The Best Private Schools in Gladstone, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gladstone. 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 School
Shiloh Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong college placement rates, the school emphasizes faith-based education alongside modern STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community environment that fosters spiritual and academic growth.
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Trinity High School
Catholic Diocese of Bismarck
Trinity High School is a premier Catholic secondary school offering a comprehensive education rooted in faith and academic excellence. The school features a strong college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, robust theology curriculum, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship sports teams and music programs. With modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a focus on character development, Trinity has a long-standing reputation for producing well-rounded graduates and maintaining high parent and student satisfaction in the region.
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St. Mary's Central High School
Catholic Diocese of Bismarck
St. Mary's Central High School is a historic private Catholic school with a legacy of academic excellence and holistic education. It offers a balanced curriculum emphasizing college readiness, liberal arts, and STEM fields, supported by advanced technology labs and dedicated faculty. The school provides a wide range of extracurriculars, including sports, clubs, and community service opportunities. Despite its longer establishment, it maintains high ratings for its strong community involvement, student achievement, and parent satisfaction, serving families across central North Dakota.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gladstone, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Gladstone, North Dakota?
Gladstone itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in the larger nearby city of Bismarck, which is easily accessible for Gladstone residents. The primary options include Shiloh Christian School (PreK-12), Trinity High School (9-12, a Catholic school), and St. Mary's Central High School (9-12, also Catholic). These schools offer a faith-based education alternative to the local public schools. For younger grades, some Bismarck-based private elementary schools may also be viable options for Gladstone families willing to commute.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Bismarck/Gladstone, ND area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shiloh Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 for elementary to over $9,000 for high school. The Catholic high schools (Trinity and St. Mary's) have tuition typically between $8,000 and $9,500. North Dakota offers limited state-level tax benefits for private education, but most schools have robust financial aid and scholarship programs funded by parishes, donors, and foundations. Many families also utilize payment plans. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Bismarck-Gladstone region offer?
Schools in this area leverage their connections to the state capital and local industries. Shiloh Christian emphasizes a college-prep curriculum integrated with biblical worldview and offers strong athletics and fine arts. Both Trinity and St. Mary's Central High Schools offer distinctive programs like theology courses, campus ministry, and often have partnerships with Bismarck State College for dual-credit opportunities. Given North Dakota's economic drivers, some schools may have strengthened programs in agriculture science or trades, though this is more prominent in the public technical centers. A unique aspect is the close-knit community feel and character education rooted in Christian values.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Gladstone, ND families?
The process generally begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. For schools like Shiloh, Trinity, and St. Mary's, open houses and shadow days for prospective students typically occur between January and March. Application deadlines are often in early spring (March/April), with financial aid applications due around the same time. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often a placement assessment. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, Gladstone families are advised to start the process early and not wait until summer.
For a family in Gladstone, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bismarck?
The main considerations are commute, cost, and educational philosophy. Gladstone students are served by the local public school district, which involves no commute. Choosing a Bismarck private school means a daily commute of roughly 20-30 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Financially, it involves a significant tuition investment versus a free public education. Educationally, it's a choice between a community-based public school and a private option offering specific religious instruction (Christian or Catholic) and often smaller class sizes. Families should also consider the social circle and whether they desire an education environment that aligns with their faith values, which is a primary driver for most families opting for private schools in this region.
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