The Best Private Schools in Greenville, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Oakwood School
Independent
The Oakwood School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving Eastern North Carolina. Founded in 1978, it offers a comprehensive educational experience from preschool through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, rigorous academic programs including 16 Advanced Placement courses, and a strong emphasis on character development. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Oakwood consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence in the Greenville region.
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St. Peter Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Raleigh
St. Peter Catholic School has been serving Greenville families since 1957, providing a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values and traditions. Features include dedicated STEM laboratories, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The campus includes modern classrooms, a chapel, library, and playground facilities. St. Peter maintains small student-teacher ratios and emphasizes community service, creating a nurturing environment that prepares students for high school and beyond.
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Washington Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Located approximately 20 miles from Greenville in Washington, NC, Washington Montessori School has been serving Eastern North Carolina families since 1986. As an American Montessori Society accredited institution, it offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized materials that support hands-on, individualized learning. The program emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and social development, with many Greenville families choosing this option for its proven educational approach and strong community reputation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenville, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available in Greenville, NC, and what educational philosophies do they represent?
Greenville, NC, offers a few established private schools, each with a distinct approach. The Oakwood School is a secular, college-preparatory school serving grades Pre-K through 12, emphasizing a rigorous academic curriculum. St. Peter Catholic School provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic values for students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Washington Montessori School follows the Montessori method, focusing on child-led learning and individualized instruction for early childhood and elementary-aged students. These options cover the spectrum from religious to secular and from traditional to progressive educational models, giving Greenville families meaningful choices.
How does tuition at Greenville, NC private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Greenville is generally below the state average for North Carolina private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$9,000 annually for elementary grades at local schools to $10,000-$14,000 for high school at The Oakwood School. All major schools in Greenville offer need-based financial aid, and North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship program is a significant factor. This state-funded voucher program provides income-based scholarships that can be used at participating private schools, making private education more accessible to many Pitt County families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Greenville private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Greenville private schools integrate the resources of the local community, notably East Carolina University (ECU) and the region's healthcare and agricultural sectors. The Oakwood School often facilitates dual enrollment opportunities with ECU for qualified high school students. Schools may also develop specialized programs or partnerships related to ECU's strong medical and engineering fields. Furthermore, given Greenville's location in eastern North Carolina's agricultural belt, science and sustainability programs often include local farm visits and environmental studies. Extracurriculars frequently leverage nearby rivers and parks for outdoor education and athletics.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Greenville, NC, and are waitlists common?
The enrollment process for Greenville private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year, with application deadlines between January and March. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment. Due to the limited number of private schools and smaller class sizes, waitlists for certain grades, particularly early elementary and middle school entry points, are common at the most sought-after schools. It is highly advisable for parents to begin research and attend open houses a full year in advance of desired enrollment.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between public schools in Pitt County and private schools in Greenville?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and specific educational focus. Pitt County public schools offer diverse programs, including magnet and early college high schools, but have larger average class sizes. Greenville private schools offer significantly smaller classes (often 15:1 or lower), allowing for more individualized attention. Private schools have the autonomy to shape their curriculum, leading to distinct offerings like Oakwood's college-prep focus, St. Peter's religious instruction, or Washington Montessori's hands-on methodology. While public schools are tuition-free, private schools offer an alternative for families seeking a specific educational environment, with the potential cost offset by state voucher programs.
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