The Best Private Schools in Exeter, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Exeter. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the nation's most prestigious independent boarding and day schools, renowned for its innovative Harkness teaching method where students and teachers sit around oval tables for collaborative discussion. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with over 450 courses across 18 academic departments. Facilities include the state-of-the-art Phelps Science Center, Forrestal-Bowld Music Center, and The David E. and Stacey L. Goel Center for Theater and Dance. The 671-acre campus features extensive athletic facilities including the Love Gymnasium and Thompson Ice Arena.
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Berwick Academy
Independent
Located just 15 minutes from Exeter in South Berwick, Maine, Berwick Academy serves students from the Seacoast region including Exeter families. This Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The 80-acre campus features modern science labs, innovation spaces, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Berwick emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with strong arts, athletics, and community service programs. The school maintains a diverse student body with students coming from over 50 communities across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
St. Thomas Aquinas High School serves students from throughout the Seacoast region, including many from Exeter. This Catholic college preparatory school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in faith-based education. The school features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, a performing arts center, and competitive athletic programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention and support. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, honors tracks, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school community emphasizes service, leadership, and character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Exeter, New Hampshire
What are the main types of private schools available in Exeter, NH, and how do they differ?
Exeter, NH, offers a distinctive range of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and age groups. The most prominent is Phillips Exeter Academy, a world-renowned co-educational boarding and day school for grades 9-12, famous for its Harkness teaching method. For families seeking a Pre-K through 12th grade day school, Berwick Academy (located just across the border in South Berwick, ME) is a major draw for Exeter residents, offering a college-preparatory program. St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover provides a Catholic, co-educational option for grades 9-12. This mix means Exeter parents can choose between a globally-focused boarding environment, a continuous Pre-K-12 day program, and faith-based education, all within a short commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Exeter, NH, area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Exeter area varies significantly by school type and grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Phillips Exeter Academy's day student tuition is approximately $50,000, while boarding tuition is over $60,000. Berwick Academy's tuition ranges from about $30,000 for upper school to $20,000 for lower school. St. Thomas Aquinas High School's tuition is roughly $15,000. Importantly, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. Phillips Exeter and Berwick Academy have large endowments dedicated to making their programs accessible, with Exeter meeting 100% of demonstrated need. New Hampshire also has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which can provide scholarships for students attending non-public schools, though availability is limited. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission.
What are the enrollment timelines and key deadlines for private schools serving Exeter, NH?
Timelines are strict and often earlier than public school registration. For Phillips Exeter Academy, the application deadline for fall entry is typically January 15th, with decisions released in March. Berwick Academy has a rolling admissions process but recommends applying by January 31st for the best chance at placement and financial aid. St. Thomas Aquinas High School usually has a winter deadline (January/February) for the following academic year. Most schools require standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and a campus interview. Given the competitive nature, especially for Phillips Exeter, families should begin the process 12-18 months in advance. Open houses are usually held in the fall.
Beyond academics, what unique opportunities or environments do Exeter-area private schools provide due to their specific locations?
Exeter-area private schools leverage the New Hampshire Seacoast and New England culture to offer unique programs. Phillips Exeter Academy's location in a historic New England town provides a classic campus setting with easy access to Boston, the University of New Hampshire, and the coast, enriching its science, marine biology, and internship programs. Berwick Academy's proximity to Portsmouth and the Piscataqua River supports strong arts integration and outdoor education. St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes community service within the broader Seacoast NH and southern Maine region. All schools utilize the region's natural environment for athletics and outdoor activities, from skiing to sailing, which are integral parts of their curricula and community life.
For families living in Exeter, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to these private schools?
Transportation logistics are a key factor. For Phillips Exeter Academy day students, the school is within the town, making for a convenient commute. Berwick Academy, while a top choice for many Exeter families, is located in Maine, a 20-25 minute drive. The school operates bus routes that serve the Exeter area, which can mitigate the commute. St. Thomas Aquinas in Dover is about a 30-minute drive north. Exeter's proximity to I-95 and Route 101 makes these commutes feasible but requires planning. Carpooling networks are often organized by parent associations. It's important to factor in commute time for after-school activities and events, which can be significant for schools outside the immediate town center.
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