The Best Private Schools in Springerville, Arizona
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Springerville. 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 Catholic Schools
Located approximately 30 miles from Springerville in nearby St. Johns, this highly-regarded Catholic school serves families throughout Apache County. St. Johns Catholic School provides a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic traditions and values, serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes strong STEM components, language arts, and religious education. Their extracurricular offerings include sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school has earned recognition for academic excellence and maintains small class sizes for personalized learning.
Programs:
The Lily of The Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Serving the broader White Mountain region including Springerville families, The Lily of The Valley Christian School in Show Low (approximately 45 miles away) provides quality Christian education for grades K-8. The school emphasizes academic excellence integrated with biblical worldview and character development. Their curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by specialized enrichment courses. The school takes advantage of its location in the White Mountains to incorporate outdoor education and environmental studies. With modern facilities and experienced faculty, the school has built a strong reputation for nurturing student growth while maintaining high academic standards that prepare students for high school success.
Programs:
Round Valley Christian School
Independent Christian School
Round Valley Christian School is the primary private education option serving Springerville and the surrounding Round Valley area. This established Christian school provides comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a college-preparatory curriculum that includes advanced placement opportunities. Their athletic program competes in local leagues, and they offer robust fine arts education including music and drama. The school maintains strong community ties and serves families throughout eastern Arizona's rural communities.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Springerville, Arizona
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Springerville, Arizona, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In Springerville and the immediate surrounding area of Apache County, there are three primary private school options, all of which have a religious foundation. Round Valley Christian School offers a Protestant Christian education. St. Johns Catholic School, located in the neighboring town of St. Johns (about 15 miles west), provides a Catholic education. The Lily of The Valley Christian School is another local Christian institution. It's important for Springerville parents to note that there are no secular private day schools within the town itself, so families seeking a non-religious private education would need to look at boarding schools or consider a longer commute to larger Arizona cities.
How does tuition at Springerville's private schools compare to the Arizona state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Springerville's small private schools is typically below the Arizona state average for private education, reflecting the rural cost of living. For example, annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per student. Arizona offers unique financial aid options that Springerville families can utilize, most notably the Lexie's Law for Disabled Students program, which provides scholarships for students with disabilities to attend private schools. Additionally, Arizona's robust Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program is a major consideration. This program allows state funding to follow a student to the private school of their choice, which can significantly offset tuition costs for eligible families at schools like Round Valley Christian or The Lily of The Valley.
Given Springerville's rural location, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do the local private schools offer to enhance the educational experience?
Springerville's private schools leverage their small size and rural setting to offer unique programs. Common strengths include strong agricultural and environmental science components, utilizing the nearby Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests for hands-on learning. Many emphasize outdoor education and stewardship. Due to smaller class sizes, they often provide highly individualized instruction and have the flexibility to integrate local history and culture into the curriculum. Extracurriculars may be more limited than in urban schools, but often focus on community-based activities, 4-H partnerships, and local sports leagues. A key differentiator is the deep integration of faith-based values and character education throughout all programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Springerville, and is there a waitlist given the limited options?
The enrollment process for Springerville's private schools usually begins in early spring (February-April) for the following academic year. Due to the limited number of seats available in these small schools, it is advisable to inquire and apply well in advance. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, possibly a pastoral reference for religious schools, and a family interview. While not always formalized, waitlists are common, especially for specific grade levels where class sizes are very small. A unique local consideration is that some families from surrounding unincorporated areas also seek these spots, so contacting the school directly by phone or in person is the most effective first step.
For a family moving to Springerville, what are the key factors when choosing between the town's public school district and the available private schools?
The choice in Springerville often hinges on three key factors: educational philosophy, class size, and cost. The Round Valley Unified School District serves the public school population. Private schools offer a specific religious worldview integrated into daily learning, which is a primary draw. Class sizes in private schools are significantly smaller, often with 10-15 students, allowing for more individual attention. Public schools offer a broader range of standardized programs and potentially more extracurricular diversity. Financially, public school is free, while private school requires tuition, though Arizona's ESA program can change this calculation. Ultimately, the decision is deeply personal, balancing the desire for a faith-based environment and small community feel against the no-cost, comprehensive offerings of the public district.