The Best Private Schools in Farmington, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school located just 20 minutes from Farmington. As the only independent school in the Seacoast area accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12-15 students. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities.
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The Woodman Park School (Private Division)
Dover School District (Private Programs)
Located approximately 15 miles from Farmington, The Woodman Park School's private division serves students from surrounding communities with a comprehensive elementary education program. The school emphasizes individualized learning plans and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. The curriculum focuses on foundational skills while offering enrichment programs in technology, foreign language exposure, and physical education. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to strong communication and community involvement.
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Holy Rosary School
Catholic Schools of Rochester
Holy Rosary School provides Pre-K through Grade 8 Catholic education serving families throughout Strafford County, including Farmington residents. The school combines rigorous academics with faith-based character development in a nurturing environment. Academic programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology curriculum. The school features modern facilities with smart classrooms, science lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music programs, and community service initiatives. The school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships and consistently achieves above-average standardized test scores.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Farmington, New Hampshire?
While Farmington itself is a smaller town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate area and surrounding Seacoast region. The most prominent local option is Holy Rosary School, a private Catholic school serving grades Pre-K through 8. For a broader range, many Farmington families consider Berwick Academy in South Berwick, ME (approximately a 20-minute drive), which is a premier Pre-K through Grade 12 independent day school. The Woodman Park School's Private Division in Dover, NH is another nearby option. It's important to note that Farmington's private school landscape is characterized by commuting to neighboring towns, so transportation planning is a key consideration.
How does tuition for private schools near Farmington, NH compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Holy Rosary School in Farmington typically has a more modest tuition, often ranging between $5,000-$8,000 for parishioners, making it an accessible local private option. In contrast, Berwick Academy's tuition is aligned with elite independent schools, often exceeding $30,000 annually. New Hampshire offers the "Education Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, the "Education Freedom Accounts" program allows eligible families to use state-funded accounts for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid, merit scholarships, and your family's potential eligibility for these state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Farmington, NH students?
Schools in this region often leverage their locations and missions to offer distinctive programs. Berwick Academy, for instance, features a strong emphasis on project-based learning, a renowned arts program, and competitive athletics, along with global travel opportunities. Holy Rosary School provides a faith-based education integrated with standard academics and may offer smaller, community-focused extracurriculars. A notable aspect for Farmington families is the access to specialized environments not always available in smaller public districts, such as world language immersion starting in lower grades, robust STEM labs, and individualized college counseling at the secondary level. Many programs also utilize the natural and historical resources of New Hampshire's Seacoast and Lakes Region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Farmington, NH area?
For most private schools in this region, the admissions process begins in the fall for enrollment the following academic year. Key deadlines for financial aid applications (like SSS) are often in January or February. Berwick Academy and similar independent schools have application deadlines in January or February, with notification dates in March. Holy Rosary School may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early application as spaces fill. A universal step is scheduling a campus visit and interview, which is highly recommended. For Farmington residents, it's especially important to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks during the visit, as commuting is common. We recommend initiating inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Farmington compare to the Farmington School District public schools?
The choice often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and program offerings. The Farmington School District (Farmington School and Farmington High School) provides a no-cost, community-based public education. Private options offer alternatives: Holy Rosary School provides a structured, values-based environment with typically smaller class sizes than the public schools. Berwick Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with extensive resources, facilities, and elective choices that surpass what a smaller public high school can provide. For some Farmington families, private schools offer a path to specialized academic attention or a particular religious foundation, while the public system offers proximity and integration with the local community. Assessing your child's learning style and your family's priorities is essential.
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