The Best Private Schools in Cleveland, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cleveland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shiloh Christian School
Independent Christian
Shiloh Christian School is a top-rated private Christian school in Bismarck, serving students from across central North Dakota, including the Cleveland area. It provides a rigorous academic program from preschool through high school, with emphasis on college preparation, STEM education, and fine arts. The school boasts modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, leading to high academic achievement and parent approval. Its regional reputation makes it a popular choice for families seeking quality education.
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Fargo Christian School
Independent Christian
Fargo Christian School is a well-established private Christian school in Fargo, offering K-12 education with a strong Biblical worldview and Advanced Placement courses. It serves students from various regions, including Cleveland, and is known for its academic excellence, character development programs, and diverse extracurriculars like sports and arts. With a committed staff and supportive community, it maintains high parent satisfaction and prepares students for future success. The school's location in a larger metro area provides additional resources and opportunities.
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James Valley Christian School
Independent Christian
James Valley Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located in Jamestown, approximately 20 miles from Cleveland. It offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a focus on academic excellence, spiritual development, and small class sizes. The school features a Bible-based curriculum, robust athletics programs, and dedicated teachers, contributing to strong parent satisfaction and community involvement. Its rural location makes it accessible to families in Cleveland and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cleveland, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in Cleveland, North Dakota, and are there schools within the town itself?
Cleveland, ND, is a small rural community, so there are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits. However, families in Cleveland typically look to nearby cities for private education. The primary options include James Valley Christian School in nearby Edgeley (about 30 miles south), Shiloh Christian School in Bismarck (approximately 75 miles west), and Fargo Christian School in Fargo (about 90 miles east). Most families commute, and some schools may offer limited transportation or carpool networks from the Cleveland area. Exploring these schools involves planning for the daily commute.
How does tuition at private schools near Cleveland, ND, compare, and are there any North Dakota-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among the schools accessible to Cleveland residents. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. James Valley Christian School often has lower tuition due to its rural setting and smaller size, typically between $4,000-$6,000. Shiloh Christian School and Fargo Christian School, being larger institutions in urban centers, have higher tuition, often ranging from $8,000 to $12,000+. A key North Dakota-specific resource is the "ND K-12 Education Tax Credit," which allows individuals and corporations to receive a tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, thereby increasing need-based financial aid available to families. All schools have their own financial aid and sibling discount policies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Cleveland, ND, area offer that differ from local public schools?
The private schools near Cleveland emphasize faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their defining difference from public schools. Specifically, Shiloh Christian School offers robust competitive athletics and fine arts programs akin to a larger Class A school. Fargo Christian School provides advanced college preparatory tracks and technology integration. James Valley Christian School offers a tight-knit community experience with strong agricultural and vocational interests, reflecting the region's values. For Cleveland families, these schools provide a structured environment with religious values that the local public school district may not, alongside specialized programs that require a commute to access.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Cleveland, ND, and how early should we apply?
Enrollment processes for schools like James Valley, Shiloh, and Fargo Christian generally begin in January or February for the following fall. The first step is to attend an open house or schedule a campus visit—essential given the commute from Cleveland. Application deadlines are often in March or April, with rolling admissions afterward if spaces remain. Due to limited seats, especially in lower grades, applying early is crucial. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, pastor/character references, a family interview, and a placement assessment. Families from Cleveland should also discuss logistics like transportation during the interview.
For a family in Cleveland, ND, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a significant distance away?
The decision hinges on several Cleveland-specific factors. The local public school, likely part of a consolidated district, offers proximity and community integration. Opting for a private school involves a substantial daily commute (30-90 minutes one way) to Bismarck, Fargo, or Edgeley, impacting family schedules and fuel costs. You must weigh the value of a faith-based curriculum and specialized programs against this time and financial investment. Additionally, consider the child's ability to participate in after-school activities when living far away. Many families find the community and values alignment worth the commute, but it requires a strong commitment to logistics and potentially less involvement in immediate Cleveland-based extracurriculars.
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