The Best Private Schools in Plymouth, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plymouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holderness School
Independent
Holderness School is a prestigious co-educational college preparatory boarding and day school located just minutes from Plymouth. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. Known for its outstanding outdoor education program, Holderness provides unique experiential learning opportunities including skiing, rock climbing, and wilderness expeditions. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern academic buildings, arts center, athletic complex, and extensive outdoor spaces. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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The Derryfield School
Independent
The Derryfield School is a highly regarded independent college preparatory day school that serves students from Plymouth and the surrounding region. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking and writing skills across all disciplines. Derryfield features excellent STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The campus includes modern academic facilities, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. The school is known for its supportive community atmosphere and strong college counseling program, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities.
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St. Paul's School
Independent
St. Paul's School is a highly selective Episcopal boarding school that serves students from Plymouth and throughout New England. The school offers an exceptional academic program with extensive Advanced Placement options and a comprehensive humanities curriculum. The 2,000-acre campus features outstanding facilities including modern science laboratories, performing arts center, extensive athletic facilities, and the renowned Ohrstrom Library. The school emphasizes community service, spiritual development, and leadership training. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, students receive personalized attention and mentorship from dedicated faculty members.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plymouth, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Plymouth, New Hampshire?
While Plymouth itself is a small town, it is proximate to several prestigious private schools. The most notable are Holderness School (a co-ed boarding/day school in Plymouth), St. Paul's School (a boarding school in Concord, about 45 minutes south), and The Derryfield School (a day school in Manchester, about an hour south). For Plymouth residents, Holderness offers the most immediate local option with a robust day student program. Families should also explore smaller regional academies and independent schools in the Lakes Region and Upper Valley, though options within Plymouth's town limits are limited to primarily the Holderness campus.
How does the tuition for private schools near Plymouth, NH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at the top schools near Plymouth, like Holderness and St. Paul's, is at the premium end of the spectrum for New Hampshire, often exceeding $60,000 for boarding and ranging from $30,000 to $45,000 for day students. This is above the NH private school average due to their extensive facilities, low student-teacher ratios, and boarding programs. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. For example, Holderness and St. Paul's both have large endowments dedicated to aid, with many families receiving significant grants. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission and use the school's specific financial aid portals.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Plymouth, NH, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region uniquely integrate the New Hampshire landscape into their curricula. Holderness School, for instance, has a renowned Outdoor Program where students engage in mandatory skiing, rock climbing, and mountain biking, leveraging the White Mountains and Lakes Region. Its "Arts Across the Curriculum" initiative and engineering/design lab are also standout features. St. Paul's School offers the Advanced Studies Program and a strong focus on sustainability on its 2,000-acre campus. The proximity to Plymouth State University also allows for potential collaborative learning opportunities not commonly found in other locations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Plymouth, NH, and how competitive is admission?
The process for the leading schools is highly structured and competitive, especially for boarding spots. Key deadlines are typically in January or February for the following fall, with decisions released in March. St. Paul's and Holderness require the SSAT or ISEE, teacher recommendations, transcripts, interviews, and often campus visits. For day students at Holderness, the competition, while still significant, is more localized. It is advisable to begin research 12-18 months in advance, attend fall open houses, and connect with the admission office early. Rolling admission may be available if spaces remain, but planning for the main deadline is critical.
For a family living in Plymouth, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school like Holderness?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, resources, and community. Plymouth Regional High School is a well-regarded public school offering a solid education with typical public school extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like Holderness involves seeking a specific environment: a smaller, close-knit community (approx. 300 students), a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a required sports and outdoor curriculum, and a global perspective with a boarding population. The trade-offs include a significant financial investment and, for day students, a different social dynamic than the town-wide public school. Families should consider if they value the intensive, holistic preparation for college and life that Holderness provides versus the traditional, tuition-free public school experience embedded in the local community.
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