The Best Private Schools in Ross, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ross. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bishop Ryan Catholic School
Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Schools
Bishop Ryan Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Catholic school located approximately 60 miles from Ross. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, music, drama, and various clubs. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to individual student development and strong community atmosphere.
Programs:
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Schools
Located approximately 85 miles from Ross in Williston, St. Joseph's Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong focus on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes core academic subjects alongside religious education. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Programs include technology integration, music and art education, and various extracurricular activities designed to develop well-rounded students.
Programs:
Trinity Christian School
Association of Christian Schools International
Trinity Christian School in Williston serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is located approximately 85 miles from Ross. The school provides a comprehensive Christian education with strong academic programs, including college preparatory courses and Advanced Placement options. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, and technology resources. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual growth alongside academic achievement. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music programs, drama productions, and various student organizations. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ross, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Ross, North Dakota?
In the Ross, North Dakota area, private education is primarily offered through faith-based institutions. The main options include Bishop Ryan Catholic School (grades K-12) in Minot, which serves the broader region including Ross, St. Joseph's Catholic School in Williston, and Trinity Christian School, also in Williston. Given Ross's small, rural population, most families commute to these schools in larger nearby communities. There are no private schools physically located within the town of Ross itself, so transportation and commuting logistics are a key consideration for local parents.
How does the tuition at private schools serving Ross, ND, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Ross families is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for local household budgets. For the 2023-2024 school year, approximate annual tuition ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per student for parishioners at the Catholic schools, with higher rates for non-parishioners. North Dakota offers a unique state-level financial aid program called the "K-12 Education Tax Credit," which allows taxpayers to receive a credit for contributions to a qualified scholarship granting organization, helping fund scholarships for private school students. Additionally, most schools offer multi-child discounts and need-based financial aid through the parish or school foundation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ross, ND, region offer that differ from the local public school?
Private schools serving the Ross area often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. Bishop Ryan Catholic School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with theology classes and access to more extensive elective and advanced placement courses than a small rural public school might. Trinity Christian School provides a curriculum integrated from a Protestant Christian worldview. A notable advantage for Ross students is the potential for more consistent access to specific sports, arts, and club activities due to the larger student populations at these regional private schools compared to the very small public school in Ross, which may have limited offerings.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Ross interested in regional private schools like Bishop Ryan?
The enrollment process for schools like Bishop Ryan Catholic School or Trinity Christian School typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to current families and parish members. Ross families should contact the admissions office directly, as these schools draw from a wide geographic region. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records from the previous school (if applicable), a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and possibly a family interview. It's crucial for Ross parents to plan ahead for transportation and to inquire about bus service availability from their area, as it may be limited or require arranging a carpool.
For a family in rural Ross, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Minot or Williston?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Ross Public School offers extreme proximity and a tight-knit community but has a very small student body, which can limit course variety, extracurricular depth, and consistent sports scheduling. Opting for a private school in Minot (like Bishop Ryan) or Williston involves a significant daily commute (45-90 minutes), adding time and cost. In return, students gain access to broader academic programs, more robust athletic conferences, and a faith-based education if desired. Families must weigh the value of the private school's mission, the long-term academic opportunities, and the community fit against the practical challenges of distance and the close community environment of the local Ross school.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities