The Best Private Schools in Farmington, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Farmington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shiloh Christian School
Independent Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a highly regarded private Christian institution serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school emphasizes college readiness with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and a wide array of extracurricular activities including championship athletics and performing arts. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, athletic complexes, and fine arts centers. Parent and student reviews consistently highlight the dedicated faculty, strong community values, and high graduation rates, with many graduates attending top universities. Serving the Northwest Arkansas region, including Farmington, it has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and character development.
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Providence Academy
Private Christian School
Providence Academy offers a classical Christian education model that integrates rigorous academics with moral and spiritual development for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum focuses on traditional liberal arts, critical thinking, and college preparation, supported by small class sizes and experienced teachers. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music, drama, and community service initiatives. The school's facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and athletic fields. Highly rated for its family-oriented environment and academic outcomes, Providence Academy attracts students from Farmington and across Northwest Arkansas, with parents praising its supportive community and focus on holistic student growth.
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The New School
Private Independent School
The New School is an innovative private school that provides a progressive, student-centered education for grades pre-K through 12. Its curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, project-based assignments, and arts integration to foster creativity, critical thinking, and real-world skills. Academic programs are tailored to individual needs, with a strong focus on college preparation and social responsibility. The school features collaborative learning spaces, art studios, and technology labs. Serving the Farmington area and broader Northwest Arkansas, it is praised for its inclusive atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and success in preparing students for higher education and careers, as reflected in positive parent reviews and alumni achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Farmington, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 students in Farmington, Arkansas, and what are their educational approaches?
Farmington, AR, is served by a few well-regarded private institutions, each with a distinct focus. Shiloh Christian School (in nearby Springdale) is a popular choice, offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade program with a college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Christian values. Providence Academy, located in Rogers, provides a classical Christian education emphasizing the liberal arts and Socratic discussion. The New School, based in Fayetteville, is known for its progressive, student-centered approach with flexible scheduling and a strong arts integration. While not all are within Farmington's city limits, these are the primary private options families in the Farmington area commonly consider, requiring consideration of commute times into Washington and Benton Counties.
How does tuition for private schools in the Farmington, Arkansas, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Arkansas?
Tuition in the Farmington-area private schools varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shiloh Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $9,000 for elementary to over $11,000 for high school. Providence Academy and The New School have similar competitive tuition structures. A key financial consideration specific to Arkansas is the Succeed Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher for students with disabilities or who are in foster care to attend a private school. Additionally, the Arkansas Tax Credit Scholarship Program (Act 746) allows donors to receive tax credits for contributions to nonprofit organizations that provide private school scholarships, increasing financial aid availability. All schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Farmington, Arkansas, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Northwest Arkansas region near Farmington often specialize in programs that may be more limited in scope or scale in public districts. Shiloh Christian School has a renowned athletics program and strong STEM initiatives. Providence Academy’s classical curriculum includes dedicated Latin instruction and a emphasis on rhetoric and logic. The New School offers unique project-based learning modules, independent study opportunities, and a notable focus on creative and performing arts. These schools can also offer more specialized religious education (Christian worldview integration) and typically have smaller class sizes than Farmington's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Farmington, Arkansas, families?
The enrollment process for private schools in Northwest Arkansas is highly competitive and requires early planning. Most schools, including Shiloh, Providence, and The New School, begin accepting applications in January or February for the following fall. The process usually involves an online application, submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and often a student assessment or shadow day. Many schools have priority deadlines by March, with decisions communicated in the spring. It is crucial for Farmington parents to initiate inquiries a full year in advance, as waiting lists are common, especially for entry-level grades. Sibling and legacy applicant policies may also affect timelines.
For a family living in Farmington, Arkansas, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Farmington Public School District and a local private school?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Farmington Public Schools are highly rated, offering a robust education with the benefit of no tuition and proximity. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Springdale, Rogers, or Fayetteville, adding logistical complexity. Key considerations include: **Educational Philosophy** (traditional public vs. faith-based or progressive private), **Class Size** (public schools average 20-25 students; private often 15-18), **Specialized Programs** (private may offer deeper arts or classical tracks), **Cost** (tuition vs. taxpayer-funded public), and **Extracurricular Access** (Farmington High School has strong athletics; private schools may offer different club and service opportunities). Visiting both a Farmington public school and the private options is essential to gauge community and fit.
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