The Best Private Schools in Hazen, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hazen. 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 serving the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Hazen. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Features include advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM labs, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and has a 100% college acceptance rate for graduates.
Programs:
St. Mary's Central High School
Diocese of Bismarck
St. Mary's Central High School is one of North Dakota's oldest and most respected private Catholic schools, serving students from across central North Dakota including the Hazen area. The school provides a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and dual-credit opportunities. Students benefit from comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams, music and drama programs, and community service initiatives. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic achievement in a supportive, values-based environment.
Programs:
Legacy High School
Bismarck Public Schools (Private Option)
While technically part of Bismarck Public Schools, Legacy High School offers specialized programs that attract students from surrounding communities including Hazen. The school features innovative career and technical education pathways, a comprehensive STEM academy, and project-based learning approaches. Students can pursue concentrations in areas like engineering, health sciences, information technology, and skilled trades. The school's modern facilities include advanced labs, maker spaces, and collaborative learning environments that prepare students for both college and career success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hazen, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Hazen, North Dakota?
While Hazen itself is a smaller community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader region, primarily located in Bismarck, about a 40-minute drive away. The top options include Shiloh Christian School (PreK-12), St. Mary's Central High School (9-12), and Legacy High School (9-12). For Hazen residents, this means commuting is a significant factor. Some families also explore the possibility of online private academies or the unique structure of Legacy High School, which uses a university-model schedule, potentially reducing commute days. There are no private school campuses physically located within the city limits of Hazen.
How does tuition at Bismarck-area private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options for North Dakota residents?
Tuition for the Bismarck-area private schools accessible to Hazen families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shiloh Christian School's high school tuition is approximately $9,000, St. Mary's is around $7,800, and Legacy High School is about $6,900. These are generally at or slightly below the national average for private schools but represent a significant investment for North Dakota families. Financial aid is available through each school's internal funds, and North Dakota residents should specifically inquire about the **North Dakota K-12 Education Tax Credit**, which provides a state income tax credit for contributions to nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships to private schools. Many local schools have scholarship-granting organizations that benefit from this program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Hazen, ND, offer that might justify the commute?
The private schools in the Bismarck region offer specialized programs not typically found in smaller public school districts like Hazen Public School. Shiloh Christian provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and strong arts programs. St. Mary's Central High School offers a distinctive Classical education model and is the only private Catholic high school in the area. Legacy High School's unique university-model hybrid schedule allows students to attend on-campus classes 2-3 days a week, which can be a major advantage for commuting families from Hazen, as it reduces travel time. All three schools offer robust college preparatory tracks and smaller class sizes than most large public high schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Hazen, ND, families, and are there geographic restrictions?
The enrollment process for Bismarck private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and members of supporting churches (for parochial schools). There are no strict geographic restrictions for Hazen residents, but families must consider the daily commute. It is crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited. The process usually involves an application form, student records, family interviews, and sometimes placement testing. Prospective Hazen families are strongly encouraged to schedule a visit and a "shadow day" for their student to experience the commute and the school environment firsthand before committing.
For a Hazen family, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bismarck?
The decision hinges on several Hazen-specific factors. The Hazen Public School system offers the convenience of a short commute, strong community ties, and likely success in local sports and activities. Choosing a Bismarck private school involves a daily commitment of 1.5+ hours of driving time, added fuel costs, and logistical challenges for extracurricular participation. In return, families may seek a specific religious education (Christian or Catholic), a different pedagogical approach (like Classical or university-model), or a wider variety of advanced academic or niche elective courses. The social aspect is also different; your child will build a friend network primarily in Bismarck, not Hazen. Weighing the family's educational priorities against the practicalities of rural North Dakota life is essential.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities