The Best Private Schools in New Boston, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Boston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the nation's most prestigious independent boarding schools, serving students from New Boston and throughout New England. The school is renowned for its innovative Harkness teaching method, where students and teachers engage in collaborative discussions around oval tables. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, Exeter offers over 450 courses across 18 academic departments, including extensive advanced placement and college-level opportunities. The 671-acre campus features state-of-the-art science facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and outstanding arts facilities. The school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities worldwide.
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The Derryfield School
Independent
The Derryfield School is a highly respected independent college preparatory day school serving students from New Boston and the Greater Manchester area. The school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement through a rigorous curriculum that includes 18 Advanced Placement courses. Derryfield features exceptional facilities including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities across its 84-acre campus. The school maintains small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and offers comprehensive college counseling. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, community service initiatives, and extensive arts opportunities.
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Birchwood School
Independent
Birchwood School is a well-established private Montessori school serving families from New Boston and surrounding communities. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children from toddler through eighth grade, emphasizing individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and development of independent thinking skills. The curriculum integrates traditional academic subjects with practical life skills, environmental education, and character development. The school features specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and small class sizes that allow for personalized attention. Birchwood is known for its strong sense of community and preparation of students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Boston, New Hampshire
What are the main private school options available for families residing in New Boston, New Hampshire?
While New Boston itself is a small town, it is within reasonable commuting distance of several prestigious private schools. The most notable is Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH, a world-renowned co-ed boarding and day school for grades 9-12. Closer options include The Derryfield School in Manchester, a co-ed college preparatory day school for grades 6-12, and Birchwood School in Windham, a private Montessori school serving children from toddler through middle school. Many New Boston families also consider schools in the Greater Nashua and Southern NH areas. It's important to factor in commute times, as most top-tier private schools are a 30-45 minute drive from New Boston.
How does the tuition for private schools near New Boston, NH, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to New Hampshire residents?
Tuition in this region varies widely. For the 2024-25 academic year, Phillips Exeter Academy's day student tuition is approximately $50,000+, while The Derryfield School's tuition ranges in the mid-$40,000s. Birchwood School, as a Montessori program, has a different fee structure, typically in the $15,000-$20,000 range for lower/middle school. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid. Additionally, New Hampshire has the "Education Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools; eligible families can apply through approved scholarship organizations. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the New Boston, NH, area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. Phillips Exeter is famous for its Harkness Table pedagogy, a student-centered discussion-based learning method, and boasts an unparalleled breadth of advanced courses and global connections. The Derryfield School emphasizes personalized college counseling, strong arts programs, and competitive athletics. Birchwood School provides a continuous Montessori education from early childhood through adolescence, focusing on hands-on, individualized learning in a multi-age classroom setting—a stark contrast to the traditional grade-based public system. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more specialized faculty, and facilities (like Exeter's state-of-the-art labs and libraries) that are uncommon in public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near New Boston, New Hampshire?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Phillips Exeter and Derryfield, the main application deadline for the following fall is typically in January or February, with decisions released in March. This often involves standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), campus interviews (virtual or in-person), teacher recommendations, and a student essay. For younger grades at Birchwood School, applications may be accepted on a rolling basis, but waiting lists can form quickly. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like 6th and 9th grade, families in New Boston are advised to start research and visits 12-18 months in advance.
For a family in New Boston, what are the key considerations when choosing between the well-regarded public school system and a private school?
New Boston's public schools, part of SAU 19, are highly rated, which makes the decision a matter of fit rather than necessity. Key considerations include: **Educational Philosophy:** Do you prefer the traditional, grade-level structure of public school or a specific method like Montessori (Birchwood) or Harkness (Exeter)? **Class Size & Individualization:** Private schools offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios. **Commute & Community:** Attending a local public school fosters a tight-knit, town-based community, while private schools offer a regional/global peer network but require daily commuting. **Cost:** Weighing the significant financial investment of private tuition against the no-cost public option. Many families value the specialized programs, college preparatory intensity, and unique environments of the private options, while others appreciate the strong, convenient, and tuition-free education provided by New Boston Elementary and Goffstown High School.
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