The Best Private Schools in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Portsmouth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Codington School
Independent Elementary School
Located in the heart of Portsmouth, The Codington School offers progressive education for Pre-K through Grade 5 with a focus on hands-on, experiential learning. The school emphasizes STEAM integration, outdoor education utilizing local natural resources, and social-emotional development. Small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio) and project-based curriculum create an engaging learning environment. The school's urban campus provides access to Portsmouth's cultural and educational resources.
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Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent Boarding School
One of the nation's most prestigious college preparatory schools, Phillips Exeter Academy serves day students from Portsmouth and surrounding communities. Renowned for the Harkness teaching method with 12 students per classroom, the school offers unparalleled academic resources including a 260,000-volume library, advanced research laboratories, and global study programs. The 671-acre campus features world-class facilities, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities worldwide.
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Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school serving the Seacoast region, including Portsmouth families. With a 230-year legacy, the school offers rigorous college preparatory academics, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts programs. The 80-acre campus features modern academic buildings, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Student-teacher ratio of 8:1 ensures personalized attention, with 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options for families living in Portsmouth, NH, and what are their key characteristics?
Portsmouth, NH, offers several notable private school options, each with distinct characteristics. **Berwick Academy**, located just across the river in South Berwick, ME, is a prominent Pre-K through Grade 12 independent day school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum and strong arts and athletics. **Phillips Exeter Academy**, a world-renowned co-ed boarding and day school in nearby Exeter, NH, serves grades 9-12 with a Harkness teaching method. For younger students, **The Codington School** in Portsmouth provides a Montessori-based education for children from infancy through kindergarten. Additionally, Portsmouth is home to **Portsmouth Christian Academy** at the Lower School campus and **St. Patrick School**, a Catholic K-8 option. The proximity to these schools, including those in surrounding Seacoast towns, provides Portsmouth families with a diverse range of educational philosophies.
How does tuition for private schools in the Portsmouth, NH, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Portsmouth, NH, area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, day student tuition at Phillips Exeter Academy is approximately $50,000+, while Berwick Academy's upper school tuition is around $40,000. Elementary and preschool programs, like The Codington School, can range from $15,000 to $25,000 annually. New Hampshire private schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid. Schools like Berwick and Exeter have substantial endowment funds dedicated to aid, with many families receiving grants that significantly reduce the net cost. It's crucial to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, using platforms like the Clarity Application, as funds are limited. Some NH-specific scholarships, like the Children's Scholarship Fund NH, may also provide partial assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Portsmouth-area private schools offer that leverage the local Seacoast environment?
Private schools in the Portsmouth area uniquely integrate the rich cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Seacoast into their programs. **Berwick Academy** features a Marine Science program that utilizes the nearby Atlantic coastline and Great Bay for hands-on research and sailing. Their "B-Well" initiative also emphasizes outdoor education. **Phillips Exeter Academy** students engage with the Portsmouth music and theater scene and undertake local history projects focused on the city's storied past. Schools often partner with institutions like the University of New Hampshire, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the Strawbery Banke Museum for internships and experiential learning. This environment fosters a curriculum that extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing environmental stewardship, maritime studies, and community engagement unique to the Piscataqua Region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Portsmouth, NH, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Portsmouth area requires early planning. For schools like Berwick Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy, the main admission cycle for the following fall begins 12-18 months in advance, with applications due in January or February. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications with essays and recommendations, and completing student interviews and assessments. For younger grades at schools like The Codington School, waiting lists can be long, so contacting the school 1-2 years before desired enrollment is advisable. Portsmouth parents should start researching schools and attending tours the spring before the application year. Rolling admission may be available for some grades if spaces remain, but planning ahead is critical due to high demand in this desirable Seacoast community.
For families considering both options, how do the private schools in Portsmouth compare academically and culturally to the highly-rated Portsmouth Public School District?
The Portsmouth Public School District is consistently ranked among the top in NH, offering a strong, tuition-free education. Choosing a private school often comes down to specific educational philosophy, class size, and specialized programs. Private schools like Berwick and Exeter offer significantly smaller average class sizes (e.g., 12-15 students) and more individualized attention compared to public school classrooms. They also provide distinct pedagogical approaches (like Exeter's Harkness method) and often have more extensive global study, advanced independent research, and niche arts/athletic facilities. Culturally, Portsmouth's private schools draw a geographically diverse student body from across the Seacoast and beyond, while the public schools are community-centered. The decision frequently hinges on a family's priority for a particular learning environment, religious affiliation (for parochial schools), or a specific program not available in the public system, despite its high quality.
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