The Best Private Schools in Frankfort, South Dakota
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frankfort. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Frankfort area from nearby Aberdeen. Established in 1946, this Pre-K through 8th grade school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a chapel, library, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Extracurricular programs encompass music, art, athletics, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent academic preparation for high school.
Programs:
St. Paul's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Paul's Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to students from Frankfort and surrounding communities since 1959. This Pre-K through 8th grade institution offers a Christ-centered academic program that integrates faith and learning across all subjects. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and features a comprehensive curriculum including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and religious instruction. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, a gymnasium, music room, and outdoor play areas. The school emphasizes character development, service learning, and family involvement. Parents report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor, caring teachers, and strong sense of community that prepares students both academically and spiritually.
Programs:
Roncalli Primary School
Roncalli School System
Roncalli Primary School serves as the foundational campus within the respected Roncalli School System, providing education to young learners from Frankfort and the broader region. Established in 1972, this Pre-K through 2nd grade school focuses on early childhood development with a strong emphasis on literacy, numeracy, and social skills. The school features specialized reading intervention programs, hands-on learning activities, and a comprehensive "specials" rotation including music, physical education, and library time. The campus includes age-appropriate classrooms, secure playground facilities, and dedicated learning spaces designed for young children. Parents consistently commend the school's nurturing environment, experienced early childhood educators, and excellent preparation for continued education within the Roncalli system. The school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships and community involvement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frankfort, South Dakota
What are the private school options available for K-12 education in Frankfort, South Dakota?
Frankfort, SD, is a small rural community, and private school options are primarily faith-based and serve younger grades. The main institutions are St. Mary's Catholic School, St. Paul's Lutheran School, and Roncalli Primary School. It's important to note that these schools typically cover elementary and middle grade levels. For high school, families in Frankfort often need to look at private options in larger nearby communities like Aberdeen or consider boarding schools, as local private high school options are very limited. Many families also utilize the Frankfort Public School system for upper grades.
How does tuition at Frankfort's private schools compare to state averages, and are there any South Dakota-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at Frankfort's private schools is generally below the state average for private education due to the lower cost of living in a rural area and the schools' parish support structures. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these local parochial schools often ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 per student, with discounts for multiple children and active church members. South Dakota-specific aid includes the "Partners in Education" tax credit program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. Additionally, the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, while for college, is a key consideration for families planning long-term educational costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Frankfort, SD, offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Frankfort, like St. Mary's and St. Paul's, integrate their rural setting and faith-based missions into their programs. This often includes robust agricultural science components, outdoor education utilizing South Dakota's natural landscape, and strong community service projects tied to local needs. Their small class sizes (often 10-15 students per grade) allow for highly individualized instruction. Furthermore, these schools typically emphasize core subjects with integrated religious education, and may partner with local farms, businesses, and historical societies for hands-on learning experiences that are unique to small-town South Dakota life.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Frankfort, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
Enrollment for Frankfort's private schools usually begins in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active members of the supporting church parishes. Due to the small size of the schools, spaces can be limited, so early inquiry is recommended. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing past academic records, and a family interview. For families moving to Frankfort, it's crucial to contact the school directly as soon as possible, as mid-year enrollment is more common in these tight-knit communities and can often be accommodated if space exists.
For a family in Frankfort, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school and the available private school options?
The decision in Frankfort often hinges on three local factors: educational philosophy, community involvement, and logistics. The public school, Frankfort Public School, offers a comprehensive K-12 continuum in one location, state-funded resources, and a wide range of extracurriculars like sports. The private options offer a specific faith-based environment, very small student-to-teacher ratios, and a closely integrated community of families. Logistically, private schools may involve additional driving for sports or activities not offered on-site. Many Frankfort families value the private schools' ability to provide a consistent moral framework aligned with their values, while others appreciate the no-tuition cost and broader grade offerings of the public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools Near Frankfort, South Dakota
When you begin searching for "secular private schools near me" as a parent in Frankfort, South Dakota, you quickly discover a meaningful aspect of our local educational landscape. Frankfort, a close-knit community where values and education are deeply intertwined, is primarily served by faith-based private institutions. The excellent schools here, including St. Mary's Catholic School, St. Paul's Lutheran School, and Roncalli Primary School, are pillars of our community, offering outstanding academics within a specific religious framework. This reality makes the search for a strictly secular private option a distinct consideration for families who prioritize a private education without religious doctrine. Understanding this context is the first step in navigating your choices.
Your search for a secular environment likely means looking beyond Frankfort's immediate city limits. Many families in our region find themselves considering private schools in larger nearby hubs like Aberdeen or even Sioux Falls, which offer a broader range of educational philosophies, including non-sectarian independent schools. This requires a practical assessment of commute times, which in our rural setting can be significant. It becomes a question of balancing your educational priorities with family logistics. For some, this journey is worthwhile to find a program that aligns perfectly with their desire for a rigorous, values-based education that is not rooted in a particular faith tradition. It’s important to factor in South Dakota’s unique geography; what might be a manageable commute in another state can be a substantial daily commitment here.
This search also invites you to deeply reflect on what "secular" means for your family. In a community like Frankfort, where faith-based schools are integral, you might find that some schools, while affiliated with a church, focus heavily on academic excellence and character development in a way that feels inclusive. It can be valuable to have open conversations with school administrators. Ask specific questions about curriculum, daily routines, and how their values are expressed in the classroom. You may discover that a local school’s community feel and proven academic track record align with your goals, even if its nominal affiliation differs from your initial criteria.
Ultimately, finding the right private school near Frankfort is about matching your child’s needs with the environment that will help them thrive. While a dedicated secular private school may not be within the city itself, your search underscores the importance of defining your non-negotiables. Whether you decide a longer commute to a non-sectarian school is the right path, or you re-evaluate the exceptional local options with a new perspective, you are engaging in a thoughtful process. For Frankfort parents, this journey is a testament to your commitment to your child’s education, leveraging both the strengths of our intimate community and the broader opportunities available across South Dakota’s Eastern region.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities