The Best Private Schools in Elizabeth, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Elizabeth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ozark Catholic Academy
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Ozark Catholic Academy is a highly-regarded classical liberal arts high school serving students throughout north-central Arkansas, including the Elizabeth area. Despite being relatively new, it has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence with a rigorous curriculum that includes Socratic seminars, Great Books program, and strong STEM offerings. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a beautiful 40-acre campus. Students consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates. The school serves as a regional Catholic educational institution drawing students from multiple counties.
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Mountain Home Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Mountain Home Christian Academy is a well-established K-12 private school serving the broader north-central Arkansas region, including Elizabeth families. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian worldview education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The academy maintains small student-teacher ratios and has a strong track record of graduates attending competitive colleges. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music, drama, and community service opportunities. The school is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic School is a long-standing PreK-8 institution that serves families throughout Baxter County and surrounding areas, including Elizabeth. The school provides a strong foundation in core academics while integrating Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies with specialized instruction in music, art, and physical education. The school features updated technology resources, a library media center, and secure campus facilities. With deep roots in the community and experienced faculty, the school is known for its nurturing environment and academic preparation for high school. Many graduates continue to Ozark Catholic Academy or other regional high schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Elizabeth, Arkansas
What are the realistic private school commuting options for families living in Elizabeth, Arkansas, given the rural setting?
Elizabeth is a very small, rural community, so there are no private schools physically located within the town itself. The primary options require a commute. The most notable nearby schools include Ozark Catholic Academy in Tontitown (approximately a 1-hour drive), Mountain Home Christian Academy in Mountain Home (about a 1.5-hour drive), and St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic School in Mountain Home (similar distance). For Elizabeth families, choosing a private school is largely a decision about the feasibility and commitment to daily long-distance travel or exploring boarding options at some academies.
How does the tuition at private schools serving the Elizabeth, AR area compare to the state average, and what financial aid is typically available?
Tuition for schools accessible to Elizabeth residents varies. Ozark Catholic Academy, as a diocesan high school, has tuition around $8,000-$9,500 annually. Mountain Home Christian Academy and St. Peter the Fisherman typically range from $5,000 to $7,000 for elementary/middle grades. These are generally at or below the national private school average but can be a significant commitment relative to local household incomes. Importantly, Arkansas has the Succeed Scholarship Program for students with IEPs, and many schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families. The Bonnie Plants Scholarship in nearby areas is also a local opportunity to explore.
What unique academic or faith-based programs do the private schools near Elizabeth, AR, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The schools provide distinct environments not found in the Elizabeth public school district (likely the Western Yell County School District). Ozark Catholic Academy offers a classical, college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition, which is unique in the region. Mountain Home Christian Academy integrates Biblical principles across all subjects. St. Peter the Fisherman provides a structured K-8 Catholic education with sacramental preparation. For Elizabeth families, these schools offer an alternative educational philosophy and smaller class sizes, with a focus on character and faith formation that aligns with specific family values, which is a primary reason for undertaking the long commute.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools near Elizabeth, AR, and how early should parents apply?
Due to limited seats and the logistical planning required for commuting families, early application is strongly advised. Most schools (like Ozark Catholic Academy and St. Peter the Fisherman) open applications in January for the following fall, with priority deadlines in February or March. The process typically involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, an entrance assessment, and a family interview. For Elizabeth residents, it's crucial to inquire about transportation logistics during the interview. We recommend initiating contact with admissions offices a full year in advance, especially if considering financial aid, to ensure all deadlines and requirements are met.
For a family in Elizabeth, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school and a distant private school?
The decision hinges on weighing educational philosophy and community against practicality. The local public school offers proximity, no tuition, and deep integration with the immediate community. Choosing a private school like OCA or MHCA involves a major commitment: significant daily drive time (2-3 hours round trip), annual tuition, and associated fuel costs. Parents must decide if the specific religious environment, classical or faith-based curriculum, and potentially different peer groups are worth that sacrifice. It often comes down to whether the family's primary educational goals cannot be met by the public system and if they can sustainably manage the logistics long-term.