The Best Private Schools in Dover, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent Boarding School
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the nation's premier independent boarding schools located just 15 miles from Dover. Known for its innovative Harkness teaching method, Exeter provides an exceptional educational experience with world-class faculty and facilities. The school offers over 450 courses across disciplines, extensive athletic programs, and outstanding arts facilities. While primarily a boarding school, it serves day students from the surrounding region including Dover.
Programs:
Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a prestigious independent day school serving the Seacoast region including Dover families. Founded in 1791, it offers a comprehensive college preparatory program for students in Pre-K through grade 12. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Berwick emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and robust extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
Programs:
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Christian School Network
Portsmouth Christian Academy is a well-established Christian school located directly in Dover, serving students from preschool through high school. The academy provides a comprehensive college preparatory education integrated with Christian values and worldview. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. PCA offers strong academic programs, competitive athletics, and diverse extracurricular activities with a focus on character development and community engagement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dover, New Hampshire
What are the main private school options for families living in Dover, NH, and are there any located directly in the city?
While Dover itself is home to a few smaller parochial and independent schools, many families in the area consider prestigious institutions in the surrounding Seacoast region. The most notable are Phillips Exeter Academy (in Exeter, ~20 min drive), Berwick Academy (in South Berwick, ME, ~15 min drive), and Portsmouth Christian Academy (in Dover, NH). PCA is the only one of the "top three" physically located within Dover's city limits. Other options include St. Mary Academy and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. The proximity to these highly-regarded schools is a significant draw for families moving to the Dover area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Dover, NH, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Dover area varies widely. For the 2024-25 academic year, Phillips Exeter Academy's boarding tuition is approximately $67,000, while its day student tuition is around $52,000. Berwick Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 for lower school to $40,000 for upper school. Portsmouth Christian Academy's tuition is generally lower, starting around $10,000-$15,000. New Hampshire offers the "Education Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools, including those in Dover. Families should apply for financial aid directly through each school, as endowments (particularly at schools like Exeter) can make significant aid packages available.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Dover, NH?
The private schools near Dover offer distinct specializations. Phillips Exeter Academy is world-renowned for its Harkness Table pedagogy, a student-driven discussion-based learning method, and exceptional college preparation. Berwick Academy emphasizes innovation with its "Bold Innovation" initiative, featuring a cutting-edge STEM center and strong arts programs. Portsmouth Christian Academy, as a Dover-based school, offers a comprehensive Christian education with a strong emphasis on community service and character development. Many of these schools also leverage New Hampshire's natural environment for outdoor education programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like PCA, Berwick, and Exeter for Dover residents?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Phillips Exeter Academy and Berwick Academy, the application deadline for the following fall is typically in January or February, with decisions released in March. This often requires standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), student interviews, and teacher recommendations completed in the preceding fall. Portsmouth Christian Academy may have more rolling admission but encourages early application. Open houses are usually held in the fall. Given the competitive nature, especially for Exeter, Dover families are advised to start research and visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family considering both, what are the key differences between Dover's public schools and the surrounding private school options?
Dover's public schools are well-regarded and tuition-free, offering a solid education with newer facilities like the Dover High School renovation. The key differences lie in class size, specialized pedagogy, and resources. Private options offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (e.g., 5:1 at Exeter). They provide distinct educational philosophies—Harkness at Exeter, faith-based at PCA—and often have more extensive facilities, endowments, and global networks. The decision often comes down to a family's priority on a specific teaching method, religious education, boarding possibility (Exeter), or a desire for the intensive college counseling and name recognition associated with the elite private schools in the region.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities