The Best Private Schools in Sheridan, Arkansas
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sheridan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mount St. Mary Academy
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Mount St. Mary Academy is a premier all-girls Catholic college preparatory school serving central Arkansas, including the Sheridan area. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. With a 100% college acceptance rate and strong emphasis on leadership development, the school has earned recognition as one of Arkansas's top private schools. The 40-acre campus provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention.
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Christ Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Christ Lutheran School offers a comprehensive classical Christian education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout central Arkansas including Sheridan. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based framework, featuring a rigorous curriculum that includes Latin instruction, advanced mathematics, and comprehensive science programs. The campus includes modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, music and art studios, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, the school maintains strong parent satisfaction and consistently prepares students for success in competitive high school programs.
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Little Rock Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Little Rock Christian Academy is a comprehensive PreK-12 Christian school serving the greater Little Rock metropolitan area, including families from Sheridan. The academy offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and nationally recognized fine arts programs. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, athletic complex with stadium, and modern classroom buildings. With a strong emphasis on character development and academic excellence, LRCA consistently ranks among Arkansas's top private schools and maintains high college acceptance rates to selective universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sheridan, Arkansas
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Sheridan, Arkansas, given that many top-rated schools are in Little Rock?
Families in Sheridan have a few local private options, such as Christ Lutheran School, which offers a faith-based K-8 education. For high school and a wider range of programs, many Sheridan families consider commuting to Little Rock schools like Mount St. Mary Academy (all-girls) or Little Rock Christian Academy (co-ed). This 30-45 minute commute is a common reality for private secondary education in the Sheridan area. It's important to research each school's transportation policies, as some may offer bus service from surrounding counties.
How does tuition at private schools near Sheridan, AR, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools accessible to Sheridan families varies. Local K-8 schools like Christ Lutheran often have lower tuition, while larger Little Rock academies have higher fees, generally ranging from $8,000 to $15,000+ annually. Arkansas has several financial aid mechanisms that Sheridan parents can utilize. The most significant is the Succeed Scholarship Program for students with IEPs. Additionally, many schools offer need-based aid, and some participate in the Arkansas Tax Credit Scholarship Program (supported by nonprofits like ACE), which provides scholarships based on financial need to eligible families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Sheridan community offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Greater Little Rock area, which serve Sheridan students, often provide specialized tracks not always available in smaller public districts. For example, Mount St. Mary Academy offers robust STEM and fine arts programs with college-level partnerships. Little Rock Christian Academy features extensive athletic facilities and a wide array of AP courses. Christ Lutheran School provides a tight-knit, faith-integrated curriculum. These schools often have lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention, which is a key differentiator for Sheridan parents seeking alternatives to larger public school classrooms.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Sheridan/Little Rock area, and when should Sheridan families start applying?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Sheridan often begins a full year in advance. For schools like Little Rock Christian Academy and Mount St. Mary Academy, the application window for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with deadlines in January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a family interview. Sheridan families are strongly advised to start researching and attending open houses in the fall, as waiting lists can form quickly, especially for entry-grade levels.
For a family in Sheridan, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between the local public school district and a private school commute to Little Rock?
The decision hinges on several Sheridan-specific factors. First, evaluate the commute's impact on family time and extracurricular participation. Second, assess the specific academic, athletic, or arts opportunities your child needs that may be more readily available at a private academy. Third, consider the financial commitment beyond tuition, including transportation costs. Fourth, reflect on the educational philosophy—whether you desire a specific religious foundation or a particular pedagogical approach. Finally, visit both your zoned Sheridan public school and the private options. The Sheridan School District has its own strengths, and the "right fit" balances academic goals with practical logistics and community environment.
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