The Best Private Schools in Millsboro, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Millsboro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Jefferson School
Private Independent School
The Jefferson School in Lewes (approximately 15 miles from Millsboro) specializes in personalized education for students who benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention. Serving grades 1-12, the school employs a project-based learning approach that adapts to each student's learning style and pace. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, real-world applications, and college preparation. With a maximum class size of 10 students and a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, the school provides exceptional support for diverse learners. Facilities include specialized learning spaces, technology integration, and flexible classroom environments designed to optimize student engagement and achievement.
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St. Peter's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Delaware
Located approximately 15 miles from Millsboro in historic Lewes, St. Peter's Episcopal School provides a nurturing Christian environment combined with strong academic foundations. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes character development, community service, and individualized attention. The curriculum includes robust language arts, mathematics, science programs, and enrichment activities. The school campus features modern classrooms, dedicated play areas, and chapel facilities, creating a close-knit educational community known for its family atmosphere and academic preparation.
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Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy
Sussex Academy is a highly-regarded charter school serving grades 6-12 that consistently ranks among the top schools in Delaware. Located just 10 miles from Millsboro, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Sussex Academy maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes both academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Millsboro, Delaware
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Millsboro, Delaware?
While Millsboro itself is a smaller town, families have access to several well-regarded private institutions in the immediate area. The top options include Sussex Academy in Georgetown (a public charter school that functions like a private college-prep school), St. Peter's Episcopal School in Lewes (offering a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade), and The Jefferson School in Georgetown (known for its supportive environment for students with learning differences). Many Millsboro families also consider schools in the broader Sussex County region. Transportation is a key consideration, as most require private arrangements.
How does tuition for private schools in the Millsboro, DE area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Millsboro area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $8,000 to $15,000+ annually. A key Delaware-specific benefit is the "Student Excellence Means Equity" (SEME) scholarship, a state-funded program that provides needs-based financial assistance to Delaware residents attending private K-12 schools. Additionally, many schools, like St. Peter's Episcopal School, offer their own need-based financial aid and may participate in the SAGE tuition management program. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Millsboro, Delaware offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Millsboro vicinity often leverage their smaller size and specialized missions. Sussex Academy is renowned for its rigorous STEM-focused curriculum, advanced placement offerings, and environmental science programs that utilize the local coastal ecosystem. St. Peter's Episcopal School integrates character education and faith with a strong academic foundation. The Jefferson School specializes in personalized, multi-sensory instruction for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges—a niche program not typically found in the local public district. These focused approaches allow for tailored educational experiences not always available in the comprehensive public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Millsboro, Delaware families?
The enrollment process for schools like Sussex Academy, St. Peter's, and The Jefferson School is highly structured and often begins nearly a year in advance. Critical deadlines usually fall between December and February for the following academic year. Sussex Academy, as a charter school, holds a public lottery in March for available seats. For traditional private schools, the process typically involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, records review, and family interview. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry grades, Millsboro parents are advised to attend open houses in the fall and submit applications well before deadlines.
For a family in Millsboro, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local Indian River School District public schools and area private schools?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The Indian River School District provides a no-tuition, comprehensive K-12 education with extensive extracurriculars. However, families often consider private options for smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like STEM or learning support), or a specific educational philosophy. A major practical consideration is commute: Millsboro is centrally located, but private options require daily drives to Georgetown, Lewes, or beyond, impacting family logistics and costs. Additionally, the private school investment must be weighed against Delaware's SEME scholarship potential. Many families value the close-knit community and targeted focus of the private options, despite the tuition and transportation requirements.
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