The Best Private Schools in Milford, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Milford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint Thomas More Academy
Roman Catholic Diocese of Wilmington
Saint Thomas More Academy is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving the Milford area and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. Students benefit from a comprehensive STEM program, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while preparing students for college success. Located just minutes from Milford, it serves families throughout Kent County.
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The College School
University of Delaware
The College School at the University of Delaware is a laboratory school that serves as a model for innovative education throughout the state, including families from Milford who commute for this exceptional program. The school specializes in serving students with learning differences while providing an academically challenging environment. As part of the University of Delaware, it benefits from cutting-edge educational research and resources. The school offers small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a supportive community that helps students reach their full potential.
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Campus Community School
Campus Community School
Campus Community School is a highly-rated public charter school serving students from Milford and throughout central Delaware. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong focus on college preparation and STEM education. With small class sizes and individualized learning plans, students receive personalized attention. The school features modern facilities, competitive sports teams, and robust arts programs. Many Milford families choose this charter school for its academic excellence and comprehensive educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Milford, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for families in Milford, Delaware, and what educational models do they offer?
Milford, DE, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different educational focus. Saint Thomas More Academy is a private, independent Catholic school serving grades 9-12, offering a college-preparatory curriculum grounded in Catholic values. Campus Community School is a public charter school (which functions like a tuition-free private school in terms of specialized focus) with a K-12 program emphasizing character education and project-based learning. The College School, part of the University of Delaware, is not located in Milford; the notable local option is instead likely a private elementary or faith-based academy. Parents should also explore smaller local parochial schools. The landscape means families often consider schools in surrounding areas like Dover or Milton for a broader range of private choices.
How does tuition for private schools in Milford, DE, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Milford area tends to be moderately priced compared to larger Delaware cities like Wilmington. For example, area private high schools may have annual tuition ranging from approximately $8,000 to $12,000. Delaware offers the Opportunity Tax Credit and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) programs, which provide scholarships for students attending private schools; many Milford-area schools participate. Additionally, most private schools offer need-based financial aid, payment plans, and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates and aid application processes, as these can vary significantly even within the same town.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Milford area that leverage local Delaware resources?
Private schools in and near Milford often create programs that connect students to Delaware's coastal environment, agricultural heritage, and growing tech sector. For instance, some schools integrate marine biology studies with field trips to the nearby Delaware Bay or Cape Henlopen. Agriscience and environmental stewardship are common themes, partnering with local farms or the Delaware Department of Natural Resources. Given Milford's location between Dover and the beach towns, programs may also include internships in state government, healthcare (with Bayhealth Hospital), or hospitality. Extracurriculars often emphasize outdoor activities like sailing or kayaking, leveraging the region's natural assets in a way that large urban private schools cannot.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Milford, Delaware, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process for Milford-area private schools generally begins in the fall or winter for the following academic year, with key deadlines often between January and March. Many schools host open houses from October through February. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. A unique local consideration is the coordination with the Delaware Department of Education's school choice program, which has a specific application window (typically in January) for charter schools like Campus Community School. For traditional private schools, steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment. We recommend contacting schools by November to ensure you meet all milestones.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between the public school environment in Milford and the available private school options?
The Milford School District operates several public schools, while private options offer smaller, more specialized environments. Key differences include class size (private schools often have significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios), curricular flexibility (private schools can offer religious education or specific pedagogical models like classical or project-based learning), and community culture. Public schools in Milford provide a broad range of programs, including career pathways at the Milford High School Career & Technical Education Center, and are tuition-free. Private schools may offer a more uniform college-prep focus or a specific value system. Transportation can be a differentiator; Delaware public schools provide busing, while private school families often must arrange their own, which is an important logistical consideration in this more rural part of the state.
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