The Best Private Schools in Belfield, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Belfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity High School
Dickinson Catholic Schools
Trinity High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Belfield and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Trinity provides personalized attention and strong college preparation. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. As part of the Dickinson Catholic Schools system, it integrates faith formation with academic excellence, serving grades 9-12 with a focus on developing well-rounded students.
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St. Patrick's Elementary School
Dickinson Catholic Schools
St. Patrick's Elementary School provides exceptional private education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Belfield and the greater Dickinson area. The school offers a comprehensive elementary curriculum enriched with technology integration, music education, and faith formation. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character development, St. Patrick's features experienced teachers, modern classrooms, and a supportive community environment. The school emphasizes foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while providing diverse extracurricular opportunities and strong parent involvement.
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Queen of Peace Catholic School
Diocese of Bismarck
Queen of Peace Catholic School serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade, providing a Christ-centered education to families throughout southwestern North Dakota, including Belfield. The school offers a well-rounded academic program with strong emphasis on core subjects, religious education, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library resources, and recreational areas. The school community is known for its family atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive approach to education that prepares students for high school success while instilling strong moral values and community service commitment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Belfield, North Dakota
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Belfield, North Dakota?
Belfield, ND, offers a continuum of private, faith-based education primarily through the Catholic school system. For elementary grades, parents can consider St. Patrick's Elementary School and Queen of Peace Catholic School. For secondary education, Trinity High School serves students in grades 9-12. This structure allows for a consistent educational philosophy from kindergarten through high school graduation within the local community. It's important to note that these are the primary private institutions, and some families in the Belfield area may also consider options in nearby Dickinson for a broader selection.
How does tuition at Belfield's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Belfield's private schools is typically below the national private school average, reflecting North Dakota's lower cost of living. However, exact figures vary by school and family parish membership. For instance, active parishioners often receive a subsidized rate. All schools offer financial aid programs, and North Dakota has specific state-supported options like the "ND K-12 Education Income Tax Credit," which allows a credit for contributions to nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships, effectively reducing the net cost for many families. Direct consultation with Trinity High School or the elementary schools' offices is essential for current tuition schedules and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Belfield's private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Belfield's private schools integrate the region's character into their programs. Academically, schools may emphasize agricultural science, local history of the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and environmental studies relevant to Western North Dakota. Extracurricularly, Trinity High School competes in Class B athletics within the North Dakota High School Activities Association, with strong traditions in sports like football and basketball. Given the smaller class sizes, students often have the opportunity to participate in multiple activities, from music to athletics, developing well-rounded profiles. Community service, tied to local churches and organizations, is also a cornerstone.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Belfield, ND?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year in Belfield's private schools typically opens in early spring (February/March). Priority is often given to current students, siblings of current students, and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. The process involves submitting an application form, academic records, and possibly a family interview. For Trinity High School, open houses or shadow days for prospective students are common. Given the limited seats in these small community schools, early application is strongly advised. Families moving to the area mid-year should contact the school office directly, as placements may be possible depending on class sizes.
For families considering both, what are the key differences between public and private schools in Belfield, North Dakota?
The key differences in Belfield center on educational approach, size, and curriculum. The public school is Belfield Public School (K-12), which offers a secular education funded by taxpayers. The private schools (St. Patrick's, Queen of Peace, Trinity) provide a faith-based education integrating religious instruction and values, with funding from tuition and parish support. Academically, both sectors meet ND state standards, but private schools may offer a more structured environment with typically smaller class sizes. For extracurriculars, the public school may have a slightly larger pool for some teams, but private school students often enjoy more individual attention. The choice often hinges on a family's desire for a religious foundation versus a secular one, and their valuation of smaller, community-centered environments.
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