The Best Private Schools in Ashburn, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Tiftarea Academy
Independent School
Tiftarea Academy is a highly-rated independent school serving the Ashburn area from nearby Tifton, known for its rigorous academic programs and extensive extracurricular offerings. The school provides a balanced education with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, and sports complexes. With a long history of excellence, it boasts high parent satisfaction due to its supportive environment, experienced faculty, and strong college placement record.
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Crisp Academy
Independent School
Crisp Academy is a reputable private school located in Cordele, easily accessible to Ashburn families, offering a well-rounded education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school focuses on academic achievement with a college preparatory curriculum, supplemented by arts, athletics, and club activities. Its facilities include updated classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor spaces for sports. Parent reviews highlight the school's committed teachers, safe environment, and strong sense of community, contributing to its consistent high ratings.
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Turner County Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Turner County Christian Academy is a well-regarded private school located directly in Ashburn, offering a comprehensive Christian education for grades K-12. The school emphasizes academic excellence with a college preparatory curriculum, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Extracurricular programs feature competitive sports teams, fine arts offerings, and community service opportunities. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong community atmosphere and focus on character development alongside academics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashburn, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Ashburn, Georgia?
Ashburn, GA, is served by a few key private institutions, though many families also consider schools in neighboring counties. Within Turner County, Turner County Christian Academy is a local option. However, many families in the Ashburn area also look at Tiftarea Academy in Chula (about a 20-minute drive) and Crisp Academy in Cordele (about a 25-minute drive). These schools are well-established, with Tiftarea and Crisp Academy offering K-12 programs, and they represent the core of private education options accessible to Ashburn residents. There are no large, multi-campus private school networks in this immediate rural region.
How does tuition at private schools like Turner County Christian Academy compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at private schools in the Ashburn area is generally below the metropolitan Atlanta private school averages but must be evaluated in the context of local household incomes. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at schools like Tiftarea Academy and Crisp Academy typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually for base tuition. Turner County Christian Academy may be on the lower end of that scale. All these schools usually offer some form of financial aid, sibling discounts, or payment plans. Importantly, Georgia has the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which allows donors to redirect a portion of their state taxes to provide need-based scholarships for students attending participating private schools. Both Tiftarea Academy and Crisp Academy are GOAL participants, which can significantly help eligible Ashburn families with tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ashburn, GA, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Ashburn area often leverage their smaller size to offer specialized programs and a focused environment. For example, Tiftarea Academy has a strong college-preparatory curriculum with a noted agriculture program and FFA chapter, reflecting the region's industry. Crisp Academy offers a comprehensive athletic program competing in the GISA (Georgia Independent School Association) and emphasizes individualized learning. Turner County Christian Academy provides a faith-based education integrated into all subjects. A common differentiator is the GISA athletic and academic competition circuit, which allows for statewide competition in a smaller-school setting, something not available in the public GHSA. Many also offer dual-enrollment opportunities with local technical colleges and Georgia Southwestern State University.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Tiftarea Academy for a family moving to Ashburn?
The enrollment process for private schools serving Ashburn is generally rolling but has key deadlines for priority consideration and financial aid. For a fall start, the ideal timeline begins in the January-March period of the prior year. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an application with a fee, 2) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations from the current school, 3) A student and family interview or campus visit, and 4) Possibly an entrance assessment. For schools like Tiftarea and Crisp Academy, which draw from multiple counties, spaces in certain grades can fill up. It is highly recommended that Ashburn families initiate contact with the admissions office as early as possible, especially if seeking a GOAL Scholarship, as those applications have firm early spring deadlines.
For an Ashburn resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local Turner County public schools and a private academy?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Academically, Turner County public schools offer state-standard curricula and programs, while private academies offer alternative curricula (often college-prep or faith-based) and smaller class sizes. Logistically, attending Tiftarea or Crisp Academy requires a daily commute of 20-30 minutes each way, which involves transportation costs and time—a factor not present with the local public school or Turner County Christian Academy. Financially, private tuition is a direct cost, whereas public school is funded by taxes. Socially and athletically, private schools in the GISA may offer more opportunities for student leadership and varsity sports participation due to smaller student bodies. Many Ashburn families value the private school community as an extended network across several rural counties, which can be a significant consideration in this region.