The Best Private Schools in Harrison, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ozark Catholic Academy
Diocese of Little Rock
Ozark Catholic Academy is a rapidly growing Catholic high school serving Northwest Arkansas, drawing students from Harrison and surrounding communities. While newer than other options, it has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence through its classical liberal arts curriculum. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory program grounded in Catholic tradition, featuring Socratic seminars, Great Books study, and integrated humanities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, chapel, and athletic spaces. The school emphasizes character formation, community service, and spiritual development alongside academic achievement, with graduates consistently gaining acceptance to competitive colleges and universities.
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Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School
Shiloh Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Northwest Arkansas, including the Harrison area. Founded in 1976, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs emphasize rigorous coursework with advanced placement options, integrated technology, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and various student organizations.
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The New School
The New School
The New School is a well-established progressive private school serving Northwest Arkansas, including families from Harrison seeking alternative educational approaches. Founded in 1971, the school offers education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on project-based learning, critical thinking, and creative expression. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences, interdisciplinary studies, and community engagement. Facilities include art studios, science labs, performance spaces, and outdoor learning environments. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with a strong emphasis on developing students' individual talents and interests. Graduates are well-prepared for college and demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrison, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for families in Harrison, Arkansas, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Harrison, AR, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a unique focus. **Shiloh Christian School** is a large, interdenominational Christian school offering a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th-grade program with a strong emphasis on college preparation, athletics, and faith integration. **Ozark Catholic Academy** is a relatively new, independent Catholic high school (grades 9-12) following the classical liberal arts tradition, emphasizing Great Books, Socratic discussion, and character formation. **The New School** is a progressive, independent school serving grades K-12, known for its student-directed learning, project-based curriculum, and flexible, personalized approach. This range provides Harrison parents with choices between traditional faith-based, classical, and progressive educational models.
How does tuition at private schools in Harrison, AR, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Harrison is generally below the national average for private schools but varies significantly by institution and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ annually for day students, with high school often at the higher end. Arkansas has supportive financial aid mechanisms. All major Harrison private schools offer need-based financial aid through internal funds. Crucially, Arkansas residents can apply for the **Succeed Scholarship Program** for students with IEPs and the **FAST Arkansas** (formerly AAA) voucher program, which provides state-funded assistance to eligible families choosing private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Harrison's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Harrison's private schools offer specialized programs that cater to specific educational philosophies. **Ozark Catholic Academy** provides a unique **classical curriculum** with four years of dedicated philosophy, theology, and Latin, which is uncommon in the region. **Shiloh Christian School** boasts extensive **vocational and technical pathways** alongside college-prep, including agriculture, engineering, and business, facilitated by large-scale facilities. **The New School** offers a completely **customizable, competency-based program** where students can deeply pursue individual passions and real-world projects at their own pace. These focused approaches contrast with the broader, standardized curriculum of the Harrison Public School District, allowing families to choose a model that aligns closely with their child's learning style and goals.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Harrison, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process in Harrison is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. **Key timelines** often begin in January/February for the following fall, with open houses and application deadlines for returning and new families typically set by March or April. **Shiloh Christian School**, due to its size and demand, may have earlier application cutoffs and a waiting list for certain grades. **Ozark Catholic Academy** and **The New School**, being smaller, may have more flexible rolling admissions but encourage early application. A critical local consideration is the **FAST Arkansas** voucher deadline, which is usually in June; securing this funding often requires a private school acceptance first, so starting the process early winter is highly advised. All schools require application forms, records, interviews, and often placement assessments.
For families considering the choice, what are the notable practical and community differences between private and public schools in Harrison, Arkansas?
The choice in Harrison involves several local considerations. **Public schools** (Harrison School District) offer no tuition cost, extensive extracurricular and athletic programs due to larger size, and serve a broad cross-section of the community. **Private schools** offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), distinct religious or philosophical environments, and more curricular specialization as noted above. A practical difference is transportation; Harrison public schools provide busing, while private schools typically require parent carpooling or private arrangements. Community-wise, private schools in Harrison often foster tight-knit, like-minded communities centered around their shared mission, which can be a significant draw. The decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes the specific educational approach and community of a private school versus the comprehensive, district-wide resources and programs of the public system.
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