The Best Private Schools in Goffstown, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Goffstown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Derryfield School
Independent
The Derryfield School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. Located just 15 minutes from Goffstown in Manchester, the school offers rigorous academic programs with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Known for its strong college placement record and individualized attention.
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Villa Augustina School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
Villa Augustina School is a Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with strong emphasis on faith-based education, technology integration, and individualized learning. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere with active parent involvement.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a regional Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from Goffstown and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with honors and AP courses, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on character development and academic excellence, the school maintains small class sizes and provides personalized college counseling. The campus includes modern academic facilities, science labs, and athletic fields.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Goffstown, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Goffstown, New Hampshire?
While Goffstown itself is home to the pre-K through 8th-grade **Villa Augustina School**, many local families also consider nearby institutions in the Greater Manchester area. These include **The Derryfield School** (grades 6-12) in Manchester, known for its rigorous college preparatory program, and **St. Thomas Aquinas High School** (grades 9-12) in Dover, a Catholic diocesan school. Additionally, families often explore other regional options in Bedford, Manchester, and Concord. Transportation to these schools is typically a family responsibility, so proximity and commute are important factors for Goffstown residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Goffstown, NH, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Villa Augustina School's tuition is approximately $8,000-$10,000, while The Derryfield School's tuition is around $40,000+. St. Thomas Aquinas High School's tuition is roughly $15,000. New Hampshire offers the **Education Tax Credit Program**, which provides scholarships for middle-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, the **NH Children's Scholarship Fund** offers need-based aid. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid, merit scholarships, and payment plans, as aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Goffstown students?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. **The Derryfield School** features advanced STEM initiatives, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. **St. Thomas Aquinas High School** provides a faith-based curriculum with strong academic and athletic traditions, including a renowned robotics team. **Villa Augustina School** offers a small, community-focused environment with a classical curriculum rooted in Catholic values. For Goffstown families, these programs provide alternatives to the local public school offerings, with the ability to choose based on a child's specific interests in areas like advanced academics, the arts, or faith-based learning.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Goffstown, NH?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (often September-November), 2) **Application Submission** (deadlines typically between January and February for the following academic year), 3) **Student Visits/Interviews and Testing** (winter), and 4) **Admissions Decisions** (sent in March). For schools like Villa Augustina with rolling admissions, applying early is still advised. Given the competitive nature of schools like Derryfield, Goffstown families should start research and visits over a year in advance. Sibling and legacy preferences are common factors.
How do private schools in the Goffstown area compare academically and culturally to the Goffstown School District public schools?
Goffstown School District (GSD) is highly regarded, offering a robust K-12 public education. Private options provide different models: smaller class sizes (e.g., 15:1 at Villa Augustina vs. ~20:1 in GSD), specialized curricular approaches (college-prep, faith-based), and often more individualized attention. Culturally, private schools can offer a specific community ethos, whether religious or mission-driven. The choice often hinges on priorities: GSD provides a comprehensive, tuition-free local community experience, while private schools offer tailored alternatives, albeit with tuition and potentially a longer commute for secondary grades. Many Goffstown families value having both strong public and private options to consider.
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