The Best Private Schools in Colfax, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Colfax. 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
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a premier private Christian school serving the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Colfax. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum from grades 6-12 with small class sizes averaging 15 students. Notable programs include advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Oak Grove maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Shanley High School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Shanley High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students throughout the Red River Valley, including the Colfax area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 99% college placement rate. Shanley emphasizes character development through service learning and spiritual formation. The campus includes state-of-the-art science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities, and modern classroom spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and competitive athletic programs.
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Fargo Christian School
Independent Christian
Fargo Christian School provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout southeastern North Dakota including Colfax. The school integrates biblical principles throughout its college-preparatory curriculum while maintaining high academic standards. Programs include advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive fine arts, and competitive sports. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. Fargo Christian is recognized for its strong parent community and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Colfax, North Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Colfax, North Dakota, given that most top-ranked schools are in Fargo?
While Colfax itself is a small community without its own private schools, families typically look to nearby Fargo, approximately a 20-25 minute commute, for options. The most commonly considered schools include Oak Grove Lutheran School (PreK-12), Shanley High School (9-12, Catholic), and Fargo Christian School (K-12). Many Colfax families value this proximity to Fargo's educational resources while maintaining a quieter home life. It's important to factor in daily transportation logistics when considering these schools.
How does North Dakota's unique tax climate and lack of a state income tax impact financing private school tuition for Colfax residents?
North Dakota's lack of a state income tax can free up family income that might be used for private school tuition. However, it's crucial to note that North Dakota does not currently have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program. Therefore, tuition is primarily an out-of-pocket expense. Schools like Oak Grove, Shanley, and Fargo Christian offer need-based financial aid and payment plans. Colfax parents should directly contact school financial offices to discuss aid applications and explore any local parish subsidies if considering Catholic schools like Shanley.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs available at Fargo-area private schools might be appealing to Colfax students?
Fargo-area private schools offer programs that may not be available in smaller public districts. Oak Grove Lutheran has a strong international student program and renowned music ensembles. Shanley High School offers extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dominant athletic programs in the Eastern Dakota Conference. Fargo Christian School provides a distinct Bible-based curriculum and smaller class sizes. For Colfax students interested in agriculture—a key North Dakota industry—these schools often have robust science departments and FFA chapters that provide relevant, advanced study.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key deadlines for Fargo private schools that Colfax families need to know?
Enrollment timelines are centralized in Fargo and are critical for Colfax families to plan for. Most schools (Oak Grove, Shanley, Fargo Christian) begin accepting applications for the following academic year in September or October, with priority deadlines often in January or February. Re-enrollment for current students typically happens in early winter. Given the competitive nature for certain grades, especially freshman entry at Shanley, Colfax parents are advised to begin inquiries the fall prior to the desired enrollment year and attend open houses, which are usually held in the fall.
How do the class sizes and community environments of Fargo private schools compare to the public school experience in Colfax?
The Colfax public school district is part of the Richland 44 school system, offering a very small, close-knit community environment. In contrast, Fargo private schools like Oak Grove and Shanley are larger, drawing from the entire metro, which creates a different social dynamic but more diverse programming. Class sizes at Fargo Christian may be closer to a Colfax experience but with a specific religious focus. The choice often comes down to whether a family prefers the personalized, local environment of Richland 44 or is willing to commute for the specialized academic, athletic, and faith-based communities offered in Fargo.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Small Private Schools Near Colfax, ND for Your Child
For parents in Colfax, North Dakota, the search for “small private schools near me” is often driven by a desire for a tight-knit educational community where every student is known by name, yet with access to the robust resources of the nearby Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. This unique positioning allows Colfax families to enjoy a peaceful, rural lifestyle while choosing from several exceptional private institutions just a short commute away. These schools offer an alternative to larger public systems, focusing on individualized attention, specific value systems, and often, a more tailored approach to college preparation and character development.
When considering options, you’ll find that the private schools accessible from Colfax each have a distinct identity. Oak Grove Lutheran School, located in Fargo, provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education rooted in the Lutheran tradition. It’s known for its strong academic programs and supportive environment, where the relatively small class sizes foster close relationships between teachers and students. This can be particularly appealing for families seeking a consistent, faith-based education throughout their child’s entire schooling journey. Similarly, Fargo Christian School offers a biblically integrated curriculum from a nondenominational Christian perspective. For parents in Colfax, this school represents a choice focused on spiritual growth intertwined with academic rigor, all within a community-oriented setting that can feel like an extension of the family.
For those looking at the high school level specifically, Shanley High School in Fargo stands out as a Catholic college-preparatory institution with a storied history and a powerful sense of community. Its size is substantial enough to offer diverse extracurriculars and advanced courses, yet it maintains the personal atmosphere where mentorship and individual student support are priorities. The commute from Colfax is manageable, and many families find the drive worthwhile for the specialized programs in arts, sciences, and athletics that Shanley provides. The concept of “small private schools near me” in this context isn’t just about physical size; it’s about the intentional community and mission-driven focus that these schools cultivate.
As you evaluate these options, practical considerations for Colfax residents include transportation and community connection. Many families carpool, and schools often have bus routes or transportation assistance for students coming from surrounding areas. It’s also beneficial to visit these campuses to truly gauge the culture. Attend an open house, speak with current parents, and observe how students interact. You’re not just choosing a school; you’re choosing a partner in your child’s development and a community your family will join. The investment in a private education is significant, but for many in our area, the return—measured in personalized attention, shared values, and a close-knit support system—aligns perfectly with their hopes for their children’s formative years. Your search for the right fit is the first step in providing an environment where your child can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
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