The Best Private Schools in Scranton, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Scranton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity High School
Catholic Schools of Dickinson
Trinity High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving western North Dakota communities including Scranton. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Trinity emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, serving students from multiple surrounding communities.
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Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a premier private Christian school serving the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area and surrounding regions including Scranton. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus and biblical worldview integration. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. Shiloh maintains small class sizes and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and academic clubs.
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St. Mary's Central High School
Diocese of Bismarck Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Central High School is one of North Dakota's oldest and most respected private Catholic schools, serving students from Bismarck and surrounding communities including Scranton. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a rich tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education, St. Mary's features modern academic facilities, updated science labs, and competitive sports programs while maintaining its historic commitment to character development and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Scranton, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Scranton, North Dakota?
In the Scranton, ND area, families typically consider three main private institutions, though it's important to note they are located in nearby larger communities. Trinity High School is in Dickinson, offering a Catholic, college-preparatory education. Shiloh Christian School, located in Bismarck, is a prominent non-denominational Christian school. St. Mary's Central High School is also in Bismarck, providing a Catholic education. Due to Scranton's small size, most private schooling requires commuting to these cities, making transportation a key logistical consideration for local families.
How does the tuition for private schools near Scranton, ND compare to the state average, and are there any North Dakota-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools accessible from Scranton generally aligns with or is slightly below the North Dakota state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these schools often ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 annually. North Dakota offers specific financial aid opportunities, most notably the "ND K-12 Education Tax Credit," which allows individuals and corporations to receive a tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, thereby increasing need-based scholarship funds for private school students. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies (for Catholic schools) and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Scranton area offer that reflect North Dakota's culture and economy?
Private schools in this region often integrate programs that connect students to North Dakota's core industries and community values. For example, several schools offer robust agricultural science and FFA programs, reflecting the state's farming heritage. Proximity to the Bakken oil field also influences STEM curricula, with an emphasis on geology, engineering, and environmental science. Furthermore, schools like Shiloh Christian and St. Mary's often have strong speech, debate, and music programs that compete at the state level, and many emphasize outdoor activities and environmental stewardship, taking advantage of North Dakota's natural landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Bismarck/Dickinson area for a family residing in Scranton?
The enrollment process for schools like Trinity, Shiloh, and St. Mary's typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority often given to siblings of current students and members of the supporting church community. As a family from Scranton, it's crucial to initiate contact early—often a full year in advance—to understand specific requirements, arrange shadow days, and discuss transportation logistics. Applications usually require academic records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes an entrance assessment. Given the commute, many families from smaller towns like Scranton coordinate carpools, so connecting with other local families during the process is highly advisable.
For a Scranton resident, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school experience with commuting to a private school in Bismarck or Dickinson?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Scranton public school district offers the convenience of a very small, close-knit community with minimal commute. In contrast, commuting to a private school in Bismarck (about a 90-minute drive) or Dickinson (about a 60-minute drive) involves significant daily time and transportation costs but provides access to larger facilities, more diverse academic and extracurricular offerings, and a specific religious or pedagogical environment. Parents must weigh the value of the private school's mission against the practicality of the commute, the student's ability to participate in after-school activities, and the family's capacity for involvement in a school community that is not geographically local.
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