The Best Private Schools in Andover, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Andover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Proctor Academy
Independent
Proctor Academy is a premier independent boarding and day school located directly in Andover, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education with exceptional academic rigor. The school is renowned for its innovative learning skills program, extensive outdoor education opportunities including wilderness orientation and mountain classrooms, and state-of-the-art facilities including a new science and math center. With a 5:1 student-teacher ratio and average class size of 12, students receive personalized attention. The 2,500-acre campus features extensive athletic facilities, art studios, and technology centers, making it one of New England's most respected private schools.
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The Derryfield School
Independent
The Derryfield School, located approximately 30 minutes from Andover in Manchester, is a highly regarded coeducational independent day school serving grades 6-12. The school is recognized for its strong college preparatory program with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Derryfield features small class sizes averaging 12 students, advanced STEM facilities, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern science labs, performance spaces, and athletic facilities on its 84-acre wooded campus. Known for its supportive community and academic excellence, Derryfield regularly serves families from the Andover area seeking a challenging yet nurturing educational environment.
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St. Paul's School
Independent
Located just 20 minutes from Andover in Concord, St. Paul's School is a highly selective Episcopal boarding school with exceptional academic credentials and historic prestige. The school offers a rigorous curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement options and maintains a 5:1 student-faculty ratio. The 2,000-acre campus features world-class facilities including the Ohrstrom Library, Lindsay Center for Mathematics and Science, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its Humanities program and strong college placement record, St. Paul's serves students from Andover and throughout New England with a comprehensive educational experience emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, and physical development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Andover, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Andover, New Hampshire?
While Andover itself is a small town, it is located within a region renowned for its prestigious private schools. The most prominent options include Proctor Academy, which is actually located in Andover and is a leading co-educational boarding and day school. Nearby in Concord, you have The Derryfield School, a top-tier independent day school. A short drive away in Concord is the world-renowned St. Paul's School, an Episcopal boarding school. For Andover residents, Proctor Academy offers the most immediate local option, especially for day students, while the others provide excellent choices within a reasonable commuting distance.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Andover, NH area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in this region varies significantly based on the school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Proctor Academy in Andover is approximately $48,000, while boarding is around $78,000. The Derryfield School's day tuition is roughly $46,000. St. Paul's School, as a premier boarding institution, has tuition and fees exceeding $70,000. Importantly, all these schools are committed to making education accessible and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Proctor Academy, for instance, awards over $7 million in aid annually to about 40% of its student body. New Hampshire also has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which can provide scholarships for students to attend private schools, offering an additional potential funding source for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Andover, NH area that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate New Hampshire's natural landscape and resources into their curricula. Proctor Academy in Andover is famous for its "Proctor in the Wilderness" orientation, its own 2,500-acre campus used for environmental science, and its distinctive Ocean Classroom and Mountain Classroom off-campus programs. The Derryfield School emphasizes its "Derryfield Outing Club" and outdoor leadership. St. Paul's School utilizes its 2,000-acre campus for sustainability initiatives and advanced environmental studies. This focus on experiential, place-based learning is a hallmark of private education in the Andover and Lakes Region area, offering students unparalleled hands-on opportunities not typically found in public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Proctor Academy in Andover, NH?
The admission process for schools like Proctor Academy is comprehensive and begins well in advance. For fall enrollment, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months prior. Prospective families should attend open houses (often in the fall), submit applications by January or February, and complete required interviews and standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE) by winter. Financial aid applications are usually due concurrently with admission applications. Notification dates are typically in mid-March, with a reply deadline in early April. Given Proctor's status as a boarding school, the process includes considerations for both day and boarding placements, and it's highly recommended for Andover families to connect with the admission office early to discuss day student availability, which can be limited.
For Andover residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school, Andover Elementary/Middle School (which feeds into Merrimack Valley High School), with area private schools?
The key considerations involve educational approach, resources, and post-graduate goals. The Andover public system provides a solid, community-based K-8 education, with students then traveling to Merrimack Valley High School. In contrast, private schools like Proctor Academy offer a continuous 9-12 (or 9-PG) experience with significantly lower student-to-teacher ratios, specialized academic support, and extensive college counseling networks that consistently place graduates in highly selective colleges. For families in Andover, the decision often hinges on the desire for a tailored, experiential education with robust arts, athletics, and off-campus programs versus the no-tuition cost and local community immersion of the public path. Transportation can also be a factor, as commuting to schools in Concord requires planning, while Proctor Academy is conveniently local for day students.
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