The Best Private Schools in Hensley, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hensley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Anthony School
Independent
The Anthony School is an acclaimed independent private school serving central Arkansas families, including those from Hensley. Founded in 1978, the school specializes in gifted education and college preparatory programs from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. The school is particularly noted for its individualized learning approach, advanced technology integration, and strong arts curriculum. Facilities include specialized classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and technology centers. The Anthony School maintains an excellent student-teacher ratio and is recognized for its innovative teaching methods and high parent satisfaction ratings. Many graduates continue to top-tier high schools throughout the region.
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Pulaski Academy
Independent
Pulaski Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving central Arkansas, including the Hensley area. Founded in 1971, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school features advanced placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The 70-acre campus includes state-of-the-art facilities, including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Pulaski Academy consistently ranks among the top private schools in Arkansas with high college acceptance rates and strong parent satisfaction.
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Little Rock Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Little Rock Christian Academy is a highly-regarded Christian college preparatory school serving the greater Little Rock metropolitan area, including Hensley families. Established in 1977, the school provides comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. The campus features modern academic buildings, science labs, fine arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. LRCA offers advanced placement courses, competitive sports programs, and diverse extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hensley, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hensley, Arkansas, and are there transportation services?
While Hensley itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to private schools in the greater Little Rock metropolitan area. The most prominent and accessible options include Pulaski Academy, Little Rock Christian Academy, and The Anthony School, all located in nearby Little Rock, approximately a 20-30 minute commute. It's important to note that these schools do not typically provide district-wide bus transportation to Hensley, so arranging carpooling or private transportation is a key logistical consideration for Hensley residents.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Hensley, AR, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible from Hensley is above the Arkansas state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian Academy ranges from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+ per year for middle and upper grades. However, these institutions offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Arkansas also has the Succeed Scholarship Program for students with disabilities, which can be applied at participating private schools, and many schools have their own payment plans to help manage costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hensley offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Little Rock area, serving Hensley families, often provide specialized programs not always available in smaller public districts. For example, Pulaski Academy is renowned for its mandatory laptop program and extensive AP curriculum. Little Rock Christian Academy offers a strong faith-based integration alongside competitive athletics and fine arts. The Anthony School emphasizes gifted education and project-based learning with small class sizes. These schools also typically feature more extensive world language options, robotics teams, and college counseling resources than might be found in the local public school zone.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hensley, Arkansas, and when should we apply?
The admissions process for competitive private schools near Hensley operates on an early annual cycle. Prospective families should begin researching and touring schools in the fall (September-October) a full year before desired entry. Application deadlines are often in January or February for the following academic year. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE), and a family/student interview. Notification of acceptance is typically sent in March. It is highly advised not to wait until the summer, as spaces, especially in specific grades, fill quickly.
For a Hensley resident, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school district (likely the Sheridan School District) and a private school in Little Rock?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Sheridan School District serves Hensley and offers the convenience of proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Little Rock involves a significant daily commute but may offer different educational philosophies (e.g., college-prep focus, religious education), smaller class sizes, and specialized academic programs. Parents should consider their child's specific learning needs, the value they place on a faith-based environment, their budget for tuition and transportation, and the desired level of parent involvement in the school community. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is essential for a direct comparison.
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