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.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities