The Best Private Schools in Jekyll Island, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jekyll Island. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Frederica Academy
Frederica Academy
Frederica Academy is the premier private school serving the Golden Isles region, including Jekyll Island families. This independent college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program from pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Students benefit from a comprehensive athletics program, extensive arts curriculum, and college counseling that consistently places graduates in top universities. The school maintains a strong sense of community while providing challenging academics in a supportive environment.
Programs:
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Diocese of Savannah
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School provides exceptional private education to families throughout Glynn County, including Jekyll Island residents. Serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, the school combines strong Catholic values with academic excellence. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology, Spanish language instruction from kindergarten, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school features modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. With a focus on character development and community service, St. Francis prepares students for success in high school and beyond while maintaining a nurturing, family-oriented environment.
Programs:
Glynn Academy Private Programs
Glynn County Schools (Private/Charter Programs)
While primarily a public institution, Glynn Academy offers several private-level educational programs that serve Jekyll Island families seeking advanced academic opportunities. The school's International Baccalaureate program provides a world-class, globally-focused curriculum recognized by top universities worldwide. Additionally, the STEM Academy and extensive Advanced Placement course offerings create a private-school caliber education within a comprehensive high school setting. The historic campus features modern facilities, including recently renovated science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. These specialized programs attract students from throughout the Golden Isles seeking rigorous academic preparation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jekyll Island, Georgia
Are there any private schools physically located on Jekyll Island, Georgia, and what are the primary options for families living there?
There are no private school campuses physically located on Jekyll Island itself due to its small residential population and focus as a historic resort destination. Families residing on Jekyll Island typically look to private schools in the broader Glynn County area on the mainland. The primary options include Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island (a K-12 independent school), St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Brunswick (Pre-K through 8th grade), and the private programs affiliated with Glynn Academy in Brunswick. Transportation to these schools is a key consideration for Jekyll Island residents, often involving a commute across the Jekyll Island Causeway.
What is the tuition range for the top private schools serving Jekyll Island, GA, and are there financial aid options specific to Georgia residents?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Jekyll Island families varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Frederica Academy tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000+ depending on grade level. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is generally more affordable, with tuition often between $7,000 and $10,000. Georgia offers the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, a state-approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) that provides need-based scholarships for students to attend participating private schools. Both Frederica Academy and St. Francis Xavier participate in this program, which can be a crucial financial resource for eligible Jekyll Island families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Jekyll Island offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Private schools in the Jekyll Island area often integrate the unique coastal Georgia environment into their curricula. Frederica Academy, for instance, may utilize the nearby marshes, beaches, and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island for marine biology, environmental science, and ecology projects. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also supports strong sailing and coastal athletic programs. St. Francis Xavier and other schools frequently organize educational field trips to Jekyll Island's historic district, 4-H facilities, and conservation areas, providing hands-on learning about history, sustainability, and wildlife that is specific to the Golden Isles region.
How does the enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Frederica Academy differ from Glynn County public schools for a family moving to Jekyll Island?
Enrollment for private schools near Jekyll Island is typically independent of the Glynn County Public School district calendar and involves a more comprehensive application process. For schools like Frederica Academy, the process often begins a full year in advance, with application deadlines in the winter for the following fall. It includes steps like standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a campus visit. In contrast, enrolling in the designated public school for Jekyll Island (which is likely a school in Brunswick) follows the county's open registration period and is based primarily on proof of residency. Private school admission is selective and not guaranteed by residency, making early planning essential for Jekyll Island families.
For a family considering a move to Jekyll Island, what are the notable advantages of choosing a private school in the Golden Isles over the local public school system?
The primary advantages of private schools for Jekyll Island residents often include smaller class sizes, specialized college preparatory tracks (especially at Frederica Academy), and a consistent educational philosophy. Given that Jekyll Island students would commute to mainland Brunswick for public school, a private option like Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island may offer a comparable commute with a potentially different community feel and resource set. Private schools can provide more flexibility in curriculum, allowing for deeper exploration of the local ecology and history. Furthermore, for families who are seasonal residents or who travel frequently, some private schools may offer more personalized accommodation for flexible schedules than the public system's strict attendance policies.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities