The Best Private Schools in Plaza, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plaza. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Schools
Trinity Schools
Trinity Schools offers a comprehensive classical Christian education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Located approximately 60 miles from Plaza, this highly-regarded institution serves students from across the region with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a robust athletic program. Their classical approach integrates traditional liberal arts with Christian worldview, preparing students for academic success and leadership. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities serving students from preschool through high school.
Programs:
St. John's Academy
Catholic Schools of Minot
St. John's Academy provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations and comprehensive extracurricular offerings. Serving the Minot region including Plaza area families, the school emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic excellence. The curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts programs, and competitive sports teams. With experienced educators and a supportive community environment, St. John's maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern technology integration, dedicated prayer spaces, and facilities that support both academic and athletic development for students from elementary through middle school grades.
Programs:
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Schools
St. Joseph's Catholic School offers a comprehensive faith-based education serving Williston and the surrounding region including Plaza area families. With over four decades of educational excellence, the school provides a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum includes advanced coursework, technology integration, and diverse extracurricular activities including music, art, and competitive sports. The school features experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a supportive community environment that emphasizes character development and academic achievement. Serving students from preschool through eighth grade, St. Joseph's prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plaza, North Dakota
What are the private school options available for families in Plaza, North Dakota, and what are their core affiliations?
Plaza, ND, is served by a small number of private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. The main options are Trinity Schools (likely Christian), St. John's Academy, and St. Joseph's Catholic School. Given Plaza's rural setting, these schools often serve students from Plaza and the surrounding communities in Mountrail County. It's important to contact each school directly to understand their specific educational philosophy, grade levels served, and religious integration, as they represent the primary alternative to the local public school system.
How does tuition at private schools in Plaza, ND, compare to state averages, and what financial aid might be available?
Tuition at private schools in rural North Dakota, like those in Plaza, is often lower than in the state's urban centers, but it remains a significant consideration for local families. While specific figures vary by school and grade, families should budget for several thousand dollars per year. A key financial consideration specific to North Dakota is the possibility of aid through the North Dakota Choice in Education Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded scholarships for eligible students attending private schools. Additionally, individual schools like St. Joseph's Catholic School may have parish subsidies or diocesan aid for members of their congregations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Plaza offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Plaza often utilize their small size and rural setting to offer unique experiences. Programs may emphasize agricultural science, environmental studies tied to the Northern Plains ecosystem, or strong community service components integrated within the local town. Furthermore, their religious affiliations typically provide a structured values-based education and may include theology classes or liturgical participation. Due to smaller class sizes, these schools can often offer personalized academic support and opportunities for leadership that might be harder to find in larger, regional public schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Plaza, North Dakota?
The enrollment process for private schools in Plaza generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester, but given their smaller size, they often accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. For faith-based schools like St. John's Academy or St. Joseph's, priority may be given to families active in their respective church parishes. It is crucial to initiate contact with the school office well in advance, as some grades may have very limited seats.
For a family in Plaza, what are the key factors when considering a local private school versus the public school system?
The decision in Plaza often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The local public school is part of the larger Plaza Public School District, which may offer broader extracurricular activities or specialized programs by consolidating resources from the area. In contrast, private schools offer smaller, more close-knit learning environments with a specific values-based curriculum. Transportation can be a significant factor, as private schools in North Dakota are not required to provide busing. Families should also consider the long-term stability of the institution, as rural private schools can face different enrollment challenges than their public counterparts.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities