The Best Private Schools in Weaver, Alabama
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Weaver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Donna's Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Donna's Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Weaver and greater Calhoun County area. Established in 1996, the school offers comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on college preparation. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM courses, fine arts, and competitive athletic programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic rigor, and strong community values. The campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces.
Programs:
The Donoho School
Independent College Preparatory School
The Donoho School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school located in nearby Anniston, serving students from Weaver and throughout Calhoun County. Founded in 1953, Donoho has built an exceptional reputation for academic excellence with 100% college acceptance rates. The school offers rigorous Advanced Placement and honors courses, comprehensive athletic programs including championship teams, and outstanding fine arts education. Facilities include state-of-the-art science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school is known for its dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
Programs:
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Birmingham
Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School provides exceptional private education to students from Weaver and the surrounding Anniston area. Established in 1958, the school offers pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. The curriculum features comprehensive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) integration, Spanish language instruction from elementary grades, and competitive sports programs. The school boasts modern facilities including technology labs, library, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's caring environment and strong academic preparation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Weaver, Alabama
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Weaver, Alabama?
Weaver itself is a small city, so families often look to nearby Anniston and the broader Calhoun County area for private education. The most prominent options include Donna's Christian Academy in Weaver, The Donoho School in Anniston (a well-regarded K-12 college-preparatory institution), and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Anniston. These schools offer a range of educational philosophies from faith-based to independent college-prep. For broader choices, parents in Weaver also frequently consider private schools in Jacksonville and Oxford.
How does tuition for private schools in the Weaver, AL area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Weaver area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with Alabama's more affordable cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, local K-8 schools like Donna's Christian Academy or Sacred Heart often have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually. The Donoho School, as a premier K-12 institution, has higher tuition, potentially reaching $10,000-$15,000. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Alabama's Accountability Act provides tax-credit scholarships (the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund) that many local families utilize to offset costs. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and scholarship deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Weaver, Alabama, offer that distinguish them from public schools?
Private schools in the Weaver/Anniston area often provide specialized programs that may be limited in local public systems. The Donoho School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, advanced STEM courses, and competitive athletics in the AHSAA. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School offers a faith-integrated curriculum and character education. Smaller academies like Donna's Christian Academy can provide highly personalized instruction and a specific religious foundation. A common differentiator is smaller class sizes, often 15:1 or lower, allowing for individualized attention not always feasible in larger public school districts like Calhoun County Schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Weaver, Alabama families?
The enrollment process for Weaver-area private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority given to current families and siblings. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour (often held in early winter), 2) Submitting an application by March or April, 3) Providing academic records and sometimes standardized test scores, 4) Completing an entrance assessment or interview (common for grades 1-12), and 5) For faith-based schools, possibly providing a pastor's reference. Waiting lists can form for popular grades, so initiating the process early is highly recommended. Some schools may accept rolling admissions if space permits.
For a family in Weaver, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school, a faith-based private academy, and an independent college-prep school like Donoho?
The decision hinges on your child's needs and family priorities. Weaver is zoned for Calhoun County Schools, which provide a standard public education. Choosing a faith-based academy (e.g., Donna's Christian Academy, Sacred Heart) adds a specific religious and moral component to daily learning. Opting for an independent school like The Donoho School focuses intensely on academic rigor, college placement, and often broader extracurricular offerings. Practical considerations include commute time to Anniston, tuition investment versus no-cost public education, and the community environment. Many Weaver families value the close-knit, disciplined environment of local private schools as an alternative to larger public school settings.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities