The Best Private Schools in Franklin, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. 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 Franklin and the greater Manchester area. Founded in 1964, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The curriculum includes extensive Advanced Placement offerings, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic fields. Parent and student satisfaction is consistently high, with graduates attending top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Paul's School
Independent Boarding and Day School
St. Paul's School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school that serves students from Franklin and throughout New England. With a history dating back to 1856, the school offers an exceptional academic environment on a 2,000-acre campus. The Advanced Studies curriculum provides rigorous college preparation with extensive Advanced Placement offerings. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, athletic complexes, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers robust extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
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Bishop Brady High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
Bishop Brady High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Franklin and the greater Concord area. Founded in 1963, the school provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values while welcoming students of all faiths. The academic program features strong STEM offerings, Advanced Placement courses, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school maintains modern facilities including updated classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, Bishop Brady prepares students for success in college and beyond through personalized attention and diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Franklin, NH, and are they located directly in the city?
While Franklin itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate city limits, families commonly look to nearby institutions in the greater Concord and Manchester areas. The most prominent options include The Derryfield School (Manchester, ~25 min drive), St. Paul's School (Concord, ~20 min drive), and Bishop Brady High School (Concord, ~20 min drive). For younger grades, local parochial or independent elementary options may be explored in surrounding towns. This means Franklin residents often consider a commute as part of their private school evaluation, with the advantage of accessing some of New Hampshire's top-rated private institutions within a reasonable distance.
How does the tuition at top private schools near Franklin, NH, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the leading schools near Franklin. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul's School, a boarding/day school, has a high tuition reflective of its boarding program, while day student tuition is still substantial. The Derryfield School and Bishop Brady High School typically have lower, though still significant, annual day tuition ranges. New Hampshire does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, but all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid from their own endowments. Additionally, New Hampshire's "Education Freedom Accounts" program may provide state-funded assistance to eligible families (with income thresholds) choosing private schools, which can be a crucial financial consideration for Franklin residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Franklin, NH, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate New Hampshire's natural and historical resources into their programs. St. Paul's School, with its extensive campus, offers robust environmental science and outdoor programs. The Derryfield School emphasizes its urban proximity to Manchester for internships and arts, while also utilizing the nearby lakes and mountains for athletic and outdoor education. Bishop Brady High School, as a diocesan school, incorporates community service projects throughout the Capital Region, including Franklin. Many schools also have strong STEM partnerships with local industries and colleges, such as those in the Concord and Manchester tech corridors, providing unique hands-on learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Derryfield or St. Paul's for a family from Franklin?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like The Derryfield School and St. Paul's School, the admission cycle for the following fall typically opens in the summer or early fall, with application deadlines between January and February. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting standardized test scores (SSAT or ISEE), teacher recommendations, transcripts, and completing a student interview and visit. Notification dates are usually in March. Given the competitive nature, Franklin families are advised to initiate research and campus visits 12-18 months in advance. Bishop Brady High School may have a slightly more flexible timeline but still encourages early application, especially for students seeking financial aid.
For a family in Franklin, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school system with private day schools in Concord or Manchester?
Franklin families should consider several localized factors. Academically, private schools often offer smaller class sizes, more specialized courses (e.g., advanced STEM, extensive world languages), and different educational philosophies (e.g., college-prep, religious). Logistically, commuting 20-30 minutes to Concord or Manchester is a daily reality, impacting family schedules and transportation costs. Financially, weighing private tuition against no-cost public education is paramount, though the NH Education Freedom Account may offset costs for eligible families. Socially, consider whether your child will maintain local friendships while building a network in a broader regional school. Finally, assess specific needs: if a student seeks a particular focus (like intense arts or athletics) or a religious education, the private options may provide a distinct advantage over the Franklin public school offerings.
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