The Best Private Schools in Bisbee, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bisbee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Alphonsus School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
St. Alphonsus School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Langdon area and surrounding communities including Bisbee. Established in 1956, the school provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, music, arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent teacher-student ratios that ensure personalized attention for each child.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School in Devils Lake serves students from throughout the region, including families from Bisbee. Founded in 1962, this Catholic school offers education from preschool to 8th grade with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in mathematics and language arts, complemented by comprehensive sports programs and extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern classrooms, a well-equipped gymnasium, and technology-integrated learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and has earned a reputation for excellent parent-teacher communication and community involvement.
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Little Flower School
Diocese of Fargo
Little Flower School in Rugby has been serving students from Rugby and surrounding communities including Bisbee since 1976. This Catholic elementary and middle school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features a dedicated science laboratory, comprehensive music program, and strong athletic programs particularly in basketball. Teachers are highly qualified and committed to student success, with many having decades of experience. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many families traveling from surrounding rural areas for the quality education provided.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bisbee, North Dakota
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Bisbee, North Dakota?
In Bisbee, ND, private education is primarily offered through Catholic parish schools. The main options are St. Alphonsus School, St. Mary's School, and Little Flower School. These are typically small, K-8 institutions, reflecting the rural character of the area. For high school, families in Bisbee often look at private boarding schools in larger North Dakota cities or Catholic high schools in communities like Devils Lake or Minot, which may involve a significant commute. The intimate size of Bisbee's schools is a hallmark, often resulting in multi-grade classrooms and very low student-to-teacher ratios.
How does tuition at private schools in Bisbee, ND, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Bisbee's parish schools is generally below the North Dakota private school average due to lower operational costs and significant subsidies from the local Catholic parishes. Annual tuition often ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 per student, with discounts for multiple children from the same family. Financial aid is primarily handled through the individual parish and may include scholarships, tuition reduction for active parishioners, and work-study arrangements. Additionally, North Dakota offers a state income tax deduction for private school tuition and fees, which can provide meaningful savings for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bisbee's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Bisbee's private schools deeply integrate the local agricultural and close-knit community into their programs. It's common for curricula to include units on North Dakota agriculture, local history, and environmental science with field studies in the surrounding prairie landscape. Extracurriculars are often community-based, such as 4-H partnerships, choir performances at local events, and service projects supporting area seniors or community initiatives. Due to their small size, sports are typically co-op programs with nearby public schools or other small private schools, emphasizing participation over competition.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a school like St. Alphonsus or St. Mary's in Bisbee?
Enrollment for the fall semester in Bisbee's private schools usually begins in early spring (February/March). The process is personal and informal. Parents are encouraged to contact the school administrator or parish office directly to schedule a visit and receive an application. Priority is typically given to active members of the supporting parish, then to other Catholic families, and then to the general community. Due to small class sizes, spots can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. Unlike in urban areas, there are rarely standardized entrance exams; placement is based on previous school records and teacher assessments.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between a Bisbee private school and the local public school?
The key considerations are community values, class size, and religious education. Bisbee's private schools offer a faith-based education with daily religion classes and Catholic traditions woven into the school day—a deciding factor for many families. The class sizes are extremely small (often 10-15 students total per grade level or combined classroom), allowing for highly individualized attention. The public school option would involve bussing to a neighboring town's consolidated school, which offers a broader range of elective courses, sports teams, and potentially more diverse peer interactions. The choice often centers on whether a family prioritizes a specific religious environment and ultra-small community feel versus a wider array of academic and extracurricular resources in a larger, secular setting.
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