The Best Private Schools in Concord, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Concord. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Birch School
Independent
The Birch School offers a unique progressive education model for middle and high school students, focusing on student-directed learning and holistic development. Located in downtown Concord, the school features small multi-age classrooms and emphasizes project-based learning, outdoor education, and community engagement. The curriculum is highly individualized, allowing students to pursue their interests while meeting rigorous academic standards. The school is known for its innovative approach to education and strong teacher-student relationships, with parents reporting high satisfaction with the personalized attention and creative learning environment.
Programs:
The Derryfield School
Independent
While located in Manchester, The Derryfield School serves students from throughout the region including Concord families, and is consistently ranked among New Hampshire's top private schools. This coeducational college preparatory school serves grades 6-12 with a comprehensive academic program featuring extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics, and outstanding arts programs. The 84-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, and the school maintains a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Derryfield is particularly noted for its academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities. The school's strong community values and commitment to character development make it a popular choice for Concord-area families seeking premium private education.
Programs:
St. John Regional School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
St. John Regional School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in the Concord area. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs include comprehensive STEM education, fine arts, music, and competitive athletics. The school maintains modern facilities and has earned recognition for its strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Concord, New Hampshire
What are the main types of private school options available to families in Concord, New Hampshire?
Concord, NH, offers a range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and needs. These include faith-based schools like St. John Regional School (Catholic, Pre-K-8), progressive and independent schools like The Birch School (which emphasizes outdoor and experiential learning), and prestigious independent day schools like The Derryfield School in nearby Manchester, which is a common choice for Concord families seeking a rigorous college-preparatory environment for grades 6-12. Additionally, the Concord area has other independent and Montessori-style options. The mix provides a meaningful choice between religious education, alternative pedagogies, and traditional academic preparation.
How does tuition for Concord, NH, private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition in the Concord area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, K-8 tuition at schools like St. John Regional is often in the $8,000-$12,000 range, while a secondary school like The Derryfield School has tuition exceeding $40,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below averages for New England private schools. A key financial consideration specific to New Hampshire is the "Education Freedom Accounts" program, a state-funded initiative that allows eligible families (based on income) to use public funds for approved private school expenses, including tuition. Most private schools in the area also offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Concord, NH, area that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Concord region often integrate New Hampshire's natural and historical resources into their programs. The Birch School, for example, has a core focus on place-based and outdoor education, utilizing local trails, forests, and rivers for ecological studies. St. John Regional School incorporates community service projects within the Concord community. Schools like The Derryfield, while in Manchester, offer robust outdoor programs (like climbing and skiing) that take advantage of the nearby White Mountains and Lakes Region. Furthermore, several schools have partnerships with local institutions like the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center or the State House for civics and science education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Concord, New Hampshire?
The enrollment process for Concord-area private schools generally begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Key dates include open houses from September to January, application deadlines between January and February, and admission decisions communicated in March. Schools like The Derryfield have a more formal process requiring standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), student interviews, and teacher recommendations. For local schools like St. John Regional or The Birch School, the process may be less standardized but often includes a family interview, classroom visit, and assessment of the child's fit with the school's philosophy. It's crucial to contact schools directly in the early fall, as some grades have limited seats and waitlists are common.
For families considering both, what are some notable differences between the Concord School District public schools and the private school options?
The Concord School District (SAU 8) offers a well-regarded public education, with the key differences lying in class size, specialized focus, and programming. Private schools in the area typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students vs. 20+ in public schools) and more individualized attention. Curriculum flexibility is another major difference; private schools like The Birch can employ alternative, non-standardized curricula, while St. John Regional integrates religious education. Public schools offer broader elective choices at the high school level and mandated special education services. For some Concord families, the choice hinges on seeking a specific religious or pedagogical approach not available in the public system, or desiring a smaller community atmosphere from kindergarten onward.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities