The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Alabama
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Saint James School
Saint James School
Saint James School is a premier private institution located in Montgomery, approximately 45 miles from Arlington, serving students from throughout central Alabama. Established in 1955, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory program with extensive Advanced Placement offerings and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school is known for its excellent faculty, high college acceptance rates, and well-rounded educational experience that balances academics, arts, and athletics.
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Morgan Academy
Morgan Academy
Morgan Academy is a highly-regarded private school located approximately 20 miles from Arlington, serving students from Dallas County and surrounding areas. Founded in 1969, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, strong athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community.
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Autauga Academy
Autauga Academy
Autauga Academy, located approximately 35 miles from Arlington in Prattville, has served students from Autauga County and surrounding regions since 1969. The school provides a comprehensive educational experience with strong college preparatory academics complemented by career technical education pathways. The campus includes modern classroom facilities, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Known for its family atmosphere and dedicated teachers, Autauga Academy emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, offering numerous extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports teams and arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Alabama
What are the primary private school options available for families in Arlington, Alabama, and how do they differ?
Arlington, Alabama, is a small community, and its immediate private school options are limited. However, families in Arlington commonly consider nearby institutions in the broader Selma and Autauga County area. The top schools you'll hear about are Morgan Academy in Selma (K-12), Saint James School in Montgomery (K-12, though a longer commute), and Autauga Academy in Prattville (K-12). Morgan Academy is known for its strong tradition and college-prep focus in the Selma area, Autauga Academy offers a smaller community feel with a range of athletics, and Saint James is a larger, more comprehensive college-preparatory school. For Arlington residents, school choice heavily involves considering commute times to Selma, Prattville, or Montgomery.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools near Arlington, AL, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the areas surrounding Arlington varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ per year for day schools, with higher grades often costing more. Morgan Academy and Autauga Academy generally fall in the mid-range, while Saint James School may be at the higher end due to its extensive facilities and programs. Most of these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some may have limited merit scholarships. Importantly, Alabama has the Alabama Accountability Act, which provides tax-credit scholarships for students from failing public schools to attend private schools, which may be a relevant financial consideration for eligible families in Dallas County.
Are there unique academic or extracurricular programs offered by private schools serving the Arlington community?
Yes, schools in the region offer distinct programs. Morgan Academy has a strong emphasis on traditional college preparation and notable athletics, particularly in football and baseball. Autauga Academy provides a more intimate setting with vocational interest courses and agricultural programs that appeal to students in rural Autauga County. Saint James School, though a longer drive, offers advanced STEM programs, a renowned arts department, and a wider array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. For Arlington families, the choice may come down to which specialized program—be it agricultural science, intensive arts, or advanced STEM—best aligns with their child's interests, balanced with commute logistics.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Morgan Academy or Autauga Academy for an Arlington resident?
The process typically begins in the fall or early winter prior to the desired school year. For schools like Morgan Academy and Autauga Academy, you should contact the admissions office by October or November to express interest. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or entrance assessment. Many schools have priority deadlines in January or February for the following fall. As Arlington is in a rural area with fewer local private options, it's crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited. Transportation is a key factor to discuss during admissions, as neither school typically provides bus service from Arlington.
How do private schools in the Arlington area compare to the local public schools in Dallas County?
The comparison is significant. Arlington is zoned for Dallas County Schools, which face challenges common to many rural public districts, including limited funding and resources. Private options like Morgan Academy offer smaller class sizes, a more traditional disciplinary environment, and a consistent college-preparatory curriculum. However, they come with tuition costs and commute requirements. Public schools provide free education, proximity, and federally mandated special education services that may be more robust than some private schools. For Arlington parents, the decision often hinges on prioritizing individualized attention and specific academic/religious values (in faith-based options) versus the convenience and no-cost model of the local public system, with transportation being a major practical consideration.
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