The Best Private Schools in Barrington, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barrington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Maker's Mill
Private Montessori School
The Maker's Mill is a highly-regarded private Montessori school serving students from Barrington and surrounding communities. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through its innovative STEAM curriculum and project-based approach. Programs span from early childhood through middle school, with a strong focus on individualized learning plans. The school features dedicated maker spaces, outdoor classrooms, and nature-based learning environments. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's nurturing environment, qualified Montessori-certified teachers, and strong community atmosphere. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with practical life skills and environmental stewardship.
Programs:
Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school located just across the Maine border, serving students from Barrington and the greater Seacoast region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12-14 students. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, comprehensive arts education, competitive athletics, and extensive community service opportunities. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Berwick maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top-tier universities.
Programs:
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Christian School Association
Portsmouth Christian Academy is a comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 12 Christian school serving the Barrington area and greater Seacoast region. The school offers a robust academic program grounded in Christian values, with strong college preparatory tracks and Advanced Placement courses. The 40-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts facilities, and athletic complexes. PCA features diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams, performing arts programs, mission trips, and community service initiatives. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance, with graduates attending both Christian and secular universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barrington, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Barrington, New Hampshire?
While Barrington itself is a smaller town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Seacoast region. The most prominent are Berwick Academy in South Berwick, ME (a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school just across the state line), Portsmouth Christian Academy in Dover, NH (a Pre-K through Grade 12 Christian school), and The Maker's Mill, a unique project-based high school in nearby Wolfeboro, NH. Many Barrington families also consider schools in the greater Portsmouth area. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are not typically within walking distance and may offer limited bus service to Barrington.
How does New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program impact private school tuition for Barrington residents?
New Hampshire's EFA program is a significant financial consideration. It provides state-funded scholarships for eligible families (income-based) to use for approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools. Both Portsmouth Christian Academy and The Maker's Mill are EFA-approved schools. Berwick Academy, being located in Maine, does not participate in the New Hampshire EFA program. For qualifying Barrington families, the EFA can substantially reduce the net cost of tuition at an in-state private school, making it a crucial factor in the decision-making process.
What unique academic or programmatic specialties are offered by private schools near Barrington, NH?
The schools near Barrington offer distinct educational approaches. Berwick Academy is known for its rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, robust arts and athletics, and its designation as an Apple Distinguished School for technology integration. Portsmouth Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Christian education with a strong STEM focus and competitive athletics. The Maker's Mill is notably unique, offering a fully project-based, interdisciplinary high school experience where students learn through hands-on, real-world projects rather than traditional classes, appealing to students who thrive in a non-conventional setting. This variety allows Barrington parents to match their child's learning style with a specific pedagogical model.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Barrington, NH area?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. For schools like Berwick Academy and Portsmouth Christian Academy, the application process for the following academic year often begins in the fall, with deadlines for financial aid and priority applications typically between January and February. Open houses and shadow days are usually scheduled in the fall and winter. The Maker's Mill, with its smaller size and project-based model, may have a more rolling admissions process but still encourages early inquiry. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry grades, Barrington families are advised to begin research and campus visits at least a year in advance.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Barrington compare to the local public school system?
Barrington's public schools are part of the Barrington School District, which includes Barrington Elementary and Barrington Middle School (with high school students attending Oyster River High School in Durham via tuition agreement). The private options offer significantly smaller average class sizes, often ranging from 12-18 students, compared to larger public school classrooms. This fosters more individualized attention. The community environment also differs: Berwick and PCA cultivate close-knit, mission-driven communities from Pre-K through 12th grade, while The Maker's Mill offers a highly collaborative, studio-like environment. In contrast, the public system provides a broader, town-based community experience. The choice often hinges on whether a family seeks a specific educational philosophy or a more intimate setting versus the local community school model.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities