The Best Private Schools in Anniston, Alabama
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Anniston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Faith Christian School
Independent Christian
Located in nearby Oxford, Faith Christian School serves the broader Anniston-Oxford metropolitan area with a comprehensive Christian education program for grades K-12. With 30 years of operation, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview instruction. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence with Advanced Placement options, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Faith Christian maintains high parent satisfaction through strong community involvement and individualized student support.
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The Donoho School
Independent
The Donoho School is Anniston's premier independent college preparatory school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a 60-year legacy of academic excellence, Donoho offers a rigorous curriculum including numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school features small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, modern facilities including science labs and technology centers, and a strong emphasis on character development. Donoho consistently achieves 100% college acceptance rates with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Birmingham
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School provides faith-based education serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade in the Anniston community. With over 70 years of educational service, the school combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM education, fine arts programs, and competitive sports. The school features updated classrooms, a dedicated science lab, library resources, and a supportive community environment. Sacred Heart emphasizes holistic development while maintaining small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Anniston, Alabama
What are the primary private school options available in Anniston, Alabama, and what distinguishes them from one another?
Anniston offers a few established private school options, each with a distinct identity. The Donoho School is the area's premier college-preparatory, independent day school serving grades K-12, known for its rigorous academics and extensive extracurriculars. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School provides a faith-based, values-oriented education from Pre-K through 8th grade within the Catholic tradition. Faith Christian School offers a Protestant Christian education, typically with a strong biblical worldview integrated into its curriculum. This limited selection means parents in Anniston often choose based heavily on religious affiliation versus secular education and the desired grade range, as only Donoho offers a complete high school program.
How does tuition for private schools in Anniston, AL, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Alabama?
Tuition in Anniston is generally below the national private school average but consistent with many Alabama independent schools. For the 2023-2024 year, ranges were approximately $6,000-$8,000 for lower grades at faith-based schools and around $10,000-$12,000 for upper grades at The Donoho School. Alabama offers the Alabama Accountability Act, which provides tax credit scholarships. Eligible families can apply for scholarships from Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to help offset tuition costs at participating private schools, which include options in Anniston. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and institutional financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Anniston's private schools offer that leverage the local community or region?
Anniston's private schools create programs that connect students to the region's assets. The Donoho School, for example, may leverage proximity to Jacksonville State University for advanced coursework or collaborations. Its location in the foothills of the Appalachians can inspire environmental science studies. Schools like Sacred Heart and Faith Christian often incorporate community service projects specific to Anniston and Calhoun County, partnering with local charities and churches. Furthermore, given Anniston's history and the presence of the Anniston Army Depot, some schools integrate local history or STEM partnerships related to technology and manufacturing into their curricula, providing a unique, place-based learning dimension.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Anniston, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process in Anniston typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with re-enrollment for current families opening first. Key steps include a campus tour, submission of an application with fees, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or shadow day. For competitive grades at The Donoho School, applying early is advisable as spaces can fill. While large waiting lists are less common than in major metro areas, popular entry grades (like Kindergarten or 6th grade) may have limited space. It's highly recommended to contact schools directly by early spring to understand their specific deadlines and availability.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical differences between Anniston City public schools and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and overarching mission. Anniston private schools offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. larger public school classes), allowing for more individualized attention. Public schools follow the Alabama state curriculum and testing mandates, while private schools like Donoho have the autonomy to design a college-prep curriculum, and faith-based schools integrate religious instruction. Extracurricular offerings in athletics and arts may be more limited in scope at private schools compared to a larger public high school, but participation opportunities are often greater. Financially, public schools are tax-funded, whereas private schools require tuition, though the Alabama Accountability Act can provide scholarship assistance for eligible families to bridge that gap.