The Best Private Schools in Smyrna, Delaware
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Smyrna. 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
St. Andrew's School is a highly prestigious coeducational Episcopal boarding and day school serving the broader Delaware region, including Smyrna. With a stunning 2,200-acre campus, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes (8:1 student-teacher ratio) and exceptional faculty. The school emphasizes intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and community engagement through its comprehensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs. Consistently ranked among the top private schools in Delaware, St. Andrew's graduates attend highly selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Tower Hill School
Independent
Tower Hill School is a premier independent school serving students from across Delaware, including the Smyrna area. Located in Wilmington, this coeducational day school offers a challenging academic program with strong emphasis on critical thinking and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and dedicated faculty, Tower Hill provides extensive Advanced Placement options, championship athletic programs, and outstanding arts education, preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Holy Cross School
Diocese of Wilmington Catholic Schools
Holy Cross School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving families throughout Kent County, including Smyrna residents. This Pre-K through 8th grade institution provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, and athletic facilities, with a curriculum that emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and religious education. Holy Cross offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Smyrna, Delaware
What are the main private school options available for families living in or near Smyrna, Delaware?
While Smyrna itself has a limited number of private schools, families in the area commonly consider several prestigious institutions within a reasonable commuting distance. The most notable are St. Andrew's School in Middletown (a renowned Episcopal boarding/day school), Tower Hill School in Wilmington (a top-tier independent school), and Holy Cross School in Dover (a Catholic elementary school). For Smyrna residents, these schools represent a range of educational philosophies, from rigorous college-prep to faith-based learning. It's important to factor in commute times, as Delaware's Route 1 provides good access to both Wilmington and Dover from Smyrna.
How does the tuition for private schools near Smyrna, DE, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the top private schools accessible to Smyrna families varies significantly. St. Andrew's and Tower Hill, as elite independent schools, have tuitions that are well above the Delaware private school average, often exceeding $30,000 annually for upper grades. Holy Cross School, as a parish-based Catholic school, is typically more affordable. Delaware offers the Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) scholarship for in-state public college, but not for K-12. However, all these schools have substantial financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Delaware's relatively low cost of living in areas like Smyrna can help offset tuition costs, and many families utilize payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Smyrna, DE, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Smyrna corridor often integrate Delaware's unique resources into their programs. St. Andrew's School utilizes its extensive 2,200-acre campus for environmental science and sustainability initiatives, a direct benefit of its rural setting. Tower Hill School in Wilmington offers strong connections to Delaware's corporate and legal hubs (like the DuPont legacy) for internships and STEM programs. Schools in the area also emphasize Delaware history and coastal ecology. Furthermore, Smyrna's proximity to Dover Air Force Base means some schools have programs supporting military families and may offer JROTC or related activities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like St. Andrew's or Tower Hill for a Smyrna-based student?
For Smyrna families targeting highly competitive schools like St. Andrew's or Tower Hill, planning must begin early—often 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The process typically starts in the fall with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in January for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting standardized test scores (ISEE or SSAT), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a personal interview. Given the commute from Smyrna, interviews and visits require scheduling. Admissions decisions are commonly released in March. It's highly recommended to engage with admissions offices early to discuss the logistics of being a student from the Smyrna area.
For a family in Smyrna, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school option further away?
The decision hinges on several Smyrna-specific factors. The Smyrna School District is well-regarded, so families must weigh the value of its strong public programs against the distinct offerings of a private school requiring a commute. Key considerations include: daily travel time on Routes 13 and 1 to Wilmington or Dover; the desire for a specific educational approach (e.g., single-sex at St. Andrew's, rigorous independent at Tower Hill, or faith-based at Holy Cross); and the social network for the child, as attending school outside the immediate community affects local friendships. Additionally, the extracurricular commitment for a commuting student requires careful planning. Many Smyrna families find a hybrid approach, utilizing local schools for younger children and considering private options for high school.