The Best Private Schools in Lincoln, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lincoln. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Holy Cross School
Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
The Holy Cross School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Lincoln area and greater Dover region. Founded in 2001, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive language arts, and robust extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, nurturing environment, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains high academic standards while providing individual attention to students' spiritual and educational development.
Programs:
St. Andrew's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Andrew's School is an elite independent Episcopal boarding and day school serving students from Lincoln and throughout Delaware. Founded in 1929, this prestigious institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic, artistic, and athletic programs. The school features a beautiful 2,200-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, St. Andrew's provides unparalleled individual attention and has a remarkable track record of college placements at top-tier universities. The school is renowned for its intellectual vibrancy, inclusive community, and commitment to character development.
Programs:
Campus Community School
Charter School Network
Campus Community School is a highly-rated charter school serving the Lincoln area and Dover community since 2002. This K-12 institution emphasizes college preparation through a comprehensive curriculum that blends traditional academics with innovative project-based learning. The school features strong STEM programs, character education initiatives, and extensive arts integration. With a focus on developing well-rounded students, Campus Community offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, robotics teams, and performing arts programs. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor, dedicated teachers, and supportive learning environment that prepares students for college success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lincoln, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for families in Lincoln, Delaware, and what are their educational approaches?
In Lincoln, Delaware, families have several notable private school options, each with distinct approaches. The Holy Cross School is a Catholic institution offering a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing traditional academics and moral development. St. Andrew's School, located nearby in Middletown, is a prestigious, non-denominational Episcopal boarding and day school known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum and global perspective. Campus Community School in Dover is a public charter school, which is a tuition-free option, but the broader Kent County area also features other private academies. For Lincoln residents, these schools represent a range from religious to independent college-prep models, with commuting to nearby towns being a common consideration.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lincoln, Delaware area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Lincoln area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For example, parochial schools like The Holy Cross School often have lower tuition rates, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, supported by parish subsidies. In contrast, elite independent schools like St. Andrew's School have tuition and boarding fees that can exceed $40,000 per year. Delaware offers specific financial aid avenues for private school families, such as the Delaware ACCESS Scholarship Program, which provides needs-based vouchers for low-income students attending private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial for Lincoln parents to inquire directly with each school and explore these state-assisted options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Lincoln, DE residents?
Private schools serving Lincoln families often provide specialized programs that leverage their unique missions. St. Andrew's School features renowned programs in global studies, advanced STEM research, and a comprehensive arts curriculum, along with extensive athletic facilities. The Holy Cross School emphasizes its Catholic identity through religious education and service-learning projects integrated into the core curriculum. While Lincoln itself is a small town, its proximity to Dover and Middletown allows access to schools with robotics clubs, language immersion tracks, and competitive sports leagues that may not be available in local public districts. Many of these schools also offer robust before- and after-school care, a key consideration for working parents in the area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Lincoln, Delaware region?
The enrollment process and timeline can differ between schools but generally follow a similar pattern. For the fall semester, most private schools begin accepting applications in the prior September or October, with deadlines typically between January and March. St. Andrew's School, for instance, may have earlier deadlines due to its competitive boarding program, often requiring standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, and teacher recommendations. The Holy Cross School may have a more rolling admissions policy, especially for younger grades. A key step for Lincoln families is to attend open houses, often held in the fall, and to apply for financial aid concurrently with admissions. It's advisable to start the process at least a year in advance, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and middle school entry points, may have limited seats.
How do private schools in the Lincoln area compare to the local public schools in terms of class size and community environment?
A primary distinction for Lincoln families is class size and community feel. Private schools like The Holy Cross School often maintain smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students) compared to some public schools in the Caesar Rodney or Lake Forest districts, allowing for more individualized attention. The community environment in Lincoln-area private schools is often tightly knit, with strong parent involvement and a shared value system—whether faith-based at a parochial school or a commitment to rigorous college prep at an independent school. Public schools in the region offer diverse programs and may have larger, more diverse student populations. The choice often hinges on whether parents seek a specific educational philosophy or religious foundation, which private schools provide, versus the no-tuition, neighborhood-based model of public schools. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide bus service from Lincoln.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities