The Best Private Schools in West Fargo, North Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in West Fargo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Independent Lutheran School
Oak Grove Lutheran School is a premier private Christian school serving the Fargo-Moorhead metro area, including West Fargo. Established in 1975, the school offers comprehensive education from grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Academic programs emphasize rigorous coursework with advanced placement options, robust STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular activities include championship athletic teams, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Fargo Shanley High School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Fargo Shanley High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the entire Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area, including West Fargo families. Founded in 1956, Shanley offers a comprehensive educational experience grounded in Catholic values with rigorous academic standards. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Academic programs include honors and AP courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and strong fine arts curriculum. Shanley has a proven record of academic excellence with nearly 100% college acceptance rate. The school offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic programs, performing arts, and numerous clubs and activities.
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Sacred Heart Elementary School
Catholic Schools of Fargo
Sacred Heart Elementary School provides exceptional Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Fargo area including West Fargo. Established in 1959, the school offers a nurturing environment with strong academic foundations and faith-based education. The curriculum includes comprehensive core subjects, religious education, Spanish language instruction, and technology integration. Facilities feature modern classrooms, dedicated science and computer labs, library resources, and playground areas. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. Sacred Heart prepares students for successful transition to area high schools with a strong academic record and well-rounded development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in West Fargo, North Dakota
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in West Fargo, North Dakota, and do any have campuses in the city itself?
While West Fargo is a distinct city, the most prominent private schools serving the community are located in neighboring Fargo. These include Fargo Shanley High School (Catholic, grades 9-12), Oak Grove Lutheran School (Lutheran, grades 6-12), and Sacred Heart Elementary School (Catholic, PreK-8). It's important for West Fargo parents to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within West Fargo city limits; however, these Fargo-based schools actively enroll students from West Fargo and the broader metro area. Transportation considerations are a key local factor.
How does tuition at private schools in the Fargo-West Fargo area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in North Dakota?
Tuition in the Fargo metro area varies. For the 2024-25 school year, expect ranges from approximately $5,000-$8,000 for elementary grades and $10,000-$13,000 for high school at the major institutions. A significant North Dakota-specific financial resource is the **ND K-12 Education Tax Credit**, which allows individuals and corporations to receive a state tax credit for donations to private school scholarship-granting organizations. This indirectly increases scholarship funds available to families. Additionally, many local schools offer parish subsidies for member families and need-based financial aid directly.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Fargo-West Fargo metro offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the area leverage their independent or faith-based missions to offer distinct programs. Fargo Shanley High School is renowned for its strong Catholic identity and dominant athletic programs in the Eastern Dakota Conference. Oak Grove Lutheran School offers a unique global perspective with its internationally recognized choir and robust international student program. Sacred Heart Elementary provides a dedicated PreK-8 environment with a focus on classical Catholic education. All emphasize smaller class sizes than most large public districts, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Shanley or Oak Grove for a family moving to West Fargo?
Enrollment for these schools is school-managed and not tied to the West Fargo Public Schools district calendar. The process typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings and parish members (for Catholic schools). Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (held in fall/winter), 2) Submitting an application by the priority deadline (often February/March), 3) Completing an entrance assessment or interview, and 4) Finalizing registration upon acceptance. For families moving to West Fargo mid-year, contacting the admissions office directly is crucial, as spaces may be available depending on grade level.
For a West Fargo resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and daily logistics when choosing a private school in Fargo?
This is a major daily consideration. West Fargo has no public school bus service to private schools in Fargo. Families are responsible for transportation, which involves a commute across the Red River into Fargo, potentially dealing with traffic on I-94 or 13th Avenue S. Many families form carpools with other West Fargo students. Some schools, like Oak Grove, may offer fee-based shuttle services from designated areas. The commute time, weather challenges during North Dakota winters, and after-school activity transportation are critical logistical factors to weigh against the educational benefits.
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