The Best Private Schools in Moffit, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Moffit. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Central High School
Catholic Schools of Bismarck
St. Mary's Central High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area, including Moffit families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Serving students from across central North Dakota, it provides transportation options for families in surrounding communities.
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Shiloh Christian School
Independent Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a premier private Christian school serving the Bismarck region and surrounding communities including Moffit. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with strong college preparatory programs, advanced mathematics and science courses, and extensive fine arts offerings. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a focus on academic excellence integrated with Christian values, the school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention. The school serves families throughout central North Dakota with robust transportation services.
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Trinity Elementary & Middle School
Trinity Lutheran Schools
Trinity Elementary & Middle School provides exceptional Lutheran education to students throughout the Bismarck-Mandan area, including families from Moffit and surrounding rural communities. The school offers a strong academic foundation with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and science, complemented by comprehensive music and arts programs. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for physical education and extracurricular activities. With a focus on developing well-rounded students through academic rigor and spiritual growth, Trinity serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking private education options in central North Dakota.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Moffit, North Dakota
What are the main private school options available for families in and around Moffit, North Dakota?
While Moffit itself is a very small community, families in the area typically look to nearby Bismarck for private school options. The top schools serving the region include St. Mary's Central High School (a Catholic, co-educational high school), Shiloh Christian School (a non-denominational Christian Pre-K through 12 school), and Trinity Elementary & Middle School (a Catholic school). These schools are all located in Bismarck, approximately a 30-45 minute commute from Moffit. For Moffit residents, this commute is a standard consideration, and many families carpool. There are no private school facilities physically located within the town of Moffit itself.
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 varies. For the 2024-2025 school year, Shiloh Christian School tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 for elementary to over $9,000 for high school. St. Mary's and Trinity typically have slightly lower base tuition, often between $5,000 and $7,500, with parishioner discounts available. These figures are generally at or below the national private school average but are a significant consideration for North Dakota family budgets. Financial aid is available through each school's foundation and scholarship funds. Additionally, North Dakota offers a state income tax deduction for private K-12 education expenses, which can provide meaningful savings for families in Moffit. Some schools also participate in the North Dakota Choice Scholarship Program for eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Moffit, ND, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Bismarck offer specialized programs that attract families from rural communities like Moffit. St. Mary's Central High School has a strong focus on college preparatory academics and competitive athletics. Shiloh Christian School offers a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and notable fine arts programs. Trinity Elementary & Middle School provides a structured, faith-based environment for younger students. A key differentiator for Moffit families is the potential for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention compared to larger regional public schools. Furthermore, these schools often have specific technology integration, travel opportunities, and community service requirements that are hallmarks of their missions.
What is the enrollment process and timeline like for private schools serving Moffit, ND, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Shiloh, St. Mary's, and Trinity typically begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is crucial for Moffit families to plan ahead due to limited space and the commute consideration. The process usually involves an online application, submission of past academic records, a family interview or tour (highly recommended to plan a day in Bismarck), and often a placement assessment for the student. Sibling and parish member (for Catholic schools) priorities often apply. Given the distance, many schools are accustomed to working with rural families and may offer virtual meeting options for some steps. We recommend contacting the admissions office by early winter to secure a spot.
For a family living in Moffit, what are the practical considerations when choosing between a Bismarck private school and the local public school district?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute to Bismarck, which involves time, fuel costs, and weather challenges during North Dakota winters. In contrast, the local public school (likely part of a consolidated rural district) offers proximity and community integration. Academically, private schools offer a specific religious or pedagogical environment, while public schools provide a broader, tax-funded education with their own strengths. Socially, attending a Bismarck private school means your child's peer network will be largely city-based, which can affect after-school activities and friendships. Many Moffit families value the private school environment enough to make the commute, viewing it as an investment in their child's education and values alignment. It's advisable to thoroughly weigh the logistical commitment against the educational benefits.
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