The Best Private Schools in Driscoll, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Driscoll. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located approximately 30 miles from Driscoll in Bismarck. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Known for strong academic performance, Shiloh offers advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including competitive athletics and fine arts. The campus features modern facilities with state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's commitment to academic excellence combined with Christian values and character development.
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St. Mary's Central High School
Catholic Schools of Bismarck
St. Mary's Central High School is a respected Catholic private school serving the Bismarck region, including Driscoll families. The school provides a rigorous college preparatory education grounded in Catholic traditions and values. Academic offerings include honors and AP courses, strong STEM curriculum, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school boasts excellent college acceptance rates and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention. Facilities include modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school community is known for its strong sense of community and parent involvement.
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Bismarck Legacy Christian Academy
Bismarck Legacy Christian Academy
Bismarck Legacy Christian Academy is a well-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Bismarck metropolitan area, including Driscoll. The school offers comprehensive education from elementary through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian character development. Curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced mathematics and sciences, and extensive fine arts programs. The school features modern facilities with technology-integrated classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently highlight the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent student-teacher ratios that provide personalized learning experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Driscoll, North Dakota
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Driscoll, North Dakota, given the town's small size?
As Driscoll is a very small community, there are no private schools physically located within the town. However, families in Driscoll commonly look to private schools in the greater Bismarck-Mandan area, which is about a 30-45 minute commute. The top options include Shiloh Christian School (PreK-12) in Bismarck, St. Mary's Central High School (9-12) in Bismarck, and Bismarck Legacy Christian Academy (K-12). Enrollment from Driscoll is feasible, but parents must factor in daily transportation, which is not typically provided by the schools. Many families form carpools with others from the surrounding rural areas.
How does North Dakota's Tuition Assistance Grant Program affect the cost of private schools for Driscoll residents?
North Dakota's K-12 Tuition Assistance Grant is a significant financial consideration. For the 2024-2025 school year, the grant provides approximately $1,800 per student to help cover tuition at a nonpublic school. This state-funded grant directly reduces the tuition cost at schools like Shiloh Christian or Legacy Christian Academy for eligible Driscoll families. It's important to note that this is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid. However, tuition at these schools often exceeds the grant amount, so families should contact the schools directly for current tuition rates and any additional need-based financial aid or multi-child discounts they may offer.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bismarck-area private schools offer that might appeal to a rural family from Driscoll?
The private schools accessible from Driscoll offer programs that can be particularly appealing to rural families seeking expanded opportunities. Shiloh Christian has a strong emphasis on STEM and competitive athletics. St. Mary's Central High School, as a Catholic school, offers a classical liberal arts education with theology integrated into the curriculum, along with notable fine arts programs. Bismarck Legacy Christian Academy emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects and offers smaller class sizes. For a student from Driscoll, these schools provide access to a wider range of advanced courses, technology integration, and competitive sports leagues that may not be available in a very small public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Driscoll student applying to a Bismarck private school, and are there priorities for local vs. out-of-area students?
The enrollment process for Bismarck-area private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families happening first. As a resident of Driscoll, you would be applying as an "out-of-district" family. There is usually no residential priority within the Bismarck city limits, but schools may give preference to siblings of current students and children of alumni. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, possibly teacher recommendations, and paying a fee. Some schools may require an interview or assessment. It's crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in specific grade levels, can be limited. Contacting the admissions office by early winter is highly recommended.
For a family in Driscoll, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school and commuting to a private school in Bismarck?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Driscoll Public School is part of a very small district, offering a close-knit community with potentially smaller class sizes but fewer specialized academic and extracurricular offerings. Commuting to a Bismarck private school (a 60-90 minute round trip daily) provides a different community, often with more robust college-prep curricula, facilities, and sports, but adds significant time and transportation costs. Parents must weigh the value of a faith-based education (if applicable), the desired academic rigor, the student's tolerance for a long commute, and the family's ability to manage the logistics and full financial cost beyond the state tuition grant. Visiting both the local school and the Bismarck options is essential.
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