The Best Private Schools in Contoocook, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Contoocook. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Well School
Independent Progressive School
Located approximately 20 minutes from Contoocook in Peterborough, The Well School offers a distinctive progressive education for students from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a 14-acre campus with extensive outdoor learning environments, gardens, and natural play spaces. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning with strong integration of arts and environmental education. Small multi-age classrooms allow for individualized instruction and strong student-teacher relationships. The school is particularly noted for its nurturing environment, creative approach to learning, and development of critical thinking skills while maintaining strong academic foundations.
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St. Paul's School
Independent
St. Paul's School is one of New England's most prestigious Episcopal boarding schools located just 15 minutes from Contoocook in Concord. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 10 students per class. The 2,000-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, athletic centers, and arts spaces. Students benefit from a comprehensive global studies program, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, and competitive athletic teams. The school maintains a strong commitment to character development and community service while preparing students for top-tier colleges and universities.
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Concord Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Concord Christian Academy serves families throughout the Contoocook area with a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through high school. The school emphasizes academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview across all subjects. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated arts spaces. The school offers competitive athletic programs, vibrant fine arts opportunities, and a growing STEM curriculum. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, CCA provides personalized attention while maintaining high academic standards and strong college placement records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Contoocook, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Contoocook, NH, and what are their key characteristics?
While Contoocook itself is a small village, families have access to several notable private schools in the surrounding Hopkinton and Concord areas. The most prominent are St. Paul's School in Concord (a prestigious, Episcopal-affiliated boarding/day school with a global reputation), Concord Christian Academy in Concord (a Christ-centered, college-preparatory day school), and The Well School in Peterborough (a progressive, independent day school focusing on holistic education). For Contoocook residents, these schools typically require a commute, but they offer vastly different educational philosophies—from rigorous college-prep and boarding to progressive and faith-based models—all within a 30-minute drive.
How does the tuition for private schools near Contoocook, NH, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Contoocook area varies dramatically by institution. For the 2024-25 academic year, St. Paul's School, as a boarding school, has a comprehensive fee exceeding $70,000, though day student tuition is lower. Concord Christian Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $10,000 to $15,000 for grades K-12. The Well School's tuition is roughly $20,000. New Hampshire does not have state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs, but all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid. Additionally, New Hampshire's "Education Freedom Accounts" program may provide income-eligible families with state funds that can be used for approved private school tuition, making these options more accessible for qualifying Contoocook residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Contoocook offer that leverage the New Hampshire environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the natural and historical resources of New Hampshire into their curricula. St. Paul's School boasts extensive facilities and programs in environmental science, utilizing its 2,000-acre campus for hands-on learning. Its Advanced Studies Program is renowned. Concord Christian Academy emphasizes outdoor education and stewardship. The Well School, with its rural Peterborough setting, has a strong focus on sustainability, gardening, and arts integrated with nature. All schools offer robust outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and crew (on the nearby Contoocook River and lakes), taking full advantage of New Hampshire's distinct seasons and landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Contoocook, NH, and how competitive is admission?
Timelines are school-specific, but generally follow a fall/winter schedule for the next academic year. St. Paul's School, as a highly selective boarding school, has application deadlines in January/February (SSAT/ISEE required) with decisions released in March. Concord Christian Academy and The Well School, as day schools, may have rolling admissions but encourage applications by January-February for priority consideration. For Contoocook families, it's crucial to initiate inquiries and campus visits a full year in advance, especially for St. Paul's. Sibling and legacy preferences exist, and while Concord Christian and The Well are less intensely competitive, early application is advised due to limited seats in certain grades.
For a family in Contoocook deciding between the well-regarded Hopkinton public schools and local private options, what are the key considerations?
This is a common consideration, as Hopkinton School District (serving Contoocook) is highly rated. Key differentiators include class size (private schools often have 12-18 students vs. larger public classes), educational philosophy (religious, progressive, or classical vs. standard public curriculum), and specialized resources. Private schools offer distinct community cultures and, in cases like St. Paul's, unparalleled facilities and global networks. The decision often hinges on values alignment, desire for a specific pedagogical approach, and willingness to commute. Many Contoocook families choose the strong public system, while others seek the specific mission, smaller setting, or specialized programs of the private institutions, accepting the trade-off of tuition and transportation.
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