The Best Private Schools in Harman, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Brendan School
Catholic Schools of Fairmont
St. Brendan School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Randolph County region, including Harman. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith-based education, strong academic foundations, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM education, fine arts, and extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community feel, and academic preparation for high school.
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Elkins Mountain School
Universal Health Services
Elkins Mountain School is a premier private therapeutic boarding school serving students from Harman and throughout West Virginia. The school provides comprehensive education for students with behavioral and emotional needs while maintaining high academic standards. With a 4.5-star rating from extensive parent reviews, the school offers individualized education plans, college preparatory courses, vocational training, and extensive therapeutic support. The campus features modern classrooms, recreational facilities, and a highly trained staff of certified teachers and mental health professionals. The school is accredited and serves grades 6-12 with both residential and day student options.
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Southern Garrett County Middle/High School
Garrett County Public Schools (Alternative Education Program)
While technically part of the public school system, Southern Garrett County Middle/High School serves as a regional educational hub for students from nearby West Virginia communities, including Harman, through various special programs and cross-border enrollment opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complex. With strong academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, career technical education pathways, and competitive athletics, this school provides private-school quality education in a public setting. The school maintains a 4.3-star rating for its academic rigor, quality facilities, and diverse extracurricular offerings that serve the broader regional community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harman, West Virginia
What are the actual private school options available for families living in Harman, West Virginia, given its rural location?
Due to Harman's small, rural setting within Randolph County, there are no private schools physically located within the town itself. Families typically look to nearby communities and even across state lines. The schools you mentioned, like St. Brendan School in Elkins, WV (about 30 miles away), serve the broader region. Notably, Elkins Mountain School is a private therapeutic boarding school, not a traditional day school. Southern Garrett County Middle/High School is actually a public school in Maryland. Therefore, the most accessible private options for Harman residents are Catholic or faith-based schools in Elkins or possibly Parsons, requiring a significant daily commute.
Are there any West Virginia state-specific programs or financial aid options to help with private school tuition for Harman residents?
Yes, West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship Program, a state-funded Education Savings Account (ESA) that is a significant consideration for Harman families. This program provides eligible K-12 students who are exiting the public school system with state funds that can be used for approved expenses at private schools, including tuition. For the 2024-25 school year, the award amount is approximately $4,600. This can substantially offset tuition costs at participating private schools in Elkins or other areas, making them more accessible for families in a rural, lower-income county like Randolph.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs might a private school in the Harman, WV, region offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the region, such as St. Brendan School in Elkins, often integrate the unique Appalachian environment into their programs. This can include robust outdoor education focused on the nearby Monongahela National Forest, with activities like ecology studies, hiking, and environmental stewardship. Some schools may also emphasize agricultural science, local history and culture, and practical arts that resonate with the community's values. Furthermore, smaller class sizes common in rural private schools allow for highly individualized instruction, which can be a major advantage for students who need more attention than what might be available in the local public district.
How does the enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Harman differ from larger cities, and what are key deadlines?
The enrollment process for private schools serving Harman is often less formal and more relationship-driven than in urban areas, but planning is crucial due to limited seats. For schools like St. Brendan, the main enrollment period typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parish members. However, because these schools draw from a wide rural area, they often have rolling admissions and will accept applications as long as space exists. It is critical to contact the school directly by early spring, schedule a visit (which may involve a considerable drive), and inquire about transportation options, as most do not provide bus service from remote locations like Harman.
For a family in Harman, what are the primary practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (like Harman School) and a private school a long distance away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local K-12 Harman School offers the immense convenience of a very short commute and deep community integration. Choosing a private school like St. Brendan in Elkins involves a daily round-trip commute of 60+ miles, requiring a major time and transportation commitment. Parents must weigh this against perceived benefits: potentially smaller class sizes, a specific religious education, or different academic programming. The West Virginia Hope Scholarship can help financially, but it won't cover commuting costs. The choice often comes down to whether a family's educational priorities are strong enough to justify the significant logistical challenge of accessing private education from a remote town like Harman.
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