The Best Private Schools in Como, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Como. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies
Northeast Academy
Northeast Academy is a public charter school serving the Como area and surrounding communities with a specialized focus on aerospace and advanced technologies. Located just 8 miles from Como in Lasker, the school offers rigorous STEM education with state-of-the-art facilities including flight simulators and engineering labs. The college preparatory curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness, with strong partnerships with local aerospace industries. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including robotics, aviation club, and competitive academic teams.
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Ridgecroft School
Independent
Ridgecroft School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school located approximately 15 miles from Como in Ahoskie. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, Ridgecroft offers a comprehensive academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and robust fine arts and athletic programs. Ridgecroft has a strong track record of college acceptance and maintains an active alumni network.
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John A. Holmes High School (Private Academy Program)
Edenton-Chowan Schools
While primarily a public school, John A. Holmes High School offers exceptional private academy programs and serves as a regional educational hub for communities including Como. Located approximately 25 miles from Como in Edenton, the school provides comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement offerings and career technical education pathways. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains strong academic performance records and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, award-winning arts programs, and competitive academic clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Como, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available to families in and around Como, North Carolina?
Como, NC, is a small, rural community, so families typically look to nearby towns for private education. The most prominent options include **Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies** in Lasker (a unique public charter school with a private school-like model and focus), **Ridgecroft School** in Ahoskie (a traditional, college-preparatory K-12 private school), and the **Private Academy Program at John A. Holmes High School** in Edenton (a tuition-based program within a public high school). Given Como's location in Hertford County, parents often consider schools across a multi-county region, including Bertie and Chowan Counties, due to limited in-town private options.
How does the specialized focus of Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies benefit students from Como?
For students in Como interested in STEM and aviation, Northeast Academy offers a distinctive pathway not typically found in local public schools. The curriculum integrates aerospace engineering, advanced technologies, flight simulation, and drone operations. This provides a direct link to high-demand industries and regional economic drivers. For families in rural Como, this school represents a unique opportunity to access a focused, career-technical education in a structured, small-school environment without the need to relocate to a larger city.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving the Como, NC area, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in this region of North Carolina is generally more affordable compared to major metropolitan areas. For the 2024-2025 academic year, **Ridgecroft School**'s tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 for lower grades to $10,000 for high school. The **Private Academy Program at John A. Holmes** has a lower tuition, often around $1,000-$1,500 annually. Most schools, including Ridgecroft, offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans. Additionally, North Carolina's **Opportunity Scholarship** program provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to apply toward private school tuition, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Como residents.
What are the key enrollment timelines and considerations for private schools near Como, NC?
Enrollment processes for schools like Ridgecroft and Northeast Academy typically begin in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with priority deadlines in early spring. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited in these smaller schools. The process usually includes an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often a student assessment or shadow day. For the Northeast Academy lottery (as a public charter), the application window is strictly enforced. Como families should plan to attend open houses, often held in the fall, and be prepared to provide transportation, as these schools are located in neighboring towns.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Como compare to the local public school options?
The private and charter options near Como, such as Ridgecroft and Northeast Academy, offer significantly smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than the larger regional public schools. They often have more rigorous college-prep curricula, mandatory extracurricular participation, and stricter discipline codes. The public schools in Hertford County provide broader program access and no tuition. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities: a tailored, structured environment with a specific focus (like aerospace at Northeast or traditional prep at Ridgecroft) versus the comprehensive, community-based offerings of the public system. For many Como families, the decision involves weighing the commute and cost against the perceived academic and environmental benefits.
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