The Best Private Schools in Sterling, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sterling. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shiloh Christian School
Non-denominational Christian
Shiloh Christian School is a highly-rated private Christian school in Bismarck that serves students from across central and eastern North Dakota. While farther from Sterling, it offers boarding options and serves as a regional educational institution. The school features a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Academic programs include advanced placement courses, extensive STEM offerings, championship athletic programs, and outstanding fine arts departments. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is particularly noted for its academic rigor and strong college placement record.
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Oak Grove Lutheran School
Independent Lutheran
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located in Fargo, approximately 60 miles from Sterling. The school serves students from across eastern North Dakota and offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence. Features include small class sizes, advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is consistently high with particular praise for dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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Sacred Heart School
Catholic Diocese of Fargo
Sacred Heart School is a well-established Catholic private school located in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, serving families from both Minnesota and North Dakota, including the Sterling area. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations and comprehensive character development programs. Curriculum includes rigorous college preparatory courses, technology integration across all grade levels, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains modern facilities with recent technology upgrades and maintains small student-teacher ratios. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sterling, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Sterling, North Dakota?
Sterling itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in nearby larger cities, primarily Fargo, which is about a 30-minute drive away. The schools you mentioned—Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo), Sacred Heart School (Fargo), and Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)—are leading options. For Sterling residents, Oak Grove (PreK-12) and Sacred Heart (K-8) are the most geographically accessible. It's important for Sterling parents to consider the daily commute as a significant factor in their school choice, as there are no private school campuses within the town limits of Sterling itself.
How does tuition at private schools near Sterling, ND, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Sterling area is generally in line with or slightly below the national average but is a notable expense for North Dakota households. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at Oak Grove Lutheran School ranges from approximately $8,000 for elementary to $11,000 for high school. Sacred Heart School's tuition is typically lower, often around $5,000-$7,000 for parishioners. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and North Dakota has the **ND K-12 Education Tax Credit**, which allows a state income tax credit for contributions to a school's scholarship program, effectively helping to fund tuition assistance. Families should inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Sterling, ND, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Sterling families often provide distinct programming shaped by their missions. **Oak Grove Lutheran School** offers a robust college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement (AP) courses, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics in the NDHSAA. **Sacred Heart School** provides a faith-based education integrated throughout its curriculum, with smaller class sizes for individualized attention. **Shiloh Christian School** (though a longer commute) emphasizes a Biblical worldview alongside strong academics and athletics. A key differentiator from the local public schools is the specific religious education and often more specialized arts or advanced academic tracks that are sustainable due to their focused student populations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Sterling, North Dakota families?
The enrollment process for schools like Oak Grove and Sacred Heart typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester. Priority is often given to current families, siblings of enrolled students, and members of the supporting church congregation. For Sterling families, it is crucial to initiate contact early—often a full year in advance—to schedule a campus tour in Fargo, attend an open house, and understand application requirements (which may include transcripts, teacher recommendations, and an entrance assessment). Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available, but popular grades fill quickly. Given the commute, discussing transportation options or carpool possibilities with the school's admissions office is also a recommended step in the process.
For a family living in Sterling, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Fargo?
The decision hinges on several Sterling-specific factors. First is the **daily commute** of 30-60 minutes each way to Fargo, which impacts family schedules, student involvement in after-school activities, and costs. Second is **cost**, weighing the free public education at Sterling Public School against significant tuition and transportation expenses. Third is **educational philosophy**: Sterling Public School offers a close-knit, community-based environment, while Fargo private schools offer larger, more diverse program offerings (e.g., specific AP courses, language options, faith-based learning). Parents must evaluate how much they value specialized programs versus the convenience and community integration of the local public school. Visiting both the local school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in environment.
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