The Best Private Schools in Gwinner, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gwinner. 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 students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in Fargo, approximately 60 miles from Gwinner, it serves students from across southeastern North Dakota. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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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 area and surrounding communities including Gwinner. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and competitive athletic programs. Shanley emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and character development. The campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and academic achievement.
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St. John Paul II Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Fargo
St. John Paul II Catholic Schools is a comprehensive Catholic school system serving students from preschool through high school across multiple campuses in the Fargo area. The network serves families from throughout southeastern North Dakota, including Gwinner. The schools offer a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, including STEM programs, fine arts, and college preparatory courses. The system emphasizes individualized learning, technology integration, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, chapels, and athletic facilities serving students across all grade levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gwinner, North Dakota
Are there any private schools physically located within Gwinner, North Dakota, or will my family need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Gwinner, North Dakota. Families in Gwinner seeking private education typically commute to schools in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, approximately 60 miles to the east. The top private schools serving the region, such as Oak Grove Lutheran School and Shanley High School in Fargo, and St. John Paul II Catholic Schools across the Red River in Fargo, are all day schools that require daily transportation. Many families form carpools to manage this commute.
What is the typical tuition range for private high schools serving Gwinner, ND families, and are there any North Dakota-specific financial aid programs?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for the private high schools accessible to Gwinner families ranges from approximately $8,500 to $12,000+ per student, with variations based on grade level, religious affiliation, and multi-child discounts. While North Dakota does not have a statewide voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, significant financial aid is available directly from the schools. Additionally, North Dakota offers the **STAR Fund (Student Tuition Assistance Reimbursement)**, a state-funded program that provides need-based tuition assistance for K-12 students attending accredited nonpublic schools, which Gwinner residents are eligible to apply for.
Given Gwinner's strong ties to manufacturing and agriculture, do any private schools in the area offer specialized STEM or career-tech programs relevant to these industries?
Yes, the private schools serving the Gwinner region have robust programs that align with North Dakota's key industries. **Shanley High School** offers a renowned Engineering Academy and advanced STEM coursework. **Oak Grove Lutheran School** features a comprehensive Project Lead The Way (PLTW) engineering program and strong agriscience connections. Furthermore, these schools often facilitate partnerships with local entities like Bobcat Company (headquartered in Gwinner) and regional agricultural firms for internships, project-based learning, and career exploration, giving students from Gwinner direct pathways to local high-demand careers.
What are the critical enrollment timelines and procedures for Fargo-area private schools that Gwinner parents need to be aware of?
Enrollment for the major Fargo-Moorhead private schools typically begins in January for the following fall semester, with priority application deadlines often in February or March. Given the commute from Gwinner, it is crucial to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. The process usually involves an online application, submission of records from your current Gwinner school, a family interview (often conducted virtually for out-of-town families), and placement testing. Many schools host fall and winter open houses; Gwinner parents are encouraged to plan these visits well in advance due to the travel distance.
How do the academic and extracurricular environments of private schools in the Fargo area compare to the public school options available right in Gwinner, North Dakota?
The Gwinner Public School district provides a close-knit, community-based education. In contrast, the Fargo-area private schools offer a different model: larger student bodies drawn from a wider region, which allows for more diverse elective courses, advanced placement (AP) options, and specialized academic tracks. Extracurricularly, while Gwinner schools offer solid programs, the Fargo private schools typically have a larger scale of offerings in athletics, fine arts, and clubs due to their size and resources. The choice often comes down to a preference for the local community school environment versus a specialized academic/faith-based curriculum with a broader array of programs, balanced against the significant daily commute from Gwinner.
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