The Best Private Schools in Agat, Gu
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Agat. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint John's School
Independent Catholic School
Saint John's School is Guam's premier private Catholic college preparatory school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service programs. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, the school maintains small class sizes and high academic standards. Many graduates attend top universities in the United States and internationally.
Programs:
Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school offering comprehensive education from preschool through high school. The academy integrates biblical principles throughout its college-preparatory curriculum while maintaining strong academic standards. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers diverse extracurricular programs including music, arts, sports, and community outreach. Transportation services are available for students from Agat and surrounding villages.
Programs:
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School
Catholic Schools of Guam
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School is a well-established Catholic middle school serving grades 6-8 with a strong reputation for academic excellence and character formation. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for high school success while emphasizing Catholic values and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school offers various extracurricular activities including sports teams, academic clubs, and leadership programs. BBMS serves students from Agat and throughout central and southern Guam with bus transportation available.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Agat, Gu
What are the private school options for families living in Agat, GU, and are there any located directly in the village?
While Agat itself has a limited number of private schools within village boundaries, families commonly consider several well-regarded institutions in the broader southern and central Guam region. The top schools often include Saint John's School in Tumon, Harvest Christian Academy in Mangilao, and Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School (BBMS) in Sinajana. For Agat residents, this means commuting is typically necessary. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus services that extend to the south. Many Agat families choose these schools for their strong academic reputations, with BBMS being a popular Catholic option.
How does tuition for private schools in Guam compare, and are there financial aid options for military or local families in Agat?
Tuition in Guam's private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to over $15,000, with schools like Harvest Christian Academy and Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School generally on the lower end of that spectrum and Saint John's School at the higher end. Most schools offer multi-child discounts and need-based financial aid. Critically for Agat, many families are eligible for aid through the Guam Department of Education's "School Choice" program, which provides subsidies to eligible students attending private schools. Additionally, military families stationed at Naval Base Guam may explore off-base education allowances.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Agat, GU, offer that leverage the island's environment and culture?
Private schools in Guam often integrate the island's unique Chamorro culture and tropical environment into their curricula. For instance, Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School includes Chamorro language and cultural studies. Saint John's School emphasizes environmental science with potential projects related to coral reefs and conservation, relevant to Agat's coastal location. Harvest Christian Academy may incorporate Pacific island perspectives into its worldview. Extracurriculars like outrigger canoe paddling, snorkeling for marine biology, and participation in local cultural festivals like the Agat Mango Festival are unique offerings that connect classroom learning to the local community and environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Agat, GU, and when should applications be submitted?
The enrollment timeline for Guam's major private schools is crucial due to limited seats. The process typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. For example, Saint John's School often has its application deadline in early spring. Most schools require an application form, previous school records, teacher recommendations, and an entrance assessment or interview. For Agat families, it's highly advisable to initiate inquiries and campus visits (which may involve a drive to Tumon, Mangilao, or Sinajana) a full year in advance. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but popular grades fill quickly. Sibling and legacy preferences are common, so planning early is key.
For parents in Agat deciding between the local public school (Agat Elementary/Middle) and a private school, what are the primary considerations specific to our location?
The decision often hinges on several Agat-specific factors. The public zoned schools offer proximity and no tuition. However, private schools provide alternatives often sought for smaller class sizes, specific religious education (e.g., Catholic curriculum at BBMS), or perceived academic rigor. A major practical consideration is the daily commute from Agat to schools in Hagåtña, Tumon, or Mangilao, which can take 30-60 minutes each way depending on traffic. Parents must weigh the benefits of the private program against commute time and cost. Additionally, some private schools may offer more extensive college preparatory programs and facilities, which can be a deciding factor for families prioritizing off-island university placement.