The Best Private Schools in Jamestown, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jamestown. 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
Located in Fargo, Oak Grove Lutheran School serves students from across eastern North Dakota, including Jamestown families. This highly-regarded independent school offers rigorous academic programs with 16 AP courses, comprehensive fine arts including theater and music, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a strong college counseling program, graduates regularly attend top-tier universities nationwide. The school provides transportation options for regional students.
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Fargo Shanley High School
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
Fargo Shanley High School is a highly-rated Catholic college preparatory school that serves families throughout southeastern North Dakota, including Jamestown. The school offers a challenging academic program with multiple AP courses, specialized STEM pathways, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. Known for exceptional faculty and strong community spirit, Shanley features modern academic facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts offerings. The school's college acceptance rate is nearly 100%, with graduates attending prestigious universities across the country. Transportation options are available for students from surrounding communities.
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St. John's Academy
Diocese of Fargo Catholic Schools
St. John's Academy is a Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade in Jamestown. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Known for strong academic performance and character development, the school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic programs. The faith-based education emphasizes service learning and community involvement, with graduates consistently accepted to competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jamestown, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in Jamestown, North Dakota, and do they require a daily commute?
The primary private school options for Jamestown residents are St. John's Academy (PreK-12) in Jamestown itself, and two well-regarded schools in Fargo, approximately 90 miles east: Oak Grove Lutheran School (PreK-12) and Fargo Shanley High School (9-12). St. John's Academy offers the only local, in-town private education. For the Fargo schools, families must consider a significant daily commute or boarding options. This geographic reality is a major factor for Jamestown parents, making St. John's a crucial local asset for those seeking private education without relocation.
How does tuition at Jamestown's St. John's Academy compare to statewide averages, and what financial aid options are specific to North Dakota?
Tuition at St. John's Academy is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for Jamestown-area families. For the 2023-2024 year, high school tuition was approximately $4,500-$5,000. Critically, North Dakota offers the **ND Choice Scholarship Program**, a state-funded voucher available to eligible families (based on income) to help cover tuition at approved private schools like St. John's. Additionally, St. John's itself offers parish subsidies for member families and need-based financial aid. Exploring these North Dakota-specific and local aid avenues is essential for affordability.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Jamestown area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools serving Jamestown emphasize distinct value propositions. St. John's Academy integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and offers a tight-knit, community-focused environment with multi-grade interaction. Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo offers a robust college-prep curriculum with distinctive programs in STEM and fine arts, along with a week-long interim program for experiential learning. Fargo Shanley High School is known for its strong athletic traditions and advanced placement course offerings. For Jamestown parents, the choice often hinges on seeking a specific religious foundation or specialized programs not as prominently featured in the local public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for St. John's Academy in Jamestown, and how does it differ from the larger Fargo private schools?
St. John's Academy, with its smaller size, often has a more flexible and rolling enrollment process, though priority is given to existing families and parish members. It's advisable to contact the school office in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. In contrast, the competitive Fargo schools like Oak Grove and Shanley have stricter deadlines, often with application materials due in early winter for the next academic year. For Jamestown families considering Fargo schools, early inquiry (a full year in advance) is crucial due to demand, potential waitlists, and the need to plan for the commute or boarding.
For a family in Jamestown, what are the key practical and community factors to weigh when choosing between the local public school district and a private option like St. John's Academy?
The decision involves several Jamestown-specific factors. **Practicality:** St. John's offers a centralized K-12 campus, while Jamestown Public Schools involve transitions between multiple buildings. Private tuition is an added cost versus free public education. **Community & Values:** St. John's provides a consistent, faith-based environment with very small class sizes, fostering close student-teacher relationships. The public schools offer a broader diversity of peers, larger-scale extracurricular activities, and more specialized facilities. Many Jamestown families value St. John's for its discipline, traditional values, and continuity, while others prefer the comprehensive resources and social breadth of the larger public system. Visiting both is highly recommended.
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