designed exclusively for students with specific challenges?
The direct search for a dedicated private special education school will likely lead you to institutions in Wilmington, Dover, or even into Maryland. Schools like The College School in Wilmington or the Summit School in Edgewater, MD, serve students with language-based learning disabilities. While not in Harrington, they are within a commutable distance for families dedicated to finding that specific fit. This is where the “near me” part of your search becomes about defining your radius. For many Harrington families, Dover becomes a central hub for services. Connecting with local advocates, such as the Parent Information Center of Delaware, can provide tailored lists and guidance on both specialized private settings and the support available within local private options.
Your journey should also include deep conversations with any school you consider. When you visit or speak with admissions directors at schools like those in our area, ask very specific questions about their learning support staff’s credentials, their student-to-specialist ratio, and their experience with your child’s specific needs. Observe the school culture—does it feel inclusive and patient? Remember, the right fit is about more than just a curriculum; it’s about a community where your child can build confidence. For Harrington parents, leveraging our tight-knit community can be invaluable. Talk to other parents, your pediatrician, and local tutors. They often have the grounded, practical insights about which environments in central Delaware have truly proven supportive and effective. Your search, while perhaps extending beyond our city limits, is deeply rooted in finding a place where your child will thrive, and with careful research, that perfect fit is within reach.