The Best Private Schools in Merrimack, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Merrimack. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Guertin High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester
Bishop Guertin High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Greater Nashua area including Merrimack. Established in 1963, BGHS offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, BGHS provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence.
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The Academy for Science and Design
ASD Charter School
The Academy for Science and Design is New Hampshire's first charter high school focused exclusively on STEM education, serving students from Merrimack and surrounding communities. Founded in 2007, ASD offers an advanced curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with specialized tracks in biomedical science, computer science, and engineering. The school consistently ranks among the top high schools in New Hampshire and nationally. Students benefit from small class sizes, research opportunities, and partnerships with local tech companies. ASD graduates regularly gain acceptance to top-tier universities and pursue STEM careers.
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The Derryfield School
Independent School
The Derryfield School is an independent coeducational college preparatory day school serving students from Merrimack and the Greater Manchester area. Founded in 1964, Derryfield offers a challenging academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors options. The 84-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. The school emphasizes personalized learning with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and average class size of 14 students. Derryfield graduates consistently attend selective colleges and universities, supported by comprehensive college counseling and academic preparation programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Merrimack, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Merrimack, New Hampshire?
While Merrimack itself has a limited number of private schools within its town borders, families commonly consider several highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding Southern New Hampshire region. Notable day schools include Bishop Guertin High School (a Catholic, co-ed college preparatory school in Nashua), The Academy for Science and Design (a public charter school with a competitive admissions process, located in Nashua and often considered a private school alternative), and The Derryfield School (an independent college preparatory school in Manchester). Merrimack's location near the Everett Turnpike provides convenient access to these and other options in Nashua, Manchester, and Bedford.
How does the tuition for private schools near Merrimack, NH, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Greater Merrimack area varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Guertin High School tuition is approximately $17,000-$18,000, while The Derryfield School's tuition is approximately $45,000. New Hampshire offers the "Education Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for middle-income families to attend private schools. Eligible families can receive scholarships funded by business donations to approved scholarship organizations. Additionally, all major private schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and it's crucial to apply by their specific deadlines, often in the winter prior to enrollment.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Merrimack, NH?
The private schools near Merrimack offer distinct academic pathways. The Academy for Science and Design (ASD) is a state-chartered specialty school focused intensely on STEM, with advanced courses and research opportunities not typically found in comprehensive high schools. Bishop Guertin offers a strong college-prep curriculum with a focus on character and service, along with robust athletics and arts. The Derryfield School provides a rigorous liberal arts education with exceptional arts facilities, competitive athletics, and highly personalized college counseling. This variety allows Merrimack families to choose a school based on a student's specific academic passions and learning style.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Merrimack, NH, area?
The process for most independent day schools (like Derryfield) begins over a year in advance. Families should attend open houses in the fall (September-November), submit applications by January or February, and complete student visits and standardized testing (like the SSAT or ISEE) in the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in March for enrollment the following September. For Bishop Guertin, the timeline is similar but may be slightly more flexible. For The Academy for Science and Design, as a public charter, it has a state-mandated lottery system if applications exceed openings, with a key application deadline usually in early February.
How do the private school options near Merrimack compare to the highly-rated Merrimack School District public schools?
Merrimack's public schools, particularly Merrimack High School, are well-regarded and offer a strong, comprehensive education with a variety of AP courses and extracurriculars at no direct tuition cost. The choice often comes down to specialization, environment, and religious affiliation. Private options offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and distinct missions (e.g., STEM focus at ASD, faith-based education at Bishop Guertin, or a highly resourced liberal arts environment at Derryfield). The decision involves weighing the significant financial investment against the specific benefits sought, such as a particular academic track, a desired community culture, or a different student-to-teacher ratio. Many Merrimack families find both the public and nearby private sectors to be excellent, yet distinct, choices.
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