The Best Private Schools in Lumberport, West Virginia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lumberport. 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 Schools of Greater Clarksburg
Notre Dame High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the North Central West Virginia region, including Lumberport. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement and dual credit opportunities through Fairmont State University. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, performing arts, and community service initiatives. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and provides personalized college counseling.
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St. Mary's Grade School
Catholic Schools of Fairmont
St. Mary's Grade School provides exceptional Catholic education for students in preschool through eighth grade, serving families throughout Marion County and surrounding areas including Lumberport. The school features a strong academic foundation with integrated technology, comprehensive religious education, and enrichment programs. The dedicated faculty focuses on whole-child development with emphasis on character formation, academic excellence, and spiritual growth. The school maintains modern facilities and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities.
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St. Francis Central Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Morgantown
St. Francis Central Catholic School offers a continuous Catholic education from kindergarten through 12th grade, serving students from throughout North Central West Virginia, including Lumberport residents. The school provides a challenging academic environment with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and college preparatory curriculum. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive arts education. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual formation within a supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lumberport, West Virginia
What are the private school options for families living in Lumberport, West Virginia, and are there transportation services available?
Lumberport itself is a small town, so most private school options are located in nearby communities, primarily in Clarksburg. The schools you mentioned—Notre Dame High School, St. Mary's Grade School, and St. Francis Central Catholic School—are all in Clarksburg, about a 15-20 minute drive from Lumberport. These are Catholic institutions serving grades K-12. Transportation from Lumberport is typically not provided by the schools, so parents should plan for carpooling or private transportation. Some families may qualify for state transportation aid, but this is not guaranteed and requires application through the West Virginia Department of Education.
How does tuition at private schools like Notre Dame or St. Francis in the Clarksburg area compare to the West Virginia state average, and what financial aid options exist for Lumberport residents?
Tuition for these schools is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for many families in Harrison County. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition at St. Mary's or St. Francis is approximately $5,000-$6,000 annually, while Notre Dame High School is around $8,000-$9,000. West Virginia offers the Hope Scholarship, a state-funded ESA (Education Savings Account) program, which provides eligible families with funds that can be used for private school tuition, making these schools more accessible. Additionally, all three schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active members, and sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Lumberport, WV, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Clarksburg area emphasize a values-based education with a strong liberal arts core. Notre Dame High School is known for its college preparatory curriculum, with a high percentage of graduates attending four-year universities, and offers unique programs like its Engineering Academy and robust theology courses. St. Francis Central Catholic School integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) throughout its curriculum. These schools also typically have smaller class sizes than Lumberport's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. Extracurriculars often include strong faith-based service programs, which are a cornerstone of their mission.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a family from Lumberport applying to a Clarksburg-area private school like St. Mary's or St. Francis?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. The first step is to attend an open house or schedule a tour, which are highly recommended. Applications are typically due by early spring, with acceptance notifications sent out by April. Key requirements include submission of previous school records, standardized test scores (if available), a pastor recommendation form (for Catholic families), and often a family interview. For Lumberport residents, it's crucial to apply early, as some grades, particularly kindergarten and early elementary, may have waiting lists. Registration is not complete until the tuition agreement and any applicable fees are submitted.
For a family in Lumberport deciding between the local public school system and a private school in Clarksburg, what are the main practical and philosophical differences to consider?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Practically, commuting daily to Clarksburg is a necessity for private school, impacting time and transportation costs. Philosophically, Lumberport's public schools are part of the Harrison County system, offering a free, comprehensive education with programs like vocational training at the county's career center. The private options provide a consistent religious and moral framework throughout the school day, which is important to many families in this region. Academically, private schools often have more stringent discipline policies and dress codes, and they can tailor curriculum without state testing mandates, though they still administer standardized tests. The community aspect is also different; the private schools foster a close-knit, faith-based community that can extend beyond the classroom for Lumberport families.
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