The Best Private Schools in Bigelow, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bigelow. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Catholic Schools of Central Arkansas
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 15 minutes from Bigelow in Conway. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced math and science programs. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, chess club, and various academic competitions. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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The Anthony School
The Anthony School
The Anthony School is an independent private school located in Little Rock, approximately 30 minutes from Bigelow, known for its rigorous academic program and individualized approach to learning. The school serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a curriculum designed to challenge gifted and high-achieving students. Features include advanced STEM programs, foreign language instruction starting in elementary grades, and comprehensive arts education. The school maintains an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and emphasizes project-based learning. Many graduates attend top-tier high schools throughout central Arkansas. The school attracts families from across the region seeking accelerated academic opportunities.
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Central Arkansas Christian Schools - Elementary Campus
Central Arkansas Christian School System
Central Arkansas Christian Schools is a well-established private Christian school system serving the greater Little Rock metropolitan area, including Bigelow families. The elementary campus provides a strong foundation in core academics with integrated technology and biblical principles. The school features excellent facilities including science labs, art studios, and modern athletic facilities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and college preparatory skills. Transportation options are available for families in surrounding areas, making it accessible for Bigelow residents. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bigelow, Arkansas
What are the specific private school options available for families residing in Bigelow, Arkansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
For families in Bigelow, the most accessible private school options are within a short commute. St. Joseph School in nearby Conway offers a Catholic education for Pre-K through 6th grade. Central Arkansas Christian Schools (CAC) has an Elementary Campus in North Little Rock, serving Pre-K through 6th grade, with its secondary campuses in Little Rock. The Anthony School, located in Little Rock, is an independent school for students from Pre-K through 8th grade. It's important to note that Bigelow itself has a limited number of on-site private institutions, so most families consider schools in the greater Conway and Little Rock areas, factoring in daily transportation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Bigelow, AR, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available to Arkansas residents?
Tuition in the Bigelow-area private schools varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Joseph School has a parishioner rate of approximately $6,500 and a non-parishioner rate near $8,500 for elementary grades. Central Arkansas Christian Schools and The Anthony School typically have higher tuition, often ranging from $12,000 to $18,000 annually, depending on grade level. A key financial resource for Arkansas families is the Succeed Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher for students with disabilities. Additionally, the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (PLUS) program provides tax-credit scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools, which can be applied to all mentioned schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Bigelow students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools accessible from Bigelow offer specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. The Anthony School emphasizes gifted education and project-based learning with a low student-teacher ratio. Central Arkansas Christian Schools integrate faith-based learning with strong athletics and fine arts programs, including theater and band, from an early age. St. Joseph School provides a structured, values-based curriculum with dedicated Spanish instruction. These schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for enhanced STEM labs, specialized reading programs, and unique electives that may surpass the offerings of the Bigelow public school due to larger resources and different regulatory frameworks.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Conway/Little Rock area that Bigelow families apply to?
The enrollment process for sought-after private schools near Bigelow is competitive and begins early. Most schools, like CAC and The Anthony School, open applications for the following school year in the fall (October-November), with priority deadlines often in January or February. The process usually includes a completed application, submission of past academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment or visit day. St. Joseph School may have a slightly more flexible timeline but still encourages early application. Waiting lists are common, especially for entry-grade levels, so Bigelow parents are advised to start research and tours a full year in advance of desired enrollment.
For a family living in Bigelow, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local Perryville Public School District and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The Perryville School District offers the convenience of a very short commute, no tuition, and strong community ties. Opting for a private school in Conway or Little Rock means a daily commute of 30-45 minutes each way, which impacts family logistics and costs. However, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, different religious or pedagogical approaches, and sometimes a wider range of advanced coursework or extracurricular activities. Bigelow parents should also consider the social aspect—their child will build a friend network outside their immediate neighborhood. Ultimately, it's a balance between the value of the local public community and the specific educational environment a private institution provides.
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