The Best Private Schools in Buxton, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Buxton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Independent Lutheran School
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Red River Valley region, including Buxton area families. The school offers comprehensive education from grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. Academically rigorous programs include advanced STEM courses, extensive fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Shanley High School
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
Shanley High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from throughout eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota, including Buxton area families. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 16 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and modern athletic facilities. With a 99% college matriculation rate and a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Shanley provides personalized attention while maintaining high academic standards and strong community values.
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Sacred Heart Elementary School
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
Sacred Heart Elementary School serves families throughout the Red River Valley, including Buxton area residents seeking Catholic education. The school provides Pre-K through 6th grade education with a balanced curriculum that integrates faith formation with strong academics. Features include technology-enhanced classrooms, dedicated specialty teachers for music and physical education, and a supportive community environment. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care, making it accessible for working families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Buxton, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in Buxton, North Dakota, and are there transportation services available?
Buxton itself is a very small town, so there are no private schools physically located within its limits. However, families in Buxton typically look to nearby Fargo, ND, for private education. The top schools in the region include Oak Grove Lutheran School (grades 6-12), Sacred Heart Elementary School (PreK-5), and Shanley High School (9-12), all located in Fargo, approximately 30 miles south. Most of these schools offer bus transportation or shuttle services from surrounding communities, including the Buxton area, but routes and availability should be confirmed directly with each school. This commute is a standard consideration for Buxton residents seeking private education.
How does tuition at Fargo-area private schools compare to the North Dakota state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the Fargo-area private schools accessible to Buxton families is generally competitive but can vary. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $5,000-$8,000 for elementary grades and $10,000-$13,000 for high school. North Dakota offers specific financial aid through the "ND K-12 Education Tax Credit," which allows individuals and corporations to receive a tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. These organizations, like the "North Dakota Catholic Foundation" for affiliated schools, then provide need-based tuition assistance to families. Additionally, all the mentioned schools have their own financial aid and scholarship programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Buxton, ND, offer that reflect the local culture and economy?
Schools in the Fargo-Moorhead area integrate the region's strong agricultural, technological, and faith-based heritage. Oak Grove Lutheran School offers robust STEM programs and agriculture-related science courses. Shanley High School features a renowned "Center for Engineering and Technology" and competitive activities in the State Class A athletic conference. Sacred Heart Elementary emphasizes a faith-based curriculum with community service projects tied to local parishes. Furthermore, many programs engage with North Dakota State University (in Fargo) for partnerships and advanced opportunities, providing a direct link to the state's leading research institution right in the community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Buxton-area families applying to private schools in Fargo?
The enrollment process for Fargo private schools begins early, often in the preceding fall or winter for the next academic year. For example, open houses and shadow days typically occur between October and February. Application deadlines for priority consideration are usually in late winter (February/March), with rolling admissions afterward if spaces remain. It is crucial for Buxton families to apply early, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and 9th grade, can fill quickly. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Contacting the admissions office of your target school by early fall is highly recommended.
For a Buxton resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school in the Hatton Public School District and a private school in Fargo?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Hatton Public School District offers the convenience of a very short commute and a tight-knit community school environment. Choosing a private school in Fargo involves a daily commute of about 30-45 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Academically, the Fargo private schools offer specialized programs, often smaller average class sizes, and a specific religious or pedagogical focus (e.g., Lutheran or Catholic education) not available in the public district. Financially, you must weigh the cost of tuition and potential transportation against the no-tuition public option. Many Buxton families value the broader program variety and college-prep focus of the Fargo schools enough to make the commute.
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