The Best Private Schools in Epsom, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Epsom. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Derryfield School
Independent School
The Derryfield School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Epsom and surrounding communities. With a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the school offers rigorous academics including Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performance spaces, and athletic fields. Known for its strong college placement record and personalized approach to education, Derryfield emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence.
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Bishop Brady High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
Bishop Brady High School is a Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Epsom and the greater Concord area. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with honors and AP courses, complemented by strong faith formation programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic complexes. Bishop Brady emphasizes academic excellence within a supportive community environment, with notable programs in STEM, performing arts, and competitive sports. The school maintains small class sizes and provides extensive college counseling support.
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St. John Regional School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
St. John Regional School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through eighth grade, serving families from Epsom and surrounding communities. The school offers a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, religious education, and enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground areas. The school is known for its family-oriented atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for success in high school. Extracurricular activities include sports, music, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Epsom, New Hampshire
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Epsom, NH, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no private K-12 day schools physically located within the town limits of Epsom. Families in Epsom typically commute to private schools in nearby communities. Popular and highly-regarded options within a reasonable driving distance include The Derryfield School in Manchester (approximately 25 minutes), Bishop Brady High School in Concord (approximately 20 minutes), and St. John Regional School in Concord (approximately 20 minutes). Many families also consider schools in the wider Seacoast or Lakes Region areas depending on their specific needs.
How does New Hampshire's Education Freedom Account (EFA) program affect private school tuition for Epsom residents?
New Hampshire's EFA program is a significant financial consideration for Epsom families. It allows eligible families (with household incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty level) to use state-funded accounts to pay for approved educational expenses, including tuition at participating private schools. Many schools in the area, like Bishop Brady High School and St. John Regional School, are EFA-approved. The Derryfield School is currently not an EFA participant. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and the latest income guidelines, as this program can substantially reduce the net cost of private education for qualifying Epsom residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Epsom, NH, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible from Epsom offer distinct programs. The Derryfield School is known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, exceptional arts programs, and competitive athletics. Bishop Brady High School provides a Catholic, college-preparatory education with a focus on community service and faith formation. St. John Regional School offers a continuous Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, with a strong foundational curriculum in a smaller, community-oriented setting. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and unique electives (like engineering or theology) that may not be as available in Epsom's public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Derryfield or Bishop Brady for a student coming from Epsom's public schools?
The process is highly structured and requires early planning. For fall entry, most private high schools in the region have application deadlines between January and February. The process typically involves submitting an application, standardized test scores (like the SSAT or HSPT), teacher recommendations, transcripts from the Epsom school district, and a personal interview. Open houses are usually held in the fall. It is advisable for Epsom families to begin researching and visiting schools 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Rolling admissions may be available for some grades, but spaces are limited and competitive, especially at the most sought-after schools.
For an Epsom family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. Key considerations include: the daily commute time to schools in Concord or Manchester and its impact on family routines; the financial investment of tuition versus Epsom's tax-supported public schools; the desire for a specific educational philosophy (e.g., religious, intensive college-prep); and the student's need for specialized programs. Epsom's public schools are part of the Epsom School District (elementary) and the Pembroke School District (for Pembroke Academy High School). Families must assess if the private school's offerings—such as smaller class sizes, different social environment, or specific academic tracks—justify the cost and logistical commitment of leaving the local district.
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