The Best Private Schools in Northwood, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Northwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent School
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the nation's most prestigious independent coeducational boarding schools, located approximately 35 minutes from Northwood and serving day students from the region. The academy is renowned for its Harkness teaching method, which emphasizes collaborative, discussion-based learning in small classes. Exeter offers over 450 courses across 18 academic departments, extensive research opportunities, and state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, libraries, and athletic complexes. The school maintains an exceptional college placement record and provides extensive student support services.
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The Derryfield School
Independent School
The Derryfield School is a highly-regarded coeducational independent day school serving students in grades 6-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Northwood, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Derryfield emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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St. Paul's School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Paul's School is a prestigious Episcopal boarding and day school located approximately 25 minutes from Northwood. While primarily a boarding school, it serves day students from the surrounding communities. The school offers an advanced academic program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, outstanding arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. The 2,000-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. St. Paul's maintains small class sizes and emphasizes holistic education with a strong community focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Northwood, New Hampshire
What are the realistic private school options for a family residing in Northwood, NH, given that top schools like Phillips Exeter Academy are a significant commute?
While prestigious boarding/day schools like Phillips Exeter Academy (in Exeter, ~45 min drive), St. Paul's School (in Concord, ~40 min drive), and The Derryfield School (in Manchester, ~35 min drive) are the most prominent options, families in Northwood should consider the commute a major factor. More local private options are limited, leading many Northwood families to also consider parochial schools in nearby Concord or Manchester, or exceptional public schools in neighboring SAU districts. The decision often hinges on whether the family is willing to manage a daily 30-60 minute commute each way for the specific programs these schools offer.
How does New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program impact private school tuition for Northwood residents?
New Hampshire's EFA program is a crucial financial consideration. It allows eligible families (with household incomes at or below 350% of the federal poverty level) to use state-funded accounts to pay for private school tuition, among other educational expenses. For a Northwood family considering St. Paul's, Derryfield, or another approved private school, the EFA can significantly offset costs. It's vital to check each school's participation status, as not all private schools accept EFAs. The application is managed by the state, not the school district, and deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs draw Northwood families to the area's leading private schools despite the distance?
The schools accessible to Northwood families offer distinct specializations. Phillips Exeter is renowned for its Harkness teaching method and exceptional STEM facilities. St. Paul's School offers a rigorous classical curriculum with extensive arts and a global focus on its sprawling campus. The Derryfield School in Manchester provides a strong college-preparatory environment with notable athletics and arts programs in a more traditional day school setting. For Northwood students passionate in these specific areas, these programs can justify the commute, offering opportunities less commonly found in even the excellent local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Northwood student applying to a competitive private day or boarding school like Derryfield or St. Paul's?
The timeline is early and standardized. For entry in Fall, applications to schools like Derryfield, St. Paul's, and Exeter are typically due in January or February of the preceding winter (e.g., Jan/Feb 2024 for Fall 2024). The process involves standardized testing (SSAT/ISEE), school records, teacher recommendations, interviews, and often a campus visit. As a Northwood resident, planning visits and interviews requires scheduling around the commute. It's advisable to begin research and visits in the spring or fall a full year before desired enrollment. Rolling admissions are rare for these competitive schools.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools like Derryfield compare to the public school experience in Northwood's SAU 44?
Northwood's public schools (part of SAU 44 with Northwood School) offer a close-knit, community-based K-8 experience, with students then attending Coe-Brown Northwood Academy for high school—a public academy with a regional draw. Private options present a different model. The Derryfield School has an average class size of 12-15, fostering intense discussion, while St. Paul's and Exeter are similarly small. The private school communities are intentionally curated from a wide geographic area, which differs from the town-centered peer group in Northwood's public system. The choice often comes down to preference for a small, focused academic cohort versus a community representing the town's demographics.
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