The Best Private Schools in Folsom, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Folsom. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame High School
Catholic School System
Notre Dame High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Folsom area from nearby Clarksburg. Established in 1961, the school offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM curriculum. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Notre Dame maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service opportunities.
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St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Mary's Grade School provides exceptional private education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout Harrison County including Folsom. Founded in 1955, the school combines strong academic fundamentals with Catholic values in a nurturing environment. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration across all grade levels. The school features well-maintained facilities, dedicated classroom spaces, and a supportive community atmosphere. Parents consistently praise the school's committed teachers, safe environment, and strong sense of community.
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Liberty High School
Independent Christian School
Liberty High School is an established Christian private school serving students from Folsom and surrounding communities since 1979. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values and worldview. Liberty provides dual credit opportunities through partnerships with local colleges, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio that ensures personalized attention. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, music programs, drama productions, and various student clubs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Folsom, West Virginia
What are the specific private school options available for K-12 education in Folsom, West Virginia, and what grade levels do they cover?
In Folsom, WV, families have a few core private school options. Notre Dame High School serves students in grades 9-12, providing a Catholic, college-preparatory education. St. Mary's Grade School typically covers the elementary and often middle school years (commonly K-8), offering a faith-based foundation. Liberty High School is another private secondary option. It's important to note that Folsom is a small community, so these schools may draw students from surrounding areas in Harrison County. For a continuous K-12 private education, a student would likely attend St. Mary's followed by Notre Dame or Liberty.
How does tuition at Folsom, WV private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Folsom's private schools like Notre Dame High School and St. Mary's Grade School is generally below the national private school average but must be considered relative to local household incomes in West Virginia. Specific rates vary, but diocesan schools in the Wheeling-Charleston diocese often have parish subsidy discounts for active Catholic families. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and West Virginia's Hope Scholarship Program, an education savings account program, can be used for eligible students switching from public to private school, significantly offsetting costs. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office for current tuition and detailed aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Folsom, WV, offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in the Folsom area often emphasize community, tradition, and character development. Academically, they typically offer strong core curricula with religious education integrated. Notre Dame High School, for instance, may offer programs rooted in its Catholic identity, such as theology courses and community service requirements that connect students with local parishes and organizations in Harrison County. Extracurriculars often focus on close-knit team sports (like those in the OVAC conference), music, and drama. Their smaller size allows for personalized attention but may mean fewer specialized AP courses or niche clubs compared to larger regional private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Notre Dame High School in Folsom, WV, and are there priority considerations?
The enrollment process for Folsom's private schools usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. For Notre Dame High School and St. Mary's Grade School, priority is often given to: 1) Siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) Children of alumni, and 3) Active members of supporting Catholic parishes. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and possibly a family interview. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so initiating contact by January is highly advisable. Open houses are commonly held in the fall.
For a family in Folsom, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools (like North Harrison High School) and private options like Notre Dame?
The decision hinges on several Folsom-specific factors. Academically, North Harrison High School offers a broader range of courses and potentially more extracurricular diversity due to its larger size. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or value-based education, and often a strong sense of tradition. Financially, the Hope Scholarship can make private school tuition more accessible. Logistically, private schools in Folsom may involve a commute for some, though often within the same general area. Families should consider their educational philosophy, the importance of faith-based instruction, and the child's need for a close-knit community versus a larger, more diverse student body. Visiting both types of schools is essential.
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