The Best Private Schools in Solen, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Solen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shiloh Christian School
Independent Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Bismarck-Mandan metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Solen. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular programs. Parents consistently praise the school's rigorous academics, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Mary's Central High School
Catholic Diocese of Bismarck
St. Mary's Central High School is one of North Dakota's oldest and most respected private schools, serving students from Bismarck and surrounding rural communities including Solen. The school provides a comprehensive Catholic education with a strong college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school offers numerous AP courses, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently highlight the school's academic rigor, faith-based environment, and strong college acceptance rates.
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Dakota Adventist Academy
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Dakota Adventist Academy serves students from across North Dakota, including rural communities like Solen, offering both day and boarding options. The school provides a comprehensive Seventh-day Adventist education with strong academic programs and character development. Campus features include modern dormitories, agricultural facilities, music rooms, and athletic fields. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with opportunities in vocational training and agricultural science. Parents appreciate the school's safe environment, dedicated staff, and holistic approach to education that serves students from diverse backgrounds across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Solen, North Dakota
What are the private school options for families living in or near Solen, North Dakota?
While Solen itself is a small community, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools within a reasonable driving distance. The primary options include Shiloh Christian School (PreK-12) in Bismarck, St. Mary's Central High School (9-12) in Bismarck, and Dakota Adventist Academy (9-12) in Bismarck. These schools represent Christian, Catholic, and Seventh-day Adventist affiliations, respectively. For Solen residents, attending these schools involves a commute to Bismarck, approximately 45-60 minutes away, which is a common consideration for rural North Dakota families seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools near Solen, ND, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Solen families is generally below the national average but consistent with North Dakota's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, Shiloh Christian School's high school tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,000, St. Mary's Central High School is around $7,500-$8,500, and Dakota Adventist Academy, as a boarding school, has a higher comprehensive fee. Importantly, North Dakota offers a unique state tax credit for private school tuition, which can provide significant financial relief. Each school also offers need-based financial aid, scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Families should inquire directly about aid packages and the application process for the state tax credit.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Solen offer that might not be available in local public schools?
The private schools serving the Solen area provide specialized programs that leverage their affiliations and resources. Shiloh Christian School offers a strong STEM curriculum integrated with biblical worldview and extensive fine arts. St. Mary's Central High School provides a classical college-preparatory education with Latin instruction and robust service-learning requirements. Dakota Adventist Academy features a distinctive agricultural program on its campus farm, alongside a health sciences emphasis. All three schools offer smaller class sizes than most regional public schools, which allows for more individualized attention. For Solen students interested in specific faith-based education or these niche programs, the commute can be worthwhile.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Bismarck area that Solen families need to know?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Shiloh, St. Mary's, and Dakota Adventist Academy are crucial for Solen families due to limited space and the need for transportation planning. The process typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and siblings. Open houses are held in the winter. The application process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Given the commute, it's essential to inquire about transportation options; some Bismarck-area families may carpool, but organized bus service from Solen is not typically provided by the schools. Early application is strongly recommended.
For a family in Solen, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school and a private school in Bismarck?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Solen Public School district offers the convenience of a very short commute and deep community integration. Choosing a private school in Bismarck involves a significant daily commitment to transportation (1.5-2 hours round trip) but provides access to different educational philosophies, religious instruction, and often a wider variety of advanced placement or specialized courses. Families should consider the child's adaptability to a longer school day, the financial investment including fuel costs, and the value placed on a faith-based environment. Many Solen families who choose private schools do so for the specific religious formation or academic focus that aligns with their priorities, accepting the commute as part of that choice.
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