The Best Private Schools in Loudon, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Loudon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Well School
Independent Progressive Education
The Well School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Loudon and surrounding communities. The school's progressive education model emphasizes hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and social-emotional development. Their innovative STEAM curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through project-based learning. The 14-acre campus features outdoor classrooms, gardens, and natural play spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, The Well School creates a nurturing environment that fosters critical thinking and creativity while maintaining strong academic standards.
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St. Paul's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Paul's School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located just 15 minutes from Loudon in Concord. As one of the nation's premier Episcopal schools, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 10 students. The 2,000-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and outstanding arts centers. Students benefit from a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a comprehensive Advanced Placement program. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities.
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Concord Academy
Independent Day School
Concord Academy is an established independent day school located approximately 10 minutes from Loudon, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with a strong emphasis on individualized learning. Their program includes advanced coursework, extensive technology integration with 1:1 device programs, and robust arts and athletics offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Concord Academy is known for its strong community atmosphere, experienced faculty, and successful track record of preparing students for competitive secondary schools. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Loudon, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Loudon, New Hampshire?
While Loudon itself is a smaller town, it is strategically located near several prestigious private schools. The most notable is St. Paul's School, a world-renowned co-educational Episcopal boarding/day school in Concord. For day-school options, families often consider The Well School in Peterborough (a progressive K-8 school) and Concord Academy in Concord (a rigorous 9-12 day school). Loudon residents also have access to a wider range of private and parochial schools in the greater Concord and Lakes Region areas, making private education a viable choice despite the town's rural character.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Loudon, NH, compare, and are there financial aid options for New Hampshire residents?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and boarding status. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Paul's School (boarding) has a comprehensive fee exceeding $70,000, while its day student tuition is approximately half that. Concord Academy's day tuition is around $50,000, and The Well School's K-8 tuition is roughly $25,000. Importantly, all these schools offer substantial need-based financial aid. New Hampshire also has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which can provide scholarships for middle-income families to attend private schools. It's crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines are often in the winter prior to enrollment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Loudon offer that leverage the New Hampshire environment?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate the natural and historical landscape into their programs. St. Paul's School utilizes its 2,000-acre campus for environmental science, forestry, and outdoor leadership programs. The Well School emphasizes place-based and environmental education, with gardening and sustainability woven into its curriculum. Concord Academy, while more urban-focused, offers strong arts and humanities programs that connect with local history and institutions like the Capitol Center for the Arts. All schools provide easy access to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and crew on nearby lakes, which are central to student life.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like St. Paul's School for a Loudon resident?
The process for top-tier schools near Loudon is highly structured and begins well over a year in advance. For a fall enrollment, key steps include: attending open houses in the spring or fall prior, completing applications by January (often with a deadline of Jan. 15 or 31), taking the SSAT or ISEE in the fall/winter, and scheduling interviews and campus visits by February. Admission decisions are typically released in mid-March. For Loudon families, planning for transportation is a critical part of the process, as daily commutes to Concord or Peterborough are common. Starting research and visits 18-24 months ahead is strongly advised.
For a family in Loudon, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Loudon Elementary and Merrimack Valley schools) and a private school in the region?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Loudon's public schools feed into the Merrimack Valley School District, which offers a solid, traditional education. Choosing a private school like The Well School might appeal to families seeking a progressive, holistic approach with very small classes. St. Paul's or Concord Academy offer a highly rigorous, college-preparatory environment with extensive resources and global diversity not found in the rural public system. Key considerations include the daily commute (up to 45 minutes each way), the significant financial investment, and whether a student would thrive in a more intimate or academically intense setting versus the community-based local school.
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