The Best Private Schools in Belmont, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Belmont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
New Hampton School
Independent
New Hampton School is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school serving the Belmont area and broader New England region. With a 200-year legacy of academic excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12 students. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, innovation spaces, athletic complexes, and arts centers. The school emphasizes personalized learning with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service. Their global education program includes study abroad opportunities and cultural exchanges.
Programs:
St. Paul's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Paul's School is a highly selective Episcopal boarding school in Concord that serves students from Belmont and throughout New England. As one of the nation's premier secondary schools, it offers an exceptional academic program with extensive Advanced Studies courses and innovative curriculum. The 2,000-acre campus features outstanding facilities including the Ohrstrom Library, Lindsay Center for Mathematics and Science, athletic complex, and performing arts center. The school emphasizes holistic education with a strong honor code, extensive arts programs, competitive athletics, and global education initiatives. With a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and mentorship.
Programs:
Laconia Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Laconia Christian Academy serves Belmont and the Lakes Region with a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade Christian education. The school combines rigorous academic preparation with character development rooted in biblical principles. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with Advanced Placement options, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Belmont, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Belmont, New Hampshire?
While Belmont itself is a smaller town, families have access to several notable private institutions in the surrounding Lakes Region and central New Hampshire. The most prominent are New Hampton School (a co-ed boarding/day school in New Hampton, about 30 minutes north), Laconia Christian Academy (a Pre-K-12 Christian school in nearby Laconia), and the prestigious St. Paul's School (an Episcopal boarding school in Concord, roughly 40 minutes south). Belmont residents typically consider these schools, along with potential smaller academies or Montessori programs in adjacent towns, requiring consideration of commute times.
How does the tuition for private schools near Belmont, NH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition near Belmont varies dramatically by institution type. Laconia Christian Academy's tuition is more moderate, typically ranging from $6,000-$10,000 annually for day students. New Hampton School's day student tuition is significantly higher, often exceeding $40,000, aligning with its comprehensive boarding school model. St. Paul's School is among the most expensive in the state. Importantly, New Hampshire has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which can provide scholarships for students attending private schools, including religious ones. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid even if they are unsure of eligibility.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Belmont, NH, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the natural and cultural assets of the Lakes Region and New Hampshire into their programs. New Hampton School emphasizes experiential learning, with outdoor leadership, sustainability initiatives, and winter sports programs that utilize the local landscape. Laconia Christian Academy may incorporate field studies related to the local environment within its curriculum. St. Paul's School, with its vast campus, offers advanced facilities and programs in areas like environmental science that can benefit from New Hampshire's diverse ecosystems. This regional connection provides a distinct educational setting compared to urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Belmont, NH, families?
The process and timeline are school-specific. For competitive boarding/day schools like New Hampton School and St. Paul's School, the process is extensive and begins 12-18 months before desired entry. It involves applications (often via SAO or Gateway), standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, and fall/winter deadlines for the following academic year. For Laconia Christian Academy and other local day schools, the process may be more flexible, with rolling admissions, but it's wise to inquire by January for the next fall. All Belmont-area families should attend open houses (often held in fall) and contact admissions offices directly, as some schools may have limited space in certain grades.
For a Belmont resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school (Belmont Middle/High School) with area private options?
Key considerations include educational approach, cost, and community. The Belmont public schools offer a no-tuition, community-based education with standard extracurriculars. Private options offer distinct philosophies: religious education at LCA, a college-prep boarding school environment at New Hampton, or a highly rigorous academic tradition at St. Paul's. Parents must weigh the significant financial investment against potential benefits like smaller class sizes, specialized programs, or specific values alignment. Additionally, the commute to private schools is a major practical factor, impacting daily logistics and a child's ability to participate in local Belmont community activities.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities