The Best Private Schools in Paris, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Paris. 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
While located approximately 90 miles from Paris, Ozark Catholic Academy serves students from throughout Northwest Arkansas and attracts families seeking a rigorous classical Catholic education. The school offers a unique classical curriculum that integrates Catholic intellectual tradition with modern college preparatory requirements. Features include Socratic teaching methods, Latin instruction, and emphasis on critical thinking. The school boasts exceptional faculty credentials, modern campus facilities, and strong college placement records. Despite being newer, it has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence and has become a regional destination for families seeking high-quality private education.
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Subiaco Academy
Subiaco Abbey
Subiaco Academy is a prestigious Catholic college-preparatory boarding and day school for boys in grades 7-12, located just 15 miles from Paris. Founded by Benedictine monks, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, athletic complexes, and boarding accommodations. Students benefit from a comprehensive extracurricular program including competitive sports, fine arts, and leadership opportunities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and emphasizes character development within a supportive community environment.
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Clarksville Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located approximately 25 miles from Paris, Clarksville Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive Christian education. The school features a strong academic program with advanced placement opportunities, dedicated Christian faculty, and modern facilities including technology labs and athletic spaces. The curriculum integrates faith-based learning with college preparatory academics, offering diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individual student development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Paris, Arkansas
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Paris, Arkansas?
For families in the Paris, AR area, the main private school options are Subiaco Academy (a Catholic, co-educational boarding and day school for grades 7-12), Clarksville Christian School (a K-12 Christian school in nearby Clarksville, about 25 minutes away), and Ozark Catholic Academy (a Catholic high school in Tontitown, which is a longer commute of about 1.5 hours). It's important to note that Paris itself has a limited number of on-site private schools, so many families consider these regional options, with Subiaco Academy being the most historically significant and geographically closest traditional private secondary institution.
How does the tuition for private schools near Paris, AR, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for day students at schools like Subiaco Academy or Clarksville Christian School typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 per year, which is generally at or below the private school average for Arkansas. A significant financial consideration for Arkansas families is the state's Succeed Scholarship Program, which provides vouchers for students with disabilities to attend a private school. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for Catholic families, and sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact each school directly, as aid packages and scholarship endowments can substantially reduce the net cost.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Paris, Arkansas community?
Private schools in the Paris region offer distinctive programs rooted in their missions. Subiaco Academy, with its monastic heritage, provides a structured residential college-prep environment with a strong emphasis on the liberal arts, theology, and character formation. It also offers unique opportunities like its Abbey Youth Farm program. Clarksville Christian School integrates a Biblical worldview across its curriculum and may offer smaller, personalized learning tracks. While not a daily commute for most, Ozark Catholic Academy offers a classical Catholic curriculum. For Paris families, these schools provide an alternative to the local public school curriculum, often with smaller class sizes and specific religious or value-based education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Subiaco Academy in the Paris, AR area?
The enrollment process for schools like Subiaco Academy often begins in the prior fall or winter for the next academic year. Key steps usually include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour (highly recommended for a school like Subiaco, given its boarding component), 2) Submitting an application by their priority deadline (often in early spring), 3) Providing academic records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes undergoing an entrance assessment, and 4) A family interview. For boarding students, spaces can be limited. It's crucial to initiate contact early, especially for grades 7 and 9, which are common entry points. Clarksville Christian School may have a more rolling admissions policy but still encourages early application.
For a family in Paris, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like Subiaco Academy?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Paris area. The Paris School District offers the convenience of a local K-12 education. Choosing a private school like Subiaco Academy involves considering a longer daily commute or the boarding option, a college-preparatory curriculum with a Catholic identity, and significantly smaller class sizes. For high school, parents may compare the academic offerings, sports, and clubs at Paris High School with the distinct environment and often broader advanced/AP course options at a private academy. The cultural and religious formation is a major differentiator. Ultimately, it's a balance of educational philosophy, financial investment, logistical planning for transportation, and the value placed on a faith-based or independent school community versus the local public system.