The Best Private Schools in Carrington, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrington. 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 independent Christian school in Fargo that serves families throughout eastern North Dakota, including the Carrington area. The school offers comprehensive education from grades 6-12 with renowned International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs. Features include state-of-the-art science and technology labs, championship athletic programs, outstanding fine arts facilities, and extensive college counseling services. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. Boarding options are available for regional students.
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St. John's Academy
Fargo Diocese Catholic Schools
St. John's Academy is Carrington's premier private Catholic school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith-based education and character development. Features include small class sizes with personalized attention, modern technology integration, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently gaining acceptance to top universities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for arts and music education.
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Shanley High School
Fargo Catholic Schools Network
Shanley High School is a top-rated Catholic college preparatory school in Fargo that serves students from across eastern North Dakota, including the Carrington region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, specialized STEM academy, and comprehensive fine arts programs. Features include modern campus facilities, competitive athletics with multiple state championships, extensive student activities, and strong community service emphasis. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized academic advising, with graduates consistently earning prestigious scholarships and attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrington, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Carrington, North Dakota?
While Carrington itself is a smaller community, families have several well-regarded private school options within a reasonable driving distance. The most prominent are faith-based institutions, including St. John's Academy in Carrington (a Catholic K-12 school), Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo (approximately 90 miles away, offering grades 6-12), and Shanley High School in Fargo (a Catholic high school). For Carrington residents, St. John's Academy provides a local, comprehensive private option, while many families consider the Fargo-based schools for their extensive programs, albeit with a significant commute. Exploring each school's transportation or boarding options is crucial for Carrington-based families.
How does the tuition for private schools like St. John's Academy in Carrington compare to state averages, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition at North Dakota private schools, including St. John's Academy in Carrington, is generally below the national private school average but must be evaluated relative to local cost of living. St. John's, as a parish-supported school, often has a lower tuition rate than larger independent schools in metropolitan areas. Most private schools in North Dakota, including those accessible to Carrington families, offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for member families, and multi-child discounts. Additionally, North Dakota has a state-run K-12 Education Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to receive a credit for contributions to a school's scholarship fund, indirectly helping to reduce tuition burdens. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition rates, parish support levels, and aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Carrington, ND, offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Carrington area often emphasize specialized programs rooted in their missions. St. John's Academy, for instance, integrates Catholic teachings across its curriculum and may offer unique agriculture-related electives relevant to the region's economy. Schools like Oak Grove Lutheran and Shanley High School in Fargo provide more extensive college preparatory tracks, advanced placement (AP) courses, and niche extracurriculars (e.g., specialized music, robotics, or debate teams) that might be more limited in smaller public school districts. A key differentiator for Carrington families is often smaller class sizes and a close-knit community environment at St. John's, while the Fargo schools offer a broader array of arts and athletic programs due to their larger size.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private school like St. John's Academy in Carrington?
For St. John's Academy in Carrington, the enrollment process typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Given its smaller size, spaces can be limited, especially in certain grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. As a parish school, priority is often given to active members of supporting Catholic parishes. For families considering Fargo-based schools like Oak Grove or Shanley, timelines may be similar, but with more competitive admission pools, especially for upper grades. Open houses are commonly held between January and March. Contacting the school's admissions office directly by January is a prudent step for Carrington parents.
For a family in Carrington, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private option like St. John's Academy or a commuter school in Fargo?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. Choosing the local Carrington Public School District offers convenience, no tuition costs, and strong community integration. Opting for St. John's Academy provides a faith-based education with potentially smaller class sizes without a lengthy commute. The third option—commuting to a Fargo private school—involves a significant daily time commitment (1.5-2 hours roundtrip), added transportation costs, and higher tuition, but accesses broader academic and extracurricular resources. Parents must consider their child's tolerance for travel, the family's ability to manage the commute schedule, and the importance of a religious versus secular education. The tight-knit nature of Carrington also means that choosing the local private school can still keep children deeply embedded in the town's social fabric.
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