The Best Private Schools in Saint Johns, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Johns. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Johns Catholic School
Diocese of Gallup
St. Johns Catholic School is the premier private educational institution serving the Saint Johns community, offering comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a faith-based academic environment with strong emphasis on core subjects, character development, and community service. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes for personalized attention and offers extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and academic competitions.
Programs:
Blue Ridge Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located approximately 45 minutes from Saint Johns in Lakeside, Blue Ridge Christian School serves families throughout the White Mountain region with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through high school. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and strong athletic programs. Facilities include modern science labs, computer labs, performing arts center, and extensive sports facilities. The school is known for its strong community involvement and high college acceptance rates.
Programs:
Round Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Serving the eastern Arizona region including Saint Johns, Round Valley Christian School offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The school features specialized programs in agricultural science reflecting the local community, robust STEM curriculum, and competitive athletic teams. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, agricultural facilities, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards and college preparation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Johns, Arizona
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 students in Saint Johns, Arizona, and what are their core affiliations?
In Saint Johns, AZ, families have a few key private school options, all with religious affiliations. The longstanding choice is **St. Johns Catholic School**, offering a faith-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition. For Protestant Christian education, parents often consider **Blue Ridge Christian School** (located in nearby Lakeside) and **Round Valley Christian School** (in neighboring Springerville/Eagar). It's important to note that Saint Johns is a small, rural community, so some of the closest private schools are actually in adjacent towns within Apache County. These schools typically offer small class sizes and a strong community-focused environment distinct from larger urban private institutions.
How does tuition at private schools in the Saint Johns, Arizona, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Saint Johns area is generally more affordable than in Arizona's metropolitan areas, reflecting the rural cost of living, but it is still a significant commitment for local families. For example, St. Johns Catholic School typically has structured tuition rates, while schools like Blue Ridge Christian may have variable costs. Critically, Arizona has unique state programs that can help offset costs. The **Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA)** program allows eligible students to use state-funded accounts to pay for private school tuition, therapies, tutoring, and other educational services. Many families in Saint Johns utilize this program to make private school a feasible option. It's essential to contact each school directly for their current tuition rates and their experience in helping families navigate the ESA application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Saint Johns, AZ, region offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in and around Saint Johns often integrate the region's rich cultural history and natural environment into their programs. For instance, **St. Johns Catholic School** may emphasize community service projects that support local parishes and organizations. Schools like **Blue Ridge Christian** and **Round Valley Christian** often incorporate outdoor education, leveraging proximity to the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests for science and physical education. Agricultural science and FFA programs can also be a focus, connecting to the region's ranching heritage. Furthermore, these schools frequently emphasize strong arts and music programs that participate in local festivals and events, fostering a tight-knit connection between the school and the town of Saint Johns.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Saint Johns, Arizona, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for private schools in Saint Johns usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Given the small size of these schools, spaces are limited, and some grades may fill quickly, potentially leading to waitlists, especially for entry-level grades like Kindergarten. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records, a family interview, and often a pastoral reference for religious schools. **St. Johns Catholic School** may give priority to parish members and siblings of current students. It is highly advisable for parents to contact their school of interest by January to request an information packet and tour. Unlike in larger cities, the process in Saint Johns is very personal, and direct communication with the school administrator is key.
For families considering both options, what are the notable differences between public schools in the Saint Johns Unified School District and the available private schools?
The primary differences lie in class size, curriculum framework, and religious education. The **Saint Johns Unified School District** offers a comprehensive, secular education with a wider range of extracurriculars and potentially more specialized facilities due to public funding. In contrast, private schools like St. Johns Catholic School offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized attention. The private school curriculum is infused with religious values and teachings, which is a core reason families choose them. Academically, private schools in the area often have the flexibility to tailor pacing and can integrate faith across all subjects. The community environment in the private schools is often described as more familial, but the public district provides a broader exposure to the diversity of the entire Saint Johns community. The ESA program has made the financial gap less prohibitive for many families weighing these options.