The Best Private Schools in Altus, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Altus. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Subiaco Academy
Subiaco Abbey
Subiaco Academy is a prestigious private Catholic boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12, located just 10 miles from Altus. Founded by Benedictine monks, it emphasizes college preparatory academics, character formation, and spiritual development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and drama. With a strong track record of college admissions, it serves students from Altus and surrounding areas, offering a structured environment focused on academic excellence and personal growth.
Programs:
Fort Smith Christian School
Independent Christian
Fort Smith Christian School is a highly-rated private Christian institution serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with many families commuting from Altus (approximately 30 miles away). It offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in biblical values, with strengths in academic rigor, technology integration, and extracurricular activities like sports, band, and art. The school has modern facilities, experienced teachers, and a supportive community, consistently achieving high parent satisfaction and student success in college placements.
Programs:
Russellville Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Russellville Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education for students from preschool to 12th grade and is accessible to families in Altus (about 25 miles away). Known for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and family-oriented atmosphere, the school emphasizes college preparation, character development, and a wide range of extracurriculars including sports, music, and community service. With a focus on individualized learning and a safe environment, it has built a reputation for high parent satisfaction and student achievement.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Altus, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Altus, Arkansas?
While Altus itself is a small city, families have access to several notable private schools in the surrounding region. The most prominent is Subiaco Academy, a Catholic, college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12 located right in Altus. For co-educational K-12 options, parents often consider commuting to nearby cities. Fort Smith Christian School (approx. 30-minute drive) offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th-grade program. Russellville Christian Academy (approx. 45-minute drive) provides another K-12 option. The availability emphasizes that for younger grades or co-ed day schools, commuting from Altus is a common reality for private education.
How does the tuition at Subiaco Academy in Altus compare to other Arkansas private schools, and are there financial aid options?
Subiaco Academy, as a boarding school, has a different tuition structure than typical day schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, boarding tuition is approximately $19,500, while day student tuition is around $9,500. This is competitive for a private boarding experience in Arkansas. Financial aid is available through need-based grants, and the school also offers merit-based scholarships. Arkansas-specific programs like the Succeed Scholarship for students with disabilities may also apply. It's important to contact the school's admissions office directly for the most current figures and a personalized financial aid assessment, as costs and aid packages can vary annually.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Altus, AR?
The schools serving the Altus area offer distinct specializations. Subiaco Academy is renowned for its structured monastic environment, strong liberal arts curriculum, and unique programs like its monastic choir and extensive agricultural/FFA programs on its 1,400-acre campus. Fort Smith Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and offers competitive athletics and fine arts. Russellville Christian Academy focuses on a classical Christian education model, incorporating logic, rhetoric, and Latin. For Altus families, Subiaco provides a distinctive boarding school experience rarely found in rural Arkansas, while the commuting options offer robust college-prep and faith-based curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Subiaco Academy and other area private schools?
Enrollment timelines can vary. For Subiaco Academy, the process for boarding students, especially for 7th and 9th-grade entry, should begin a full year in advance due to demand and the required interview, testing, and application review. Rolling admissions may be available for other grades. Key deadlines are often in early spring for the following fall. For day schools like Fort Smith Christian and Russellville Christian, applications typically open in January, with re-enrollment for current families in February/March and new family admissions proceeding through spring and summer until classes are full. All schools require application forms, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance assessment and family interview.
For an Altus resident, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like Subiaco Academy or a commuting option?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Altus public school district is part of the Ozark School District, offering a close-knit, community-based K-12 education. Choosing a private option often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic at Subiaco, non-denominational Christian at others), a different academic approach (classical, college-prep), or specialized programs. A major practical consideration is logistics: Subiaco offers a local day-student option for boys, but choosing Fort Smith or Russellville schools adds significant daily commute times for parents. Financially, private tuition is an investment versus the no-tuition public option. Ultimately, families in Altus weigh the desire for a particular educational philosophy and environment against cost, convenience, and the gender-specific nature of the most local private choice.