The Best Private Schools in Brunswick, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brunswick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Frederica Academy
Independent School
Frederica Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Brunswick and Golden Isles area. Established in 1970, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes, rigorous academic curriculum, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service programs. The campus includes modern facilities, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic complexes. Frederica Academy consistently graduates students who attend top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Diocese of Savannah
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School has been serving the Brunswick community since 1954, providing a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions. The school offers programs from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual formation. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEAM education, Spanish language instruction from early grades, and robust music and arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and features updated facilities including technology labs, library resources, and dedicated spaces for worship and community gatherings.
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Glynn Academy (Private School Program)
Glynn County School System (Private Track)
While primarily a public institution, Glynn Academy offers exceptional private school-level educational opportunities through its specialized programs and has served the Brunswick community since 1788, making it one of Georgia's oldest continuously operating schools. The academy provides rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate options, comprehensive career technical education pathways, and outstanding fine arts programs. The historic campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes that rival many private institutions in quality and resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brunswick, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available in Brunswick, Georgia, and what distinguishes them?
Brunswick, GA, offers a few key private school options, each with a distinct focus. **Frederica Academy** is the area's premier independent college-preparatory day school, serving grades Pre-K through 12, known for its rigorous academics, extensive arts and athletics, and waterfront campus. **St. Francis Xavier Catholic School** provides a faith-based education for students in Pre-K3 through 8th grade, emphasizing moral development within a traditional academic framework. It's important to note that **Glynn Academy** is a public high school; there is no private school program there. Parents in Brunswick often also consider commuting to nearby St. Simons Island for additional options. The distinction largely comes down to college-prep vs. faith-based education and the grade levels served.
How does tuition for private schools in Brunswick, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Brunswick is generally below the average for major metropolitan areas in Georgia but is a significant investment for local families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Frederica Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $12,000 for lower school to over $18,000 for upper school. St. Francis Xavier is more moderate, often ranging between $6,000-$8,000 annually. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, and Frederica Academy also has merit scholarships. Georgia's **Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) Tax Credit Program** is a critical financial consideration, allowing taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state taxes to provide scholarships for students to attend private schools, including those in Brunswick. Consulting with each school's admissions office about specific aid packages and the SSO process is essential.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Brunswick private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Private schools in Brunswick uniquely integrate the coastal Georgia ecosystem into their curricula. **Frederica Academy** has a notable Marine Science program that utilizes its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and salt marshes for hands-on field studies and research. Its waterfront campus also supports sailing and crew as extracurricular activities. **St. Francis Xavier** incorporates local ecology and Georgia history into its science and social studies units, with potential field trips to the nearby Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation historic site or the Marshes of Glynn. This localized learning provides students with a tangible connection to their community's natural and cultural heritage, an advantage not always found in standardized curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Brunswick, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for Brunswick private schools typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with key deadlines between January and March. Frederica Academy has a structured process involving an application, student assessment/testing (for certain grades), parent interview, and records review. St. Francis Xavier follows a similar timeline with an application and placement screening. While waitlists exist, especially for popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, they are not as protracted as in larger cities. However, due to the limited number of seats, early application is strongly advised. Both schools host open houses in the fall and winter, which are the best opportunities for prospective families to visit.
For a family moving to Brunswick, what are the key factors in choosing between the public Glynn County School District and a local private school?
The choice between Glynn County public schools (like Glynn Academy High School) and Brunswick private schools hinges on several local factors. **Public schools** offer a no-tuition option with diverse programs, larger class sizes, and extensive resources funded by the county. **Private schools** offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), specialized curricula (college-prep or faith-based), and more community cohesion. A specific local consideration is school zoning; your public school assignment is determined by your address within Glynn County. Private schools provide location independence within the county. Furthermore, if a family values a specific educational philosophy, religious instruction, or a consistent learning environment from Pre-K through graduation (at Frederica), a private school may be the preferred choice despite the financial commitment.
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