The Best Private Schools in Kennesaw, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kennesaw. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fulton Science Academy Private School
Fulton Science Academy
Fulton Science Academy Private School, located in nearby Alpharetta, serves students from throughout the metro Atlanta area including Kennesaw. The school is nationally recognized for its STEM excellence, with state championship robotics teams, advanced science labs, and comprehensive technology integration. The curriculum includes 25 Advanced Placement courses, extensive research opportunities, and a strong college preparatory program. The modern campus features specialized labs for engineering, biotechnology, and computer science, along with fine arts facilities and athletic programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has earned numerous accolades for academic achievement and innovation in education.
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Mount Paran Christian School
Independent Christian School
Mount Paran Christian School is a premier private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM labs, and extensive fine arts facilities including a 750-seat performing arts center. The 68-acre campus includes modern athletic facilities, innovation labs, and dedicated spaces for collaborative learning. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently accepted to top-tier universities nationwide.
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The Walker School
Independent School
Located just minutes from Kennesaw in Marietta, The Walker School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. As Cobb County's only International Baccalaureate World School, Walker offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside Advanced Placement courses. The school features a rigorous academic program with dedicated STEM facilities, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 35-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kennesaw, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available within Kennesaw, Georgia, and how do they differ in educational philosophy?
Kennesaw, GA, is home to several prominent private schools, each with a distinct focus. Mount Paran Christian School offers a comprehensive, faith-based education from Pre-K through 12th grade, integrating Christian values across its rigorous academic and arts programs. The Walker School, located just over the city line in Marietta, is a highly-regarded, secular, college-preparatory day school serving grades PK-12, known for its strong academics and diverse community. Fulton Science Academy Private School, with a campus in Alpharetta serving Kennesaw-area families, emphasizes a STEM-focused curriculum. Additionally, families in Kennesaw often consider nearby Cobb County options like North Cobb Christian School. The key difference lies in the secular versus faith-based environment and specialized curricular emphases like STEM or liberal arts.
How does tuition for private schools in Kennesaw, GA, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Kennesaw-area private schools is generally at or above the Georgia state average for private education, reflecting their competitive programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for upper schools can range from approximately $18,000 to over $25,000 annually. Most schools, including Mount Paran Christian and The Walker School, offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Georgia also offers the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, a state-approved Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) that provides tax-credited scholarships to eligible students attending participating private schools, which can significantly offset costs for qualifying families. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid deadlines and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Kennesaw area that leverage local resources or partnerships?
Private schools in the Kennesaw area often create unique programs by leveraging Georgia's tech corridor and local cultural institutions. For example, STEM-focused schools like Fulton Science Academy have robotics teams and partnerships with nearby universities such as Kennesaw State University (KSU). Many schools integrate Georgia's history and ecosystems into their curricula, with field trips to sites like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The Walker School and Mount Paran Christian have strong arts programs that sometimes collaborate with local theaters and the Cobb County arts community. Additionally, several schools offer distinctive programs like global studies, engineering pathways, or outdoor education that utilize the region's diverse geography and economic landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Kennesaw, Georgia?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the Kennesaw area is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Key steps generally include: 1) **Fall (Year Prior):** Attending open houses and virtual tours (typically September-November). 2) **Application Deadline:** Most schools have deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. 3) **Student Assessments/Interviews:** Scheduled in winter (January-February), which may include standardized testing, classroom visits for younger grades, and interviews for older students. 4) **Financial Aid Applications:** Due concurrently with or shortly after the admission application. 5) **Decision Notification:** Most schools release decisions in March. It is crucial to check each school's website, as dates can vary, and waiting lists are common for popular grades.
For families moving to Kennesaw, how do the academic environments and resources of private schools compare to the highly-rated public schools in the Cobb County School District?
Kennesaw is served by the nationally recognized Cobb County School District, which includes high-performing schools like Kennesaw Mountain High School. The choice between these public options and private schools often comes down to specific family priorities. Private schools in the area typically offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+ in public), more individualized attention, and distinct missions (e.g., religious education or progressive pedagogy). They may also have more flexibility in curriculum and specialized programs. However, Cobb County public schools offer extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, large-scale athletic and arts facilities, and no tuition. The decision frequently hinges on values alignment, desired educational approach, and budget, as the public schools provide strong academics without the financial investment of private tuition.