The Best Private Schools in Gilmanton, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilmanton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Paul's School is one of New England's most prestigious independent boarding schools, located just 25 minutes from Gilmanton in Concord. This Episcopal-affiliated school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. The 2,000-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science centers, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and participate in over 40 athletic teams and numerous extracurricular activities. The school serves both boarding and day students from the surrounding communities.
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The Tilton School
Independent College Preparatory School
Located approximately 30 minutes from Gilmanton, The Tilton School is a respected coeducational college preparatory school serving grades 9-12 and postgraduate students. The school emphasizes personalized learning through its Mastery Learning Model and offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses alongside robust STEM and arts programs. The 140-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residential halls. Tilton maintains small class sizes and provides extensive college counseling, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities throughout New England and beyond.
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Holy Trinity School
Catholic Diocese of Manchester
Holy Trinity School serves the Lakes Region including Gilmanton families, offering Catholic education for students in preschool through eighth grade. Located just 15 minutes from Gilmanton in Laconia, the school provides a faith-based education integrated with strong academic fundamentals. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and technology integration across all subjects. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and gymnasium facilities. Holy Trinity emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers extended care programs for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilmanton, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Gilmanton, New Hampshire?
While Gilmanton itself is a small town with limited on-site private institutions, families commonly consider several prestigious nearby schools. The most notable are St. Paul's School in Concord (a co-ed Episcopal boarding/day school), The Tilton School in Tilton (a co-ed boarding/day school for grades 9-12 & PG), and Holy Trinity School in Laconia (a private Catholic school for grades Pre-K through 8). Many Gilmanton students also look at other schools within a 30-45 minute commute, such as those in the Lakes Region or the Concord area. Transportation is often a key logistical consideration for Gilmanton families.
How does the tuition for day students at schools like St. Paul's or Tilton compare to the New Hampshire state average for private schools, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for day students at major independent schools like St. Paul's and Tilton is typically above the state average, often ranging from $30,000 to $50,000+ annually for upper grades. The New Hampshire average for private high schools is lower, largely due to smaller parochial and independent schools. However, these premier schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, St. Paul's has a robust endowment and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. New Hampshire also has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which can provide scholarships for students attending non-public schools, though availability varies. It's crucial to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Gilmanton, NH, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Gilmanton area often integrate New Hampshire's natural and cultural resources. St. Paul's School features an advanced Environmental Science program that utilizes its 2,000-acre campus for fieldwork. The Tilton School's "Journey" program emphasizes experiential learning, with opportunities for outdoor leadership in the nearby White Mountains and Lakes Region. Holy Trinity School, while having a standard Catholic curriculum, often incorporates local history and community service projects within Belknap County. These schools provide a distinct educational experience that connects classroom learning to the region's geography and community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Gilmanton, NH, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The process for competitive boarding/day schools like St. Paul's and Tilton follows a traditional independent school calendar. Applications for the following fall are typically due in January or February, with admission decisions released in March. For day schools like Holy Trinity, deadlines may be more flexible but still fill up early. Given the limited seats for day students from the local area, Gilmanton families are advised to begin visits and inquiries in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), interviews, campus tours, and submitting transcripts. Early planning is essential, especially for upper grades.
For a family in Gilmanton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school like those in Concord or Tilton?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Gilmanton's public schools are part of the Gilmanton School District (elementary) and the Gilford School District for middle/high school via a sending agreement. This provides a solid, tuition-free education with a community feel. Opting for a private school involves a significant commute (20-45 minutes), higher cost, but offers different benefits: smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks (like advanced STEM or arts), boarding options for older students, and often more extensive college counseling. Families should assess their child's specific needs, the value of a global peer community (at boarding schools), and the daily logistics of transportation against the financial investment.
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