The Best Private Schools in Alexandria, Alabama
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexandria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Donoho School
Independent
The Donoho School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Calhoun County area, including Alexandria. Founded in 1952, it offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and a strong STEM curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has a reputation for developing well-rounded students through extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Birmingham
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School provides a faith-based education to students from pre-K through 8th grade, serving families throughout Calhoun County including Alexandria. Established in 1957, the school combines rigorous academics with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. The school features modern technology integration, a strong fine arts program, and competitive athletic teams. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Faith Christian School
Independent Christian
Faith Christian School is a respected private Christian school serving students from Alexandria and surrounding communities in Calhoun County. Founded in 1989, the school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The academic program includes college preparatory courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive STEM education. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, individualized attention, and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexandria, Alabama
What are the primary private school options available for families in Alexandria, Alabama, and what are their core educational approaches?
In Alexandria and the immediate surrounding Calhoun County area, the primary private school options are The Donoho School, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, and Faith Christian School. The Donoho School, located in nearby Anniston, is a prominent college-preparatory, independent day school serving grades PK-12 with a strong emphasis on academics, arts, and athletics. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Anniston provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic values for students in PK-8. Faith Christian School, also in Anniston, offers a Bible-centered education from a Protestant Christian perspective for grades K-12. While not all are within Alexandria's city limits, they represent the core private institutions serving the community, with transportation considerations being an important factor for local families.
How does tuition at private schools in the Alexandria, AL area compare, and are there financial aid options or state programs like the Alabama Accountability Act to help with costs?
Tuition varies significantly among Alexandria's area private schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Faith Christian School typically has a lower tuition range, often under $6,000 for K-12, while The Donoho School's tuition is higher, reflecting its comprehensive college-prep program and facilities, often ranging from approximately $10,000 to $14,000 depending on grade level. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School usually falls in between. Critically for Alabama residents, the Alabama Accountability Act provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible families whose children are assigned to failing public schools or who meet income guidelines, which can be applied at participating private schools like these. Additionally, each school offers its own need-based financial aid and, in some cases, sibling discounts. Direct contact with each school's admissions office is essential for the most current figures and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Alexandria, Alabama, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Alexandria area offer specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. The Donoho School is known for its robust Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings, competitive athletic teams in the AHSAA, and signature programs like its engineering and robotics focus. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School integrates religious education daily and often emphasizes character development and community service within its curriculum. Faith Christian School typically offers a curriculum interwoven with biblical principles and may provide programs like chapel services and mission-oriented activities. These schools often have smaller class sizes than Alexandria's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. A key differentiator is the ability to choose an environment aligned with specific religious or pedagogical values, which is a primary draw for many Calhoun County families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Alexandria, Alabama families?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Alexandria area generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester, with many schools hosting open houses from January to March. Key steps commonly include: 1) Submitting an application (often with a fee) by a priority deadline, usually between February and April; 2) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations; 3) Completing a student assessment or entrance exam (for certain grade levels, especially at The Donoho School); and 4) A family interview. For schools with limited space, like The Donoho School, applying by the priority deadline is crucial. Sacred Heart and Faith Christian may have more rolling admission but still encourage early application. It's highly recommended to contact the schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to get specific dates and requirements.
For a family living in Alexandria, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school in Anniston?
Since the leading private schools are located in neighboring Anniston, transportation is a major practical consideration for Alexandria residents. None of these schools typically provide district-wide bus transportation from Alexandria, so families must arrange for carpooling or private transportation. The commute is generally a 15-25 minute drive. This reality fosters close-knit carpool networks among families from the same community. Regarding community, your child will be in classes with students from across Calhoun County, which can broaden their social circle beyond the immediate Alexandria area. Many families find the drive worthwhile for the specific educational environment, but it requires a commitment to involvement that accounts for travel time to school events, sports, and parent-teacher meetings held in Anniston.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Fit: Your Guide to Private Middle Schools in Alexandria, Alabama
Choosing the right educational path for your child during their middle school years is a significant decision for any Alexandria family. This pivotal period bridges the foundational elementary years and the rigorous preparation for high school, making the environment where it happens crucial. In our community, exploring a private middle school option offers a distinctive approach tailored to these transformative years. Local institutions like The Donoho School, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School, and Faith Christian School each provide structured, values-based environments where students in grades six through eight can thrive academically and personally.
One of the primary considerations for Alexandria parents is the specific focus a private middle school can provide during these often-turbulent adolescent years. Class sizes in our local schools are intentionally smaller, ensuring your child is known by name by every teacher and administrator. This isn't just about academic attention; it’s about mentorship. At a school like The Donoho School, the middle school program is designed to challenge students with a robust curriculum that includes advanced coursework and exploratory electives, all within a supportive framework that encourages intellectual curiosity. This balance of high expectations and personalized support is a hallmark of private education here.
Furthermore, the values component resonates deeply with many families in our area. Whether it’s the faith-integrated learning at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School or the biblical worldview taught at Faith Christian School, these institutions partner with parents to reinforce shared principles. This creates a consistent message between home and school, providing middle schoolers with a stable moral compass during a time of significant social and emotional development. The sense of community is palpable, often extending beyond the classroom to involve families in school events and local service projects, strengthening the fabric of our Alexandria neighborhood.
Practically speaking, navigating the logistics of a private middle school in Alexandria involves understanding each school’s unique culture and offerings. Visiting campuses is essential. You’ll want to observe how teachers interact with students, ask about their approach to social dynamics and bullying prevention, and inquire about the transition support they offer both into middle school and out to high school. Many local schools also offer tailored extracurriculars, from competitive athletics to STEM clubs and fine arts, which are vital for helping your child discover their passions. Financial planning is another key step, as most schools offer tuition assistance or payment plans to help make this investment accessible.
Ultimately, selecting a private middle school in Alexandria, Alabama, is about choosing a partnership. It’s an investment in an environment that prioritizes your child’s holistic growth—academically, character-wise, and socially—during these critical years. By engaging directly with the dedicated educators at our local schools, you can find a setting where your middle schooler will be encouraged to reach their potential while remaining firmly rooted in the supportive community we value so highly here in Calhoun County.