The Best Private Schools in Hagatna, Gu
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hagatna. 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
Saint John's School is Guam's premier independent college preparatory school offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art science and technology labs, and extensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, robotics, and performing arts. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, Saint John's provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes modern facilities with dedicated STEM centers, art studios, and athletic complexes serving students from across Guam.
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Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy
Harvest Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school, serving families throughout central Guam including Hagatna. The academy offers a rigorous academic program integrated with biblical principles, featuring advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive language arts, and competitive athletic programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending universities worldwide.
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Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School
Catholic Schools of Guam
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade as part of the Catholic Schools of Guam system, drawing students from Hagatna and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values and traditions. Features include comprehensive technology integration, music and art programs, competitive sports, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and modern facilities including smart classrooms, science labs, and extensive library resources, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hagatna, Gu
What are the primary private school options available in Hagatna, GU, and what are their educational philosophies?
Hagatna, as the capital of Guam, hosts several prominent private schools, each with a distinct focus. Saint John's School is a prestigious, non-denominational college-preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and strong arts and athletics programs. Harvest Christian Academy is a private Christian school offering a biblically-integrated curriculum from a Protestant perspective. Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School (BBMS) is a Catholic institution operated by the Archdiocese of Agana, providing faith-based education within the Catholic tradition. These schools represent the core of private K-12 education in central Guam, offering alternatives to the Guam Department of Education's public system.
How does tuition for private schools in Hagatna, GU, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Guam residents?
Tuition in Hagatna's private schools varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to over $15,000, with Saint John's School generally at the higher end and Harvest Christian Academy and BBMS often being more moderately priced. Financial aid is available, primarily through need-based scholarships and grants offered directly by the schools. A unique local consideration is that some schools may offer discounts or special considerations for families with multiple children enrolled, military families, or employees of certain local organizations. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current fee schedules and aid applications, as costs are subject to change.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Hagatna private schools offer that leverage the island's location and culture?
Private schools in Hagatna often incorporate Guam's unique Chamorro culture and Pacific Island environment into their programs. This can include Chamorro language classes, studies in Pacific Island history and navigation, and environmental science projects focused on local coral reefs and ecosystems. Furthermore, schools like Saint John's may offer advanced placement (AP) courses and robust international programs that connect students globally, while the faith-based schools integrate service learning projects that engage with the local community. Their smaller class sizes also allow for more personalized attention, which is a significant draw for many parents on island.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Hagatna, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for Hagatna's top private schools is competitive and often begins nearly a year in advance. Most schools open applications for the following academic year between September and January, with deadlines typically falling in February or March. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or interview. For schools like Saint John's, waitlists are common, especially for entry-level grades (Kindergarten and 6th grade), so early application is strongly advised. It's highly recommended to attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall, and to confirm all dates directly with the schools as they can vary.
For families new to Guam, how do private schools in Hagatna compare to the public schools in terms of facilities, class size, and college preparation?
The most notable differences lie in resources, class size, and curricular consistency. Hagatna's private schools generally have smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public schools), which allows for more individualized instruction. Facilities at schools like Saint John's are often more modern and extensive, including dedicated science labs, performance spaces, and athletic complexes. In terms of college preparation, private schools in Hagatna typically have dedicated college counseling offices and a track record of graduates attending universities in the U.S. mainland and beyond. However, the Guam Department of Education public schools are tuition-free and offer a diverse student body. The choice often comes down to a family's budget, desired educational philosophy, and the importance placed on specific programs or religious instruction.