The Best Private Schools in Ellerslie, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellerslie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brookstone School
Independent
Brookstone School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Columbus metropolitan area, including Ellerslie. Founded in 1951, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and a strong STEM program. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its strong community atmosphere and extensive extracurricular offerings.
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Calvary Christian School
Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Columbus area and surrounding communities including Ellerslie. The school provides a comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic achievement integrated with Christian values. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced placement options, and a robust fine arts program. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic teams, and a supportive learning environment that emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Faith Middle/High School
Faith Baptist Church
Faith Middle/High School is a respected private Christian institution serving the greater Columbus region, including Ellerslie families. The school offers a comprehensive educational program for grades 6-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. Academic programs include honors and advanced placement courses, complemented by extensive athletic and fine arts opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individual student development within a Christian worldview. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellerslie, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Ellerslie, Georgia, and what are their key characteristics?
Ellerslie itself is a small community, so families typically look to nearby Columbus, Georgia for private school options. The most prominent schools serving the Ellerslie area include Brookstone School (a non-denominational, college-preparatory day school known for strong academics and athletics), Calvary Christian School (a K-12 Christian school offering a Bible-based curriculum), and Faith Middle/High School (a private Christian school). While not in Ellerslie proper, these schools are within a commutable distance and represent the core choices for private education. It's important for Ellerslie parents to consider the daily commute to Columbus when evaluating these options.
How does tuition at private schools near Ellerslie, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Ellerslie is generally competitive with statewide private school averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range from approximately $8,000 to $15,000+ annually, depending on the school and grade level. Georgia offers significant financial support through the Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship Program (also known as the GOAL or SSO program), which allows donors to redirect a portion of their state taxes to provide need-based scholarships for private school students. All major schools in the Columbus area, including Brookstone, Calvary Christian, and Faith, participate in this program. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and may have payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Columbus/Ellerslie area offer that distinguish them from each other and from public options?
The private schools near Ellerslie offer distinct specializations. Brookstone School is renowned for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, advanced STEM programs, and extensive arts and athletic facilities. Calvary Christian School emphasizes its integrated biblical worldview across all subjects and may offer specific ministry or chapel programs. Faith Middle/High School also provides a Christ-centered education with a focus on character development. Compared to the local public schools in the Harris County (Ellerslie) and Muscogee County districts, these private schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specific religious instruction (if faith-based). They may also have more flexibility in curriculum design and specialized college counseling.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ellerslie, GA families, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools near Ellerslie, like Brookstone, often begins a full year in advance. Key steps typically include: attending an open house (usually in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following academic year, completing student assessments/interviews, and providing records and teacher recommendations. Some schools, particularly the more sought-after college-preparatory institutions, may have waitlists for certain grade levels. It is crucial for Ellerslie parents to initiate inquiries early, as spaces can be limited. Schools like Calvary Christian and Faith may have more rolling admission, but applying early is always advisable to secure a spot and complete any necessary financial aid paperwork.
For an Ellerslie, GA resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in Columbus?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Ellerslie students attending private schools in Columbus face a daily drive of 20-40 minutes, which impacts family schedules and transportation logistics. Second is **cost**: Comparing the "free" public education in the highly-rated Harris County School District to significant private tuition plus commuting costs is essential. Third is **educational philosophy**: Ellerslie's public schools are secular and comprehensive, while the private options offer specific religious environments (Christian) or intensive college-prep focus. Finally, consider **community**: Attending a local public school keeps children in neighborhood peer groups, whereas a private school places them in a potentially more geographically diverse but philosophically aligned community. Weighing these practicalities against your family's educational priorities is key.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Private Special Education Schools in Ellerslie, GA: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Ellerslie, Georgia, the search for the right educational environment for a child with unique learning needs can feel both urgent and deeply personal. Typing "private special education schools near me" into a search engine is often a starting point filled with hope and apprehension. While Ellerslie itself is a close-knit community within the broader Columbus area, the landscape for specialized private education requires looking at both local options and the rich resources available in the surrounding region. Understanding this local context is the first step in navigating what can seem like a complex journey.
It's important to recognize that many excellent private schools in our area, such as Brookstone School, Calvary Christian School, and Faith Middle/High School, offer strong academic foundations and supportive communities. These institutions often provide various levels of learning support, accommodations, and smaller class sizes that can benefit many students. For instance, a school's dedicated learning specialist or resource program might be perfectly suited for a child with mild to moderate learning differences, such as dyslexia or ADHD. The first practical step is to directly contact these schools' admissions offices. Have a candid conversation about your child's specific needs, their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or evaluation reports, and ask detailed questions about the support structures they have in place. Many families find that with the right accommodations, a traditional private school can be a wonderful fit.
However, for children requiring more intensive, specialized therapeutic interventions or a curriculum entirely designed for specific disabilities, a dedicated private special education school may be the optimal path. Here, the Columbus metropolitan area becomes a significant asset for Ellerslie families. While there may not be a school with that specific designation within Ellerslie's immediate borders, a short drive opens up access to specialized programs. Your search should expand to include schools in Columbus, Pine Mountain, and even into Alabama, which are all within a reasonable commute. These institutions specialize in areas such as autism spectrum disorders, significant language-based learning disabilities, or social-emotional needs, offering integrated speech, occupational, and behavioral therapies throughout the school day.
The key for Ellerslie parents is to blend proactive research with local networking. Connect with other parents through community centers or your current school district. Pediatricians, child psychologists, and educational advocates in the Columbus region are also invaluable resources who understand the local and regional options. Remember, "near me" is as much about the community and support network you build as it is about geography. Visiting potential schools is non-negotiable; observe the classrooms, feel the culture, and see if your child would thrive there. The perfect setting is one where your child is understood, challenged appropriately, and welcomed fully. By leveraging both the intimate community of Ellerslie and the specialized resources of the greater Columbus area, you can move beyond the generic search to find a truly transformative educational home for your child.
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