The Best Private Schools in Amherst, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Amherst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Academy for Science and Design
Public Charter School
The Academy for Science and Design is New Hampshire's premier STEM-focused public charter school serving students in grades 6-12. Located about 15 minutes from Amherst in Nashua, ASD offers an accelerated curriculum specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The school features specialized laboratories, advanced research opportunities, and partnerships with local tech companies and universities. With exceptional college acceptance rates to prestigious STEM programs nationwide, ASD provides a challenging academic environment for motivated students interested in STEM careers. The school maintains small class sizes and highly qualified faculty with expertise in their respective fields.
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The Derryfield School
Independent School
The Derryfield School is a highly respected coeducational independent day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located just 15 minutes from Amherst in Manchester, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The school emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and personalized learning. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Derryfield consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities, with a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development.
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Bishop Guertin High School
Catholic Diocesan School
Bishop Guertin High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 20 minutes from Amherst in Nashua. Serving grades 9-12, BGHS offers a comprehensive academic program with notable strength in STEM education, including advanced placement courses and specialized academies. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and features modern facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and competitive athletic programs. With a strong community atmosphere and emphasis on service learning, Bishop Guertin prepares students for success in college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Amherst, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Amherst, NH, and are there any located directly in the town?
While Amherst itself does not host a major private K-12 school within its town borders, residents have excellent access to several top-tier institutions in the surrounding Southern New Hampshire region. The most prominent include The Derryfield School (Manchester, ~20 min drive), a co-ed independent day school for grades 6-12; Bishop Guertin High School (Nashua, ~15 min drive), a Catholic college-preparatory school for grades 9-12; and The Academy for Science and Design (Nashua, ~15 min drive), a public charter school with a competitive admissions process focused on STEM. Many Amherst families also consider schools in the Greater Boston area. Transportation is typically the family's responsibility.
How does the tuition for private schools near Amherst, NH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are commonly available?
Tuition for day schools in the Amherst area is generally above the New Hampshire state average for private education, reflecting the high caliber and college-prep focus of the local options. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition at schools like The Derryfield School often exceeds $40,000. Bishop Guertin High School, as a diocesan school, typically has a lower tuition, often in the mid-teens. Most of these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs, and New Hampshire also has the Education Tax Credit Program, which can provide scholarships for middle-income families. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
For a student in Amherst with a strong interest in STEM, what specialized programs are offered by private schools in the area?
Amherst is uniquely positioned near The Academy for Science and Design (ASD) in Nashua, which is a tuition-free public charter school but operates with a selective admissions process akin to a private specialty school. Its entire curriculum is centered on science, design, and engineering. For a more traditional private school with deep STEM offerings, The Derryfield School features advanced courses, independent research opportunities, and state-of-the-art labs. Bishop Guertin also has a strong STEM track with Project Lead The Way engineering and advanced science courses. The proximity to high-tech corridors influences these schools' program development.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools serving Amherst, NH, families?
The timeline is critical and often begins over a year in advance. For schools like The Derryfield School and Bishop Guertin, the process for 9th grade entry typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th grade year with open houses and campus tours. Application deadlines are usually in January or early February, requiring standardized test scores (like the SSAT or HSPT), transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. Admission decisions are released in March. For The Academy for Science and Design, the application window is also in the winter, with a lottery system for qualified applicants. Starting early is essential for Amherst families.
How do the academic and community environments of private schools near Amherst compare to the highly-rated Amherst School District public schools?
This is a key consideration. The Amherst School District (SAU 39) is consistently ranked among the top public districts in New Hampshire. The choice often comes down to specific educational approach and environment. Private options like Derryfield offer smaller average class sizes, a distinct independent school culture, and often more flexibility in curriculum design. Bishop Guertin provides a faith-based community. The Academy for Science and Design offers an unparalleled depth in STEM. The public schools offer excellent academics within a comprehensive community setting. Many Amherst families value the public schools highly, while others seek the specialized focus, religious education, or particular pedagogical approach of a private institution.
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