The Best Private Schools in Cummings, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cummings. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Fargo
Holy Family Catholic Schools serves the greater Grand Forks region, including Cummings area families. This established Catholic school system offers education from preschool through high school with a comprehensive curriculum rooted in faith-based values. The high school program includes dual credit opportunities through local colleges, competitive athletic teams, and robust fine arts programs. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong track record of college placements. Parent satisfaction is notably high with emphasis on community and character formation.
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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 the Cummings area. Founded in 1976, the school offers comprehensive education from grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern STEM labs, performing arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. Oak Grove emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses.
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Sullivan Middle School
Fargo Public Schools Alternative Program
Sullivan Middle School operates as a specialized private alternative program within the Fargo area, serving students from Cummings and surrounding communities. Founded in 2000, the school provides individualized education plans with small class sizes and personalized attention. The program emphasizes project-based learning, STEM integration, and social-emotional development. While serving as an alternative to traditional education, Sullivan maintains high academic standards with dedicated certified teachers and comprehensive support services. The school is particularly noted for its success with students who benefit from non-traditional learning environments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cummings, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in Cummings, North Dakota, and what are their educational affiliations?
In Cummings, North Dakota, families have a few established private school options, notably Oak Grove Lutheran School and Holy Family Catholic Schools. Sullivan Middle School is also a recognized institution in the area. These schools offer distinct educational philosophies; Oak Grove provides a Lutheran, college-preparatory education, while Holy Family offers a faith-based Catholic curriculum. Given Cummings' smaller community size, these schools represent the core of private education, often drawing students from the immediate area and surrounding rural regions of Grand Forks County. It's advisable to visit each to understand their specific community and academic focus.
How does tuition for private schools in Cummings, ND, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Cummings generally aligns with or is slightly below the North Dakota state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Oak Grove Lutheran or Holy Family Catholic can range from approximately $5,000 to $9,000 annually for elementary grades, with higher rates for high school. Most Cummings-area private schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active Catholic families at Holy Family, and occasional merit scholarships. North Dakota also has a state tax credit for contributions to scholarship organizations, which can indirectly support tuition assistance programs for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Cummings, North Dakota, offer that leverage the local environment or community needs?
Private schools in Cummings, ND, often integrate the region's agricultural and community-focused values into their programs. For instance, schools may have strong STEM programs with connections to local agribusiness or the University of North Dakota in nearby Grand Forks. Oak Grove Lutheran, with its proximity to the Red River Valley, might emphasize environmental science. Additionally, given North Dakota's climate, robust indoor athletic and arts programs are common. A notable feature is the emphasis on character and faith development tailored to a close-knit community setting, preparing students for both local careers and broader educational opportunities beyond the state.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Cummings, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for private schools in Cummings, such as Oak Grove Lutheran and Holy Family Catholic, usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners (for faith-based schools). While Cummings has a smaller population, popular entry grades like kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade can have limited seats, potentially leading to waitlists. The process typically involves an application, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and sometimes a student assessment. It's crucial to contact the schools directly by early winter to secure specific dates and requirements.
For families in Cummings, what are the key considerations when deciding between a local public school and a private school option?
The decision in Cummings often hinges on several local factors. Public schools in the Cummings area are part of the larger Grand Forks Public School district, offering no-cost education and potentially broader extracurricular offerings due to district size. Private schools like Oak Grove or Holy Family provide smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction, and a consistent educational community from kindergarten through high school—a significant advantage in a rural state. Transportation can be a key differentiator, as public schools provide busing, while private schools may require carpooling. Families should consider their values, the desired student-teacher ratio, and whether they seek a college-prep or faith-based environment unique to the Cummings private school offerings.
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