The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Sharon Academy
Independent
The Sharon Academy is a highly regarded private independent school serving grades 7-12 in the Upper Valley region, including Lebanon. Known for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and personalized learning, the school emphasizes critical thinking, community engagement, and holistic student development. It offers a diverse curriculum with strong arts and outdoor programs, and has a track record of high college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern classrooms, art studios, and athletic spaces, with a focus on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
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Crossroads Academy
Independent
Crossroads Academy is a prestigious private school offering a classical education for grades K-8, with many students from Lebanon and the surrounding Upper Valley area. It is renowned for its rigorous academic program, which includes Latin, literature, and mathematics, alongside robust arts and athletics. The school boasts small class sizes, experienced faculty, and a campus with state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs and performance spaces. Parent reviews highlight high academic outcomes and a strong sense of community, with a focus character development and lifelong learning.
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Upper Valley Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
The Upper Valley Waldorf School provides a private, holistic education based on Waldorf principles, serving students from early childhood through grade 8, including families in Lebanon. It is acclaimed for its developmental approach, integrating arts, music, and hands-on learning into core academics. The school features dedicated gardens, playgrounds, and classrooms designed to nurture creativity and independent thinking. With a strong parent community and high satisfaction ratings, it emphasizes social-emotional growth and environmental stewardship, making it a top choice for families seeking an alternative to traditional education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Lebanon, NH, is served by several notable private schools, each with a distinct approach. The Sharon Academy (with a campus in nearby Sharon) emphasizes project-based learning, community engagement, and a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. The Upper Valley Waldorf School, located in Quechee just across the river, follows the Waldorf education model, focusing on holistic development, arts integration, and experiential learning. Crossroads Academy, in Lyme, is a classical school rooted in the Core Knowledge sequence, emphasizing a structured liberal arts education with a strong foundation in Western tradition. While not all are within Lebanon's city limits, these are the primary independent options serving Lebanon families, and each requires consideration of commute times into the surrounding Upper Valley region.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Lebanon, NH, area compare, and are there financial aid options or state programs specific to New Hampshire?
Tuition in the Lebanon area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $30,000 annually. Importantly, New Hampshire has the "Education Freedom Accounts" (EFA) program, which allows eligible families (based on household income) to use state-funded accounts to pay for private school tuition, among other educational expenses. This can substantially reduce the net cost. Additionally, all the major private schools (The Sharon Academy, Upper Valley Waldorf, and Crossroads Academy) offer their own need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for both the state EFA and individual school aid during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Lebanon-area private schools offer that leverage the resources of the Upper Valley?
Private schools in the Lebanon region deeply integrate the unique cultural and natural resources of the Upper Valley. The Sharon Academy runs a renowned Farm & Forest Program, utilizing the region's rural landscape for hands-on environmental science and sustainability education. Crossroads Academy emphasizes Latin and the humanities, with connections to Dartmouth College's nearby libraries and museums for advanced research projects. The Upper Valley Waldorf School's curriculum is deeply tied to seasonal rhythms and outdoor education, with regular expeditions into the Vermont and New Hampshire woods. Furthermore, proximity to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon allows for unique science partnerships and internships not commonly available elsewhere.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lebanon, NH, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Upper Valley begins early. The primary admissions season runs from September to February for the following fall. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January/February deadlines, and completing student visits and assessments. Financial aid and NH Education Freedom Account applications must be submitted concurrently. Given limited spaces, especially in entry grades, families in Lebanon should initiate research and school visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment. Many schools also have waitlists, so meeting the priority deadlines is critical. Rolling admissions may be available for later grades, but space is not guaranteed.
For a family moving to Lebanon, how do the local public schools compare with the private school options, and what are the key decision factors?
Lebanon operates its own well-regarded public school district, which is a strong option. The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Lebanon public schools offer robust AP courses, sports, and arts, serving a diverse population. In contrast, private options offer smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), distinct pedagogical approaches (Waldorf, classical, project-based), and often a more specific community ethos. A key factor is the commute; Lebanon's public schools are centrally located, while private options require driving to Sharon, Lyme, or Quechee. The potential financial support from NH's Education Freedom Accounts can make private school a more accessible choice for qualifying families seeking an alternative educational model.
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