The Best Private Schools in Rollinsford, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rollinsford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Phillips Exeter Academy
Independent Boarding School
Phillips Exeter Academy is one of the nation's premier independent boarding schools located approximately 15 miles from Rollinsford, serving day students from the surrounding communities. Renowned for its distinctive Harkness teaching method and exceptional academic programs, Exeter offers over 450 courses across 18 academic departments with extensive Advanced Placement and college-level offerings. The school features world-class facilities including state-of-the-art science centers, extensive library resources, athletic complexes, and arts facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1 and a global student body, Exeter provides an unparalleled educational experience for high-achieving students.
Programs:
Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a prestigious Pre-K through Grade 12 independent school located just across the border in Maine, serving students from Rollinsford and the broader Seacoast region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes, advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. With historic roots dating back to 1791 and modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, Berwick provides a well-rounded education focused on academic excellence and character development.
Programs:
Portsmouth Christian Academy
Christian School Network
Portsmouth Christian Academy serves Rollinsford families from its Dover campus, offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade Christian education. The school features a strong college preparatory program with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts programs. PCA's modern 60-acre campus includes science laboratories, technology centers, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rollinsford, New Hampshire
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Rollinsford, NH, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no private schools with campuses physically located within the town limits of Rollinsford. Families typically commute to excellent private schools in the surrounding Seacoast region. The most prominent options include Berwick Academy in South Berwick, Maine (approximately 5 miles away), Portsmouth Christian Academy in Dover, NH (about 6 miles away), and the nationally renowned Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, NH (roughly 20 miles away). Rollinsford's location provides convenient access to these institutions across state lines.
How does New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts (EFA) program affect private school tuition for Rollinsford residents?
New Hampshire's EFA program is a significant financial consideration for Rollinsford families. It allows eligible families (typically those earning up to 350% of the federal poverty level) to use state-funded accounts to pay for private school tuition, among other educational expenses. If you qualify, these funds can be applied to tuition at participating schools like Portsmouth Christian Academy or others that accept the program. It's crucial to check each school's EFA participation status and application process, as not all private schools opt into the program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Rollinsford that leverage the local Seacoast and cultural environment?
Private schools in the Rollinsford area offer distinctive programs tied to the region. Berwick Academy emphasizes its "Seacoast Scholars" and marine science studies, utilizing its proximity to the coast. Portsmouth Christian Academy integrates its mission with local service opportunities throughout the Seacoast. Phillips Exeter Academy, while offering a globally-focused Harkness method education, provides unique access to cultural institutions like The Phillips Exeter Academy Library and partnerships with the University of New Hampshire. Many schools also feature robust outdoor education programs in New Hampshire's natural landscape.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission assessment requirements for top private schools near Rollinsford, like Berwick Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy?
Timelines and requirements vary significantly. For day schools like Berwick Academy and Portsmouth Christian Academy, the main admission cycle for the following fall typically runs from September to February, with decisions released in March. They often require the SSAT or ISEE, school records, recommendations, and interviews. Phillips Exeter Academy, a highly selective boarding school, has a January 15th application deadline for fall entry and requires the SSAT or ISEE, along with a comprehensive application. Due to competitive seats, especially for day students in Exeter, starting the process 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised for Rollinsford applicants.
For a Rollinsford family, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local Rollinsford Grade School (public) to commuting to a private school?
The key considerations involve logistics, cost, and educational approach. The Rollinsford Grade School (part of SAU 56) provides a community-centered, tuition-free K-4 education, with students then attending Marshwood Middle School in Maine. Commuting to a private school adds daily drive time but offers continuity from kindergarten through 12th grade at a single institution, different pedagogical approaches (like Berwick's leadership model or Exeter's Harkness table), and often smaller class sizes. Families must weigh the annual tuition investment ($20,000-$50,000+) against their educational priorities, factoring in potential EFA aid and the value of the extended school community beyond Rollinsford's small town borders.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities