The Best Private Schools in Crawford, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crawford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian Academy
Westminster Christian Academy
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Crawford area and surrounding Oconee County. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, and graduates consistently gain admission to top universities. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities.
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Athens Academy
Athens Academy
Athens Academy is a premier independent school serving Crawford and the greater Athens area with a reputation for academic excellence. The school offers a rigorous curriculum including 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive arts education. Campus features include state-of-the-art science and technology labs, athletic facilities, performing arts center, and extensive library resources. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic achievement, with a diverse student body and experienced faculty holding advanced degrees.
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Prince Avenue Christian School
Prince Avenue Christian School
Prince Avenue Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education to students from Crawford and surrounding communities. The school offers a balanced approach to education with strong academic programs, spiritual development, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Curriculum includes honors and AP courses, dual enrollment options with local colleges, and comprehensive fine arts and athletic programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crawford, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Crawford, Georgia?
While Crawford itself is a small town, families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Westminster Christian Academy in Watkinsville, Athens Academy in Athens, and Prince Avenue Christian School in Athens. These schools are all within a reasonable commuting distance (typically a 15-30 minute drive) from Crawford. It's important to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within Crawford's city limits, so transportation planning is a key consideration for local parents.
How does the tuition for private schools near Crawford, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Athens/Oconee County area near Crawford is competitive but can be significant. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $12,000 to over $25,000 per year for day students, varying by grade level and school. Georgia offers the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, a popular tax-credit scholarship that provides need-based financial aid to students attending participating private schools. All three mentioned schools (Westminster, Athens Academy, Prince Avenue) participate in GOAL, and each also has their own institutional financial aid programs. Additionally, Georgia's HOPE Scholarship, while primarily for college, can influence private high school choices due to its rigorous course requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Crawford offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in this region often integrate the local culture and resources into their programs. Athens Academy and Westminster Christian Academy, for instance, may have strong connections to the University of Georgia (UGA), offering advanced research opportunities, guest lectures, or facility use for high school students. Agricultural science and environmental stewardship programs are also notable, taking advantage of Crawford's more rural setting in Oglethorpe County. Furthermore, many schools have robust arts programs that connect to Athens's renowned music scene. Prince Avenue Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated across all subjects, which is a distinctive feature for families seeking faith-based education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Crawford, GA, families?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in this area often begins very early. Prospective families should initiate inquiries in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment (e.g., Fall 2024 for the 2025-2026 school year). Key steps include attending open houses (typically held between October and January), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews, and receiving decisions by March. Waiting lists are common, especially for entry-grade levels. Given Crawford's location, be sure to inquire about transportation services or carpool networks, as most schools do not provide bus service from Crawford proper.
For a family in Crawford, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools in Oglethorpe County and a private school in Athens or Watkinsville?
The decision hinges on several Crawford-specific factors. Oglethorpe County public schools offer proximity and a strong community feel without a commute. Choosing a private school like those in Athens involves a daily commute on highways like GA-78 or US-129, impacting family schedules. Academically, private schools often offer smaller class sizes, more specialized courses (like extensive AP or language offerings), and different educational philosophies (e.g., classical Christian or college-preparatory). For extracurriculars, larger private schools may have more variety, but Oglethorpe County schools provide traditional sports and activities. Ultimately, families must weigh the financial investment, commute time, desired class size, and specific academic or religious mission against the convenience and cost-free option of their local public schools.