The Best Private Schools in Hanover, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hanover. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crossroads Academy
Independent School
Located just minutes from Hanover in neighboring Lyme, Crossroads Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school follows the Core Knowledge sequence with a classical education approach that emphasizes critical thinking, language acquisition, and cultural literacy. The school features dedicated art studios, music rooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. Crossroads is known for its strong community atmosphere, experienced faculty, and exceptional college preparation for graduates who typically attend top secondary schools throughout New England.
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Thetford Academy
Independent School
Thetford Academy is Vermont's oldest independent secondary school and serves students from both Vermont and New Hampshire, including the Hanover area. With a rich 200+ year history, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, visual and performing arts, and community service programs.
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The Sharon Academy
Independent School
The Sharon Academy serves students from both Vermont and New Hampshire communities, including the Hanover area. This independent secondary school emphasizes project-based learning and authentic assessment while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school offers a personalized educational experience with strong advisory programs and community partnerships. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and access to extensive outdoor spaces for environmental education. The school is particularly noted for its inclusive community, strong student-teacher relationships, and successful college placement record for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hanover, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options serving families in Hanover, New Hampshire, and are they located directly in town?
While Hanover itself is home to prestigious public schools and Dartmouth College, most private K-12 schools are located in the surrounding Upper Valley towns. The most prominent options include **Crossroads Academy** in Lyme (a 10-minute drive), a classical, independent K-8 school; **Thetford Academy** in Thetford, VT (a 20-minute drive), a historic 7-12 independent day school that also serves as the public high school for several Vermont towns; and **The Sharon Academy** in Sharon, VT (a 25-minute drive), an independent 7-12 school. Many Hanover families choose these schools for their specific educational philosophies and smaller class sizes, despite the commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Hanover, NH area compare, and are there financial aid options available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, Crossroads Academy's tuition ranges approximately from $22,000 for lower grades to $27,000 for middle school. Thetford Academy (for private pay students) and The Sharon Academy have tuitions typically between $20,000 and $25,000 for grades 7-12. These costs are generally lower than elite urban private schools but significant for the region. Crucially, all these schools offer robust need-based financial aid. For example, Crossroads Academy awards over $1 million annually, and Thetford Academy has a substantial aid budget. New Hampshire also has an Education Tax Credit program that can provide scholarships for middle-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hanover offer that differentiate them from the highly-rated Hanover public schools?
The private schools in the Upper Valley often specialize in distinct educational models not found in the public system. **Crossroads Academy** offers a rigorous classical curriculum centered on core knowledge, Latin, and a strong arts program. **Thetford Academy** provides a unique blend as an "independent town academy," offering extensive hands-on, project-based learning, a renowned outdoor program, and vocational-technical pathways alongside college-prep. **The Sharon Academy** emphasizes student-led, discussion-based seminars, community engagement, and a highly personalized advisory system. These schools often have more flexibility for interdisciplinary studies and outdoor education tied to the New England landscape than the standard public curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Hanover, NH region?
The process is similar across schools and requires early planning. Admissions for the following fall typically opens in September, with priority application deadlines in **January or February**. The process includes a campus tour/interview, submission of applications and teacher recommendations, and often a student visit day. Financial aid applications are due concurrently. Admissions decisions and aid awards are communicated in March. Given the small size of these schools (often 30-50 students per grade), spaces are limited, and applying by the priority deadline is strongly advised. Some schools, like Crossroads Academy, may have waiting pools for certain grades, so contacting admissions a full year in advance is recommended.
For a family moving to Hanover, what are the key considerations when choosing between the excellent public schools and the nearby private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, community size, and specific student needs. Hanover's public schools (e.g., Hanover High School) are consistently top-ranked in NH, offer extensive AP courses, large-scale athletics, and facilities funded by a strong tax base. Private options appeal to families seeking: 1) A specific pedagogical approach (classical, progressive, project-based); 2) A smaller, more intimate community where every student is known; 3) A different social environment separate from the Dartmouth college-town dynamic; or 4) A middle school (6-8) structure, as Hanover has a combined middle/high school. The commute is a practical factor—private options require daily driving. Many families see the choice not as a quality issue, but as a "best fit" decision based on their child's learning style.