The Best Private Schools in Harwood, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harwood. 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 greater Fargo-Moorhead area, including Harwood. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on college preparation. Their academic program features advanced placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Oak Grove is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community values that emphasize both academic excellence and character development.
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Fargo Shanley High School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Fargo Shanley High School is a highly-regarded Catholic secondary school serving students throughout the Fargo metropolitan area, including Harwood. The school provides a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and dual-credit opportunities. Shanley emphasizes faith-based education combined with academic rigor, offering strong programs in mathematics, sciences, and humanities. The school features modern facilities including updated classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular activities encompass competitive athletics, fine arts, and extensive community service opportunities that reinforce the school's mission of developing well-rounded individuals.
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Sacred Heart School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Sacred Heart School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is part of the Catholic Schools of Fargo network, drawing students from Harwood and surrounding communities. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Features include small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a nurturing environment focused on individual student growth. The campus offers modern learning spaces, technology integration, and age-appropriate facilities. Sacred Heart emphasizes character development, community involvement, and preparing students for success in high school and beyond through a balanced approach to education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harwood, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families residing in Harwood, North Dakota, and are there any located directly in the town?
While Harwood itself is a small community, it benefits from its proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. There are no private schools physically located within Harwood's town limits. However, families in Harwood commonly consider several well-regarded private schools a short commute away, primarily in Fargo. These include Oak Grove Lutheran School (PreK-12), Fargo Shanley High School (9-12), and Sacred Heart School (K-8). Transportation is a key consideration, as most Harwood families will need to provide their own or explore carpool options.
How does North Dakota's unique tax and financial landscape affect private school tuition and available aid for Harwood residents?
North Dakota does not have a state-level tax credit or voucher program specifically for private school tuition, which is an important financial consideration for Harwood families. Tuition for the area's top schools varies; for example, Oak Grove and Shanley have tuition in the several-thousand-dollar range annually, while Sacred Heart is typically lower. However, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and often multi-child discounts. Additionally, North Dakota's relatively low cost of living compared to national averages can help offset tuition costs, and some schools participate in payment plan programs to ease the budgetary burden.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Harwood students at nearby Fargo private schools?
The private schools near Harwood offer robust programs that may not be available in smaller public districts. Fargo Shanley High School is renowned for its strong Catholic college-preparatory curriculum and competitive athletics. Oak Grove Lutheran School provides a comprehensive PreK-12 program with notable arts and music departments, advanced placement courses, and faith-based learning. Sacred Heart School offers a foundational K-8 education with a focus on character development. For Harwood students, these schools provide access to wider networks, state-level sports competitions, and specialized clubs (like robotics or debate) that leverage the resources of larger Fargo institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Harwood family applying to a Fargo private school like Oak Grove or Shanley?
The enrollment process for Fargo-area private schools is highly structured and requires early planning from Harwood families. Most schools, including Oak Grove and Sacred Heart (K-8), begin accepting applications in January for the following fall, with priority deadlines often in February or March. Fargo Shanley High School, serving grades 9-12, also has an early application period. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to limited seats and Harwood's status as an out-of-district community, applying by the priority deadline is crucial. We recommend contacting admissions offices directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year.
For a family in Harwood, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Fargo?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Harwood public school system is part of the Northern Cass District, known for its small class sizes and community feel. Choosing a private school in Fargo involves a commitment to a daily commute (15-25 minutes) but offers distinct alternatives: a specific religious foundation (Lutheran or Catholic), often more extensive advanced coursework and extracurricular options, and a different peer environment drawn from a larger region. For Harwood parents, the choice often centers on educational philosophy, desired class size, the importance of faith-based education, and willingness to manage transportation logistics for access to specialized programs.
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