The Best Private Schools in Advance, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Advance. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Forsyth Country Day School
Independent
Forsyth Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 minutes from Advance in Lewisville, FCDS offers a challenging academic program with extensive Advanced Placement options, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes, with a strong emphasis on character education and community engagement.
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Salem Academy
Salem Academy and College
Salem Academy is one of the oldest educational institutions for girls in the United States, offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features state-of-the-art STEM facilities, extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, and a comprehensive boarding program. Located just 20 minutes from Advance in Winston-Salem, Salem Academy provides exceptional academic preparation with a focus on leadership development and global citizenship.
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Davie Academy
Independent
Davie Academy serves students in grades K-12 with a focus on individualized education and small class sizes. Located just 10 minutes from Advance in Mocksville, the school provides a supportive learning environment with college preparatory curriculum and specialized support for students with learning differences. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and personalized academic planning, making it an excellent option for families seeking tailored educational approaches in the immediate Advance area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Advance, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options serving families in Advance, North Carolina, and what are their key characteristics?
While Advance itself is a smaller community, families typically look to several notable independent schools in the surrounding region of the Piedmont Triad. The most prominent options include **Forsyth Country Day School** in Lewisville (a Pre-K through 12 college-preparatory school known for strong academics and arts), **Salem Academy** in Winston-Salem (a historic, all-girls boarding and day school for grades 9-12 with a focus on leadership and STEM), and **Davie Academy** in Mocksville (offering a more personalized, non-traditional educational approach). Advance residents benefit from proximity to these schools, which often provide transportation zones covering Davie and Forsyth counties. Each has a distinct philosophy, so visiting is crucial to find the right fit.
How does tuition for private schools in the Advance, NC area compare, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Advance area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to $25,000+ annually for day students, with boarding at Salem Academy being higher. North Carolina offers two major financial aid resources: the **Opportunity Scholarship Program** (income-based vouchers for eligible families) and the **Personal Education Savings Accounts** (for students with disabilities). Additionally, most private schools like Forsyth Country Day and Salem Academy have substantial need-based financial aid endowments. It's essential to apply for financial aid simultaneously with admission, as deadlines are typically in early winter.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Advance, NC?
Schools in this region provide specialized programs leveraging local resources. **Forsyth Country Day School** features a renowned Center for Technology, Innovation & Creativity (CTIC) and extensive robotics teams. **Salem Academy** offers distinctive programs like the Salem Impact fellowship for experiential learning and a strong focus on women in science, with partnerships at nearby Wake Forest University. **Davie Academy** emphasizes project-based learning and flexible scheduling. Furthermore, the Triad area's focus on arts and innovation means many schools have robust partnerships with local cultural institutions and businesses for internships and enrichment, an advantage for Advance residents.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Advance, North Carolina?
The admission process for competitive schools like Forsyth Country Day and Salem Academy is structured and often begins 12-18 months before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, completing student assessments/interviews, and providing teacher recommendations. For kindergarten and lower school entry, some schools have earlier deadlines. **Davie Academy** may have a more rolling admission process due to its flexible model. Given Advance's location, planning for potential transportation and understanding specific school catchment policies for bus service is an important part of the timeline.
How do the educational environments and outcomes of private schools near Advance compare to the local public schools in Davie County?
Davie County public schools are well-regarded, so the choice often comes down to specific educational philosophy and individual student needs. Private options typically offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), more individualized attention, and distinct curricular approaches (e.g., single-gender education at Salem, intensive college prep at FCDS). They may also provide more extensive advanced coursework options at an earlier grade level. However, Davie County public schools offer strong athletics, newer facilities, and a community-centered environment. For Advance families, the decision frequently involves weighing the commute, cost, and desire for a specific type of community against the excellent, tuition-free public option.
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