The Best Private Schools in Kindred, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kindred. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shanley High School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Shanley High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, including Kindred families. Founded by the Benedictine Sisters, Shanley offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletics programs. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community values, Shanley consistently ranks as one of North Dakota's top private high schools, attracting students from throughout the Red River Valley region.
Programs:
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Independent Lutheran School
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a highly respected independent Christian school serving students from Kindred and throughout southeastern North Dakota. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong college-preparatory curriculum. Oak Grove features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic programs, and robust fine arts offerings. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with a diverse student body and strong community involvement. Their Upper School campus in Fargo provides advanced coursework and extracurricular opportunities for high school students.
Programs:
Fargo Christian School
Independent Christian School
Fargo Christian School provides comprehensive Christian education from kindergarten through high school, serving families from Kindred and the greater Fargo area. The school offers a biblically-integrated curriculum with college preparatory coursework, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and technology resources. The school emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, with strong athletic programs, fine arts opportunities, and community service initiatives. Fargo Christian maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while preparing students for college and lifelong success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kindred, North Dakota
Are there any private schools physically located within Kindred, North Dakota, or do families typically commute to nearby cities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the city limits of Kindred, ND. Families in Kindred seeking private education typically commute to schools in the greater Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive south. The top-regarded options include Shanley High School (Catholic, grades 9-12) and Oak Grove Lutheran School (grades 6-12) in Fargo, and Fargo Christian School (K-12). This commute is a standard part of the private school consideration for Kindred residents, and many schools offer transportation zones or carpool networks that may include the Kindred area.
What is the average annual tuition for private high schools near Kindred, ND, and are there any North Dakota-specific financial aid programs?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for private high schools in the Fargo area serving Kindred students typically ranges from approximately $8,500 to $12,000 per year. It's important to note that North Dakota offers a unique state-supported financial aid option: the **North Dakota K-12 Education Tax Credit**. This program provides a state income tax credit for contributions made to a participating school's scholarship granting organization (SGO), which then awards need-based scholarships to students. Most major private schools in Fargo participate in this SGO program, which can significantly reduce the net cost for qualifying Kindred families.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Fargo-area private schools cater to students from a smaller community like Kindred?
Schools like Shanley, Oak Grove, and Fargo Christian offer robust academic and extracurricular programs that can be particularly enriching for students from Kindred. They provide opportunities that may be more limited in a smaller public school district, such as specialized Advanced Placement (AP) or dual-credit course tracks, extensive world language programs, and competitive athletic conferences (like the Eastern Dakota Conference for Shanley). These schools often become a student's primary community beyond their hometown, offering a wider peer network and leadership opportunities. For Kindred students interested in agriculture, several of these schools also have active FFA chapters or related science programs that connect well with the surrounding rural community.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission requirements for private schools in Fargo for a family living in Kindred?
Enrollment timelines for Fargo private schools are critical due to limited space. The primary application period typically opens in September or October for the following fall, with many schools having a priority deadline in January or February. Key requirements often include: a completed application, transcripts/report cards, standardized test scores (like the STS/HSPT for high school), teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Kindred families, it's essential to inquire about geographic priority; while most schools don't have strict boundaries, some may give preference to siblings, legacy families, or parishioners (for faith-based schools). Starting the process early in the fall of the year before desired entry is highly recommended.
From a Kindred parent's perspective, what are the main considerations when comparing the local Kindred Public School with private options in Fargo?
The decision often centers on community, curriculum, and commute. **Kindred Public School** offers the convenience of a very short commute, a tight-knit community where students grow up together, and often strong performance in academics and athletics for its size. The **Fargo private school** alternative involves a daily commute but provides a different environment: typically smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if desired), and often more specialized academic tracks or arts programs. For families in the Kindred area, it's also a choice between a public school deeply integrated into the town's identity versus a private school that may offer a more diverse student body drawn from across the Red River Valley. The financial investment and family values alignment are the final, crucial factors.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Elementary Schools Near Kindred, ND for Your Child's Future
For parents in Kindred, North Dakota, the search for the “best private elementary schools near me” is often a journey that extends beyond our small town’s borders, guided by a desire for a specific educational environment and strong community values. While Kindred itself is celebrated for its excellent public school system, many families seek the distinct academic focus, religious foundation, or smaller class sizes that private institutions offer. This search naturally leads to the broader Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, where several esteemed private schools serve families from across the region, including those in our close-knit Kindred community.
When considering options, it’s important to understand the local landscape. The commute from Kindred is a key factor, with most leading private schools being a 20 to 30-minute drive south into Fargo. This daily journey is one many local families make willingly, viewing it as an investment in their child’s formative years. Among the most prominent names you’ll encounter are Fargo Christian School, Oak Grove Lutheran School, and Shanley High School. It’s crucial to note that while Shanley is a renowned Catholic high school, it does not have an elementary division; however, its presence is part of a larger faith-based educational continuum in the area that includes elementary feeder schools.
For elementary education, Fargo Christian School stands out for families seeking a biblically integrated curriculum from a Protestant perspective. Their approach from kindergarten onward emphasizes character development alongside academic rigor, creating a structured environment that resonates with many. Oak Grove Lutheran School, another pillar of the community, offers a co-educational, faith-based education from pre-kindergarten through high school. Their elementary program is known for blending Lutheran values with a robust and well-rounded academic program, including strong arts and early science initiatives. Both schools have long histories of serving families from surrounding communities like Kindred.
Your search for the best fit should involve more than just reading websites. We encourage Kindred parents to visit these campuses, feel the atmosphere, and talk to administrators about how they support students who commute. Ask about community connections—do other families carpool from our area? How does the school foster a sense of belonging for children who may not live in the immediate neighborhood? Also, consider the long-term arc. If a consistent, faith-based education through 12th grade is a priority, a school like Oak Grove offers that continuum. The decision ultimately hinges on which school’s philosophy, community, and daily rhythm align with your family’s values and your child’s needs. The best private elementary school near you is the one where your child will be known, nurtured, and challenged to grow, whether that’s in Fargo today or right here in Kindred tomorrow. Taking the time to explore these options with a local perspective will ensure you find an educational partner that feels just right for your family’s journey.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities