The Best Private Schools in Hollis, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hollis. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hollis Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Hollis Montessori School is a highly-regarded independent school offering authentic Montessori education from toddler through middle school levels. The school features beautifully maintained campuses with nature-integrated learning environments, small class sizes, and individualized learning approaches. With AMS accreditation and experienced Montessori-trained faculty, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, community engagement, and developing independent, confident learners. The adolescent program includes farm-based education and entrepreneurial projects, providing comprehensive development for students.
Programs:
The Academy for Science and Design
ASD Charter School
Located just 15 minutes from Hollis in Nashua, The Academy for Science and Design is a nationally recognized charter school serving students from Hollis and surrounding communities. ASD offers a rigorous STEM-focused curriculum with advanced courses in mathematics, sciences, engineering, and computer programming. The school consistently ranks among the top STEM schools in New England, with graduates attending prestigious universities. Features include state-of-the-art laboratories, competitive robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech companies. The school maintains small class sizes and high academic standards.
Programs:
The Derryfield School
Independent School
The Derryfield School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school located approximately 20 minutes from Hollis in Manchester. Serving grades 6-12, Derryfield offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Derryfield provides personalized attention and extensive college counseling. The school offers robust arts programs, competitive athletics, and numerous extracurricular opportunities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hollis, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Hollis, New Hampshire, and what are their key educational focuses?
Hollis itself is home to the highly regarded Hollis Montessori School, which serves children from toddler through elementary age with a classic Montessori curriculum. For STEM-focused education, The Academy for Science and Design (ASD) in nearby Nashua is a public charter school with a private-school-like application process and is a top choice for students across the region, including Hollis. For a comprehensive, independent college-preparatory experience, The Derryfield School in Manchester offers a rigorous academic program, arts, and athletics for grades 6-12. Additionally, families in Hollis often consider other nearby independent and parochial schools in Nashua, Amherst, and the Greater Manchester area, providing a range of religious and pedagogical options within a reasonable commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Hollis, NH area compare, and are there financial aid options or state programs to help with costs?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. Hollis Montessori School's tuition is typically in the range of many independent elementary schools. The Derryfield School, as a leading regional independent school, has a higher tuition commensurate with its extensive programs and facilities. Notably, The Academy for Science and Design is a tuition-free public charter school. For families considering private schools, it's crucial to inquire directly about need-based financial aid, which most independent schools like Derryfield offer. New Hampshire also has the "Education Freedom Accounts" program, which may provide state-funded stipends to eligible families for use at approved private schools, including some in the Hollis area. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the federal poverty level.
What is the enrollment process and timeline like for private schools serving Hollis, NH, such as The Derryfield School or Hollis Montessori?
Timelines and processes are school-specific and require early planning. For Hollis Montessori, interested families should contact the school for a tour and application, as spaces, particularly in primary programs, can fill quickly. The Derryfield School follows a traditional independent school timeline, with applications due in January or February for admission the following fall, often including student visits, testing, and interviews. The Academy for Science and Design holds a lottery in March for fall admission, with an application period in the preceding months. A key consideration for Hollis parents is that many private schools have deadlines months before the public school registration period, so starting research a full year in advance is highly recommended.
For a family moving to Hollis, how do the local public schools compare with the available private school options?
Hollis is part of SAU 41, which includes Hollis Brookline Middle and High School, and is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in New Hampshire. The public schools offer strong academic programs, excellent facilities, and robust extracurriculars. The choice between public and private often comes down to specific family priorities. Private options like Hollis Montessori offer a distinct, child-led learning environment. The Academy for Science and Design provides an intensive, specialized STEM curriculum not typically available in a comprehensive high school. The Derryfield School offers small class sizes, a tight-knit community, and a particular focus on college preparation. Many families in Hollis choose the excellent public system, while others seek the specialized approach or community of a private institution.
What are some unique local considerations for choosing a private school in Hollis, New Hampshire, regarding community and commute?
Hollis is a semi-rural town with a strong community feel. A key consideration is the commute. While Hollis Montessori is in-town, other schools like ASD (Nashua) and Derryfield (Manchester) require a daily drive of 20-40 minutes, depending on your location in Hollis and traffic on routes like the Everett Turnpike. Many families form carpools. The community aspect is also important; some private schools draw students from a wide geographic area, which can expand your child's social network beyond Hollis, while the local public schools foster deep town-based connections. Additionally, Hollis's proximity to the Massachusetts border means some families also explore private options in the Greater Boston area, though with a significantly longer commute and often much higher tuition.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Middle School in Hollis, NH: A Parent's Guide
For families in Hollis, the transition from elementary to the adolescent years marks a pivotal time in a child’s education. Exploring a private middle school option here in Southern New Hampshire is about more than just academics; it’s about finding a community that aligns with your family’s values and your child’s unique needs during these formative years. Hollis itself offers a wonderful public school system, which leads many parents to thoughtfully consider what specific benefits a private setting could provide. The decision often centers on specialized approaches, smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and distinct educational philosophies that cater to how a child learns best.
Local options provide a fascinating spectrum of choice right in our backyard. The Hollis Montessori School, for instance, extends its renowned child-centered methodology into the adolescent years, focusing on hands-on, experiential learning that connects academics to practical life and the natural world—a perfect fit for a child who thrives outside conventional structures. For families with a student passionate about STEM, The Academy for Science and Design in nearby Nashua offers a rigorous, public charter option that, while not a traditional private school, provides a highly specialized and competitive environment akin to one. Meanwhile, established independent schools like The Derryfield School in Manchester present a comprehensive private middle school experience with robust arts, athletics, and academic programs, all within a reasonable commute. This variety means Hollis parents can match a school’s culture directly to their child’s emerging interests and learning style.
The practicalities of choosing a private middle school in our area involve local considerations. The commute is a real factor; while Hollis is centrally located, travel to Manchester, Nashua, or even Amherst for other excellent schools requires planning. It’s wise to visit during a school day to feel the community vibe. Ask about how the school supports the social and emotional challenges specific to middle schoolers. Inquire about homework policies, technology integration, and how they foster independence and responsibility. Also, explore the financial commitment transparently. Most schools offer generous financial aid, and it’s crucial to understand all costs, from tuition to activity fees and transportation.
Ultimately, the search for the right private middle school is an investment in your child’s confidence and intellectual curiosity. It’s about placing them in an environment where they are known, challenged appropriately, and encouraged to explore their identity. For Hollis families, the blend of our semi-rural character and proximity to vibrant educational resources creates a unique opportunity. You have the chance to select a school that feels like a true extension of your family’s ethos, whether that’s Montessori authenticity, STEM-focused intensity, or a well-rounded independent education. Taking the time to understand these local options can set your child on a path of engaged learning through these critical years, building a strong foundation for high school and beyond right here in Southern New Hampshire.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities