The Best Private Schools in Strafford, New Hampshire
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Strafford. 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 a world-renowned independent boarding and day school that serves students from Strafford and the global community. The academy is distinguished by its Harkness teaching method, which emphasizes collaborative, discussion-based learning around oval tables. The curriculum includes over 450 courses across 18 subject areas with extensive Advanced Placement and college-level offerings. The 671-acre campus features exceptional facilities including a $30 million science center, extensive athletic complexes, and state-of-the-art arts facilities. While primarily a boarding school, it serves day students from surrounding communities and maintains exceptional academic outcomes with graduates attending top universities worldwide.
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Berwick Academy
Independent School
Berwick Academy is a premier independent day school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12, drawing families from Strafford and the broader Seacoast region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes averaging 12-15 students. Notable programs include advanced STEM laboratories, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The 80-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic fields. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Catholic Diocese of Manchester
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Strafford and surrounding communities in the Seacoast region. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive arts programs. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, students receive personalized attention in a faith-based environment. The campus includes modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and high college acceptance rates to selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Strafford, New Hampshire
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Strafford, New Hampshire, and how accessible are they?
While Strafford itself is a smaller town, it benefits from proximity to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Seacoast and southern New Hampshire region. The most notable include Berwick Academy (in South Berwick, ME, approx. 20-25 minutes away), St. Thomas Aquinas High School (in Dover, NH, approx. 15-20 minutes away), and the world-renowned Phillips Exeter Academy (in Exeter, NH, approx. 30-35 minutes away). Accessibility is primarily by car, and many families in Strafford form carpools. It's important to note that these schools serve a regional draw, so admission is competitive and not limited to the immediate town.
How does tuition for private schools near Strafford, NH, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid or scholarship programs?
Tuition in this region varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $18,000-$25,000 at St. Thomas Aquinas, to over $50,000 at Berwick Academy and Phillips Exeter Academy. New Hampshire offers the "Education Tax Credit" program, which provides scholarships for eligible students to attend non-public schools, including private and religious institutions. This program, funded by business donations, can provide meaningful financial assistance. Additionally, all the top schools have substantial need-based financial aid endowments, and families are strongly encouraged to apply for aid regardless of income.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Strafford, NH, area that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this area offer distinct specializations. Phillips Exeter Academy is famous for its Harkness Table pedagogy, a student-centered discussion-based learning method used in all classes. Berwick Academy offers a robust STEM program with advanced robotics, engineering, and a strong arts curriculum on a modern campus. St. Thomas Aquinas provides a college-preparatory education with a Catholic foundation, including theology courses and community service requirements. These schools often have smaller class sizes, more advanced placement (AP) or equivalent advanced course options, and extensive offerings in athletics, arts, and global studies that can exceed the scope of a typical public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Strafford, NH, families?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Berwick and Phillips Exeter, the admission cycle for the following fall typically opens in the summer or early fall, with application deadlines in January or February. This includes standardized testing (SSAT or ISEE), campus interviews, teacher recommendations, and student essays. St. Thomas Aquinas may have a slightly more flexible timeline but still encourages early application. Notification dates are usually in March. For families in Strafford, planning 12-18 months in advance is advisable, especially for boarding/day options at Exeter or entry into competitive grades like 9th.
For a family in Strafford, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Strafford School) and a private school in the region?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Strafford School district is a single K-8 school, meaning for high school, students are tuitioned to a neighboring public high school (like Coe-Brown Northwood Academy or a choice of others). A regional private school offers a continuous K-12 or 9-12 pathway on one campus. Considerations include: educational philosophy (traditional public vs. specialized methods like Harkness), class size (significantly smaller in private), cost (public is tax-funded, private requires tuition), and community environment. Many Strafford families value the close-knit local public elementary experience before considering a private high school for enhanced academic opportunities, specialized programs, or a particular faith-based education.
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