The Best Private Schools in Belhaven, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Belhaven. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter Catholic School
Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools
St. Peter Catholic School is a highly-regarded private school serving the eastern North Carolina region, including Belhaven. With over 65 years of educational excellence, this Pre-K through 8th grade institution offers a rigorous academic curriculum rooted in Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, modern technology integration, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, music, and art. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent academic preparation. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with dedicated science labs, library, and athletic fields.
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Oakwood School
Independent School
Oakwood School is a highly respected independent private school serving Greenville and the surrounding region, including Belhaven families. Founded in 1976, this Pre-K through 12th grade institution offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a comprehensive Advanced Placement program, competitive athletic teams, extensive fine arts offerings, and a strong emphasis on character development. Oakwood's beautiful 65-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its inclusive community and excellent college placement record.
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John Paul II Catholic High School
Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools
John Paul II Catholic High School serves students from Belhaven and throughout eastern North Carolina as the region's premier Catholic high school. This college-preparatory institution offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses, a robust STEM program, and competitive athletic teams. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and modern athletic complex. With a strong emphasis on character formation and academic excellence, JPII provides a supportive community environment with numerous service opportunities and extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Belhaven, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Belhaven, North Carolina?
While Belhaven itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools within a reasonable commuting distance. The most prominent options include St. Peter Catholic School (K-8) in Greenville, John Paul II Catholic High School in Greenville, and Oakwood School, a non-sectarian college-preparatory school also located in Greenville. For Belhaven residents, this typically involves a commute of roughly 45-60 minutes to the Greenville area. There are also smaller private Christian academies in nearby Washington and other Beaufort County towns. It's important for Belhaven parents to consider transportation logistics when evaluating these options.
How does tuition at private schools serving the Belhaven, NC area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to North Carolina?
Tuition for the primary private schools accessible to Belhaven families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Peter Catholic School's elementary tuition is approximately $7,000-$9,000, while John Paul II Catholic High School is around $10,000-$12,000. Oakwood School, as a premier independent school, has tuition upwards of $15,000. A critical financial consideration for North Carolina residents is the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-based assistance for families choosing private schools. Eligibility has expanded, and many families in Belhaven may qualify for significant aid to offset tuition costs. Each school also has its own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Belhaven, NC offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Private schools in Eastern North Carolina, including those serving Belhaven families, often integrate the region's unique coastal and agricultural heritage into their curricula. For instance, science programs may include environmental studies focused on the Pamlico Sound estuary system, and history classes deeply cover North Carolina's coastal history. Oakwood School and John Paul II offer robust marine biology and environmental science electives. Extracurricularly, several schools have competitive sailing clubs that utilize local waterways. Furthermore, community service requirements often connect students with local conservation efforts, historical societies, and the vibrant arts scene in nearby Washington, providing a education grounded in the region's identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Oakwood or John Paul II for a family moving to Belhaven?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Belhaven requires early planning. For schools like Oakwood and John Paul II, the application cycle for the following academic year often opens in September, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT for Oakwood), and a family interview. For families moving to Belhaven mid-year, it's essential to contact the admissions office immediately, as some schools may have rolling admission or waiting lists for specific grades. Given Belhaven's distance, be prepared for multiple trips to Greenville for tours, testing, and interviews.
For a Belhaven resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Beaufort County public schools with private options in Greenville?
The decision often centers on curriculum, community, and commute. Beaufort County Schools offer proximity and no tuition. However, parents may consider private schools in Greenville for several reasons: smaller class sizes, specialized college-prep curricula (like Oakwood's Advanced Placement and honors tracks), specific religious education (Catholic schools), or different extracurricular emphases. The major consideration is the daily commute of up to an hour each way to Greenville, which impacts family time and logistics. Conversely, the private school community can provide a consistent peer group from a wider geographic area. It's advisable to thoroughly visit both the local Belhaven public school and the private options to assess the environment, resources, and fit for your child.
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