The Best Private Schools in Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arkadelphia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Anthony School
Independent Private School
The Anthony School in Little Rock (approximately 75 minutes from Arkadelphia) is one of Arkansas' premier private institutions, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. With a 50-year history of educational excellence, the school offers an advanced academic curriculum, dedicated gifted education programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, highly qualified faculty, and a track record of preparing students for success in top secondary schools. Many families from surrounding regions including Clark County choose The Anthony School for its exceptional academic reputation and well-rounded educational experience.
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St. Luke's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas
Located in nearby Hot Springs (approximately 30 minutes from Arkadelphia), St. Luke's Episcopal School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through sixth grade. The school features an exceptional STEAM-focused curriculum, modern classroom technology, and a nurturing Christian environment. With small student-teacher ratios and comprehensive extracurricular programs including music, art, and physical education, St. Luke's has earned a reputation for academic excellence and strong community involvement. The school serves families throughout the region including Clark County residents.
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Arkadelphia Adventist School
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Arkadelphia Adventist School is a well-established Christian private school serving the local community for over four decades. The school offers a comprehensive K-8 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. Features include small class sizes, individualized attention, modern computer lab facilities, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes music and arts programs. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its dedicated teaching staff and family-oriented community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arkadelphia, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Arkadelphia, Arkansas?
Arkadelphia offers a small but distinct selection of private schools, each with a unique focus. The primary options include Arkadelphia Adventist School (Seventh-day Adventist-affiliated, serving grades K-8), St. Luke's Episcopal School (Episcopal-affiliated, serving grades K-6), and The Anthony School (a non-sectarian private school in nearby Little Rock, which some Arkadelphia families consider for its broader grade range and specialized programs). Due to the limited number of local options, some families also explore private schools in neighboring cities like Hot Springs or Malvern. It's important to visit each campus, as their educational philosophies, size, and religious integration differ significantly.
How does tuition for private schools in Arkadelphia, AR, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for Arkadelphia's private schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional costs in Arkansas. For the 2023-2024 school year, local schools like Arkadelphia Adventist School and St. Luke's Episcopal School typically have annual tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 for elementary grades. Financial aid is often available through the individual schools, and Arkansas residents should also investigate the state's Succeed Scholarship Program for students with disabilities and the Arkansas Tax Credit Scholarship Program (supported by donations to nonprofit organizations), which can provide assistance to eligible families seeking private education.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Arkadelphia that differ from the public school system?
Private schools in Arkadelphia often provide specialized programs that leverage their smaller size and specific missions. St. Luke's Episcopal School emphasizes a structured, classical education with strong arts integration and character development rooted in Episcopal values. Arkadelphia Adventist School incorporates a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on service learning and a holistic approach to health and wellness. While Arkadelphia Public Schools offer robust programs like the International Baccalaureate at the high school level, the private options provide more intimate settings with dedicated religious instruction and tailored learning environments that some families prefer for foundational elementary years.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Arkadelphia, and are there waiting lists?
Enrollment timelines for Arkadelphia's private schools usually begin in January or February for the following academic year, with priority given to returning students and siblings. Given the small size of these schools—often with only one class per grade—spots can fill quickly, particularly in the lower elementary grades. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. While not always as competitive as in larger cities, popular grades at St. Luke's or Arkadelphia Adventist School may have waiting lists. We recommend contacting schools by early winter to express interest and attend open houses, which are often held in the fall.
For families considering a move to Arkadelphia, what are the key factors in choosing between the local private schools and the highly-rated Arkadelphia Public School district?
This is a significant consideration, as Arkadelphia Public Schools (APSD) are well-regarded in Arkansas, featuring an International Baccalaureate program at Arkadelphia High School. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious affiliation. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), explicit faith-based education, and a close-knit community. APSD provides a broader range of extracurricular activities, advanced academic tracks, and no tuition cost. Families seeking a specific religious foundation or a more personalized elementary experience may prefer the private options, while those prioritizing a comprehensive K-12 pathway with diverse programs may find the public district an excellent fit. Visiting both types of schools is crucial to feel the community difference in Arkadelphia.