The Best Private Schools in Clarksville, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarksville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Russellville Christian School
Russellville Christian School
Located approximately 25 minutes from Clarksville in Russellville, this highly-rated Christian school offers a classical education model combined with modern academic rigor. The school serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, sciences, literature, and Latin. Russellville Christian School features small class sizes, dedicated Christian faculty, competitive sports teams, and robust fine arts programs. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains strong college acceptance rates.
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Subiaco Academy
Subiaco Academy
Subiaco Academy is a prestigious Catholic college preparatory school located just 15 miles from Clarksville. As one of Arkansas's oldest and most respected private schools, it offers a comprehensive educational experience with rigorous academics, including 15+ AP courses. The school features both day and boarding programs, state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Subiaco provides personalized attention and strong college placement records, serving students throughout the River Valley region.
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Immaculate Conception School
Catholic Schools of Greater Fort Smith
Serving the broader Northwest Arkansas region including Clarksville families, Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith provides a comprehensive Catholic education from pre-K through 8th grade. The school features modern facilities including dedicated STEM labs, updated technology resources, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values, the school offers advanced coursework, music and arts programs, and community service opportunities. Many graduates continue to Catholic high schools in the region with excellent preparation for advanced studies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarksville, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Clarksville, Arkansas, and what grade levels do they serve?
Clarksville, AR, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. The most prominent is Subiaco Academy, a Catholic, college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12, located just outside Clarksville. For local day-school options, families often consider Russellville Christian School (in nearby Russellville, serving K-12) and Immaculate Conception School (a Catholic school in nearby Fort Smith, serving PreK-8). Within Clarksville proper, private options are limited, leading many families to look at these surrounding communities. It's important to visit each campus, as the boarding component at Subiaco and the commute to neighboring towns are significant factors for Clarksville residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Clarksville, AR, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Clarksville area varies. Subiaco Academy, as a boarding school, has a higher comprehensive fee, but its day-student tuition is competitive with regional private high schools. Schools like Russellville Christian generally have lower tuition, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades. Compared to statewide Arkansas private school averages, Clarksville-area schools are moderately priced, reflecting the region's cost of living. Financial aid is primarily need-based and offered directly by the schools. Additionally, Arkansas's Succeed Scholarship Program for students with disabilities and the Philanthropic Investment in Arkansas Kids (school choice) tax-credit scholarship program can provide crucial financial assistance to eligible families, making private education more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Clarksville community?
Private schools near Clarksville offer specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. Subiaco Academy is renowned for its structured monastic environment, strong liberal arts curriculum, and extensive boarding program that attracts national and international students, offering a unique global perspective. It also features robust athletics, fine arts, and a renowned Abbey choir. Russellville Christian School provides a Bible-based curriculum with an emphasis on character development and may offer smaller class sizes for individualized attention. While Clarksville itself lacks a diverse range of private options, these nearby schools provide distinct environments—from college-prep boarding to faith-based community schooling—that cater to different family priorities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Subiaco Academy that serve Clarksville, AR?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Subiaco Academy often begin a full year in advance, especially for boarding spots. The process typically opens in the fall for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour (highly recommended), 2) Submitting an application by early spring, which often includes academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student essay, 3) Completing an entrance assessment or providing standardized test scores, and 4) A family interview. For day schools like Russellville Christian, the process may be less formal and more rolling, but applying by March-April is advisable to secure a spot. Given limited seats, especially in specific grades, early inquiry is crucial for Clarksville-area families.
For a family living in Clarksville, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school option like Subiaco or a commute to Russellville?
The decision hinges on several Clarksville-specific factors. The Clarksville Public School District offers the convenience of proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private option often involves a significant commute (20-45 minutes to Russellville or Fort Smith) or considering boarding at Subiaco. Key considerations include: educational philosophy (faith-based vs. secular), class size (smaller in private schools), specialized programs (e.g., Subiaco's college-prep focus), and extracurricular offerings. For high school, some families value Subiaco's boarding environment for its discipline and college readiness, despite the cost. The investment isn't just financial; it includes time for transportation. Visiting both local public schools and the private options is essential to gauge the best fit for a child's needs and the family's lifestyle in Johnson County.