The Best Private Schools in Clifford, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clifford. 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 greater Red River Valley region, including Clifford area families. Founded in 1906, this prestigious institution offers comprehensive education from grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Oak Grove provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities, making it a top choice for families throughout southeastern North Dakota.
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Shanley High School
Fargo Catholic Schools Network
Shanley High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Clifford. Established in 1965, Shanley offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, a performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complexes. With a focus on faith formation and character development, Shanley prepares students for college success while fostering spiritual growth. The school consistently ranks among North Dakota's top private high schools for academic achievement and student outcomes.
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Fargo Catholic Elementary Schools
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
The Fargo Catholic Schools system operates multiple elementary campuses throughout the Fargo area, serving families from Clifford and surrounding communities. This network includes established schools like Holy Spirit, Nativity, and St. Anthony of Padua, each with decades of educational excellence. The system provides comprehensive K-8 education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, faith formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, individualized learning approaches, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular programs. With convenient locations throughout Fargo and a reputation for nurturing environments, these schools offer quality Catholic education accessible to families throughout the Red River Valley region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clifford, North Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Clifford, North Dakota, given that the top schools mentioned are in Fargo?
While Clifford itself is a very small community, families seeking private education typically look to schools in the nearby Fargo metropolitan area, approximately 30-40 minutes away. The schools you mentioned—Oak Grove Lutheran School (PreK-12), Shanley High School (9-12), and the Fargo Catholic Elementary Schools network—are the primary options. Many families from Clifford and surrounding towns commute, and these schools often have experience with students from rural Cass County. It's important to consider transportation logistics, as bus service from Clifford may not be available, making carpooling or personal transportation a key factor.
How does North Dakota's Tuition Assistance Grant Program impact the cost of private schools for Clifford residents?
North Dakota's K-12 Tuition Assistance Grant Program is a significant financial consideration. For the 2024-25 school year, eligible families can receive grants of up to $1,500 per student ($3,000 for a family with two or more students) to apply toward tuition at a nonpublic school. This state-funded program can make schools like Oak Grove, Shanley, and Fargo Catholic more accessible for Clifford families. Eligibility is based on household income, with priority given to lower-income families. You must apply through the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and funds are paid directly to the school you choose.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fargo-area private schools offer that might benefit a student from a rural community like Clifford?
The Fargo private schools offer programs that can greatly expand opportunities compared to a small rural public school. Shanley High School and Oak Grove Lutheran provide robust Advanced Placement (AP) course selections, specialized STEM labs, and extensive arts programs (theatre, music, visual arts) that are often more limited in smaller schools. For athletics, they compete in the Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC), offering a high level of competition. These schools also have established networks for college counseling and internships in the Fargo business community, providing valuable connections for a Clifford student looking toward higher education and careers beyond their immediate area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Fargo private schools for a family from Clifford, and are there deadlines specific to out-of-district applicants?
The enrollment process for Fargo-area private schools generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For example, open houses and application periods for Oak Grove and the Fargo Catholic schools often start in January, with priority deadlines in February or March. As a resident of Clifford, you are considered an "out-of-district" applicant, but you are not at a disadvantage; these schools actively enroll students from across the region. However, it's crucial to apply by the priority deadlines to secure a spot, as some grades fill quickly. You should also inquire about any required entrance assessments or interviews, which are standard parts of the process for schools like Shanley.
For a Clifford family, what are the key factors in deciding between the local public school and commuting to a private school in Fargo?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Clifford public school district is part of a likely consolidated or very small system, offering a close-knit community and no commute. Choosing a Fargo private school involves a significant daily commute (60-80 minutes round trip), which impacts family schedules and extracurricular participation. Academically, the choice may come down to personalized attention in a very small class (public) versus a wider array of courses, activities, and facilities (private). For faith-based education, the Fargo Catholic schools offer a distinct environment not available in the public system. Ultimately, families must weigh the value of expanded academic/extra-curricular offerings against the time and financial investment of the commute and tuition.
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