The Best Private Schools in Rabun Gap, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rabun Gap. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Tallulah Falls School
Independent
Located just 15 miles from Rabun Gap, Tallulah Falls School is a highly respected college preparatory school serving grades 5-12. The school offers both day and boarding options with a comprehensive academic program that includes extensive STEM offerings, fine arts, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and personalized attention, students receive exceptional college counseling and academic support. The campus features modern facilities including advanced science laboratories, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's mountain location provides unique outdoor education opportunities while maintaining strong academic standards that consistently produce graduates accepted to top universities.
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
Independent
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a prestigious coeducational day and boarding school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1905, this historic institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement courses. The school features exceptional facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Known for its diverse student body and strong community values, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The boarding program attracts students from across the country and internationally, while maintaining strong ties to the local community through its day student program.
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The Mountain School of Milton
Milton Academy
While located in Vermont, The Mountain School of Milton serves students from across the country, including those from Georgia seeking exceptional semester school experiences. This highly selective semester program for high school juniors focuses on environmental studies, sustainable agriculture, and Appalachian culture. Students from Rabun Gap and surrounding areas regularly attend this transformative program that combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning. The school operates as part of Milton Academy's network and provides college preparatory curriculum with unique focus on environmental science, literature, and community living. The program is particularly appealing to students from mountain communities seeking advanced environmental education opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rabun Gap, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available in or near Rabun Gap, Georgia, and what distinguishes them?
The primary private school in Rabun Gap itself is the prestigious Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, a co-educational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12, known for its rigorous academics, Episcopal affiliation, and extensive campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A short drive away, parents also consider Tallulah Falls School in Tallulah Falls, GA (about 20 minutes south), a college-preparatory day and boarding school serving grades 5-12 with a strong STEM focus and competitive tuition structure. The Mountain School of Milton, located in nearby Clarkesville, GA, is a smaller, independent school offering a project-based learning environment for grades K-8. The distinction often comes down to boarding options, religious affiliation, grade ranges, and educational philosophy, all within the unique rural-mountain context of Northeast Georgia.
How does the boarding school component of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School benefit local families and what are the options?
While Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a renowned boarding school attracting students globally, it offers a critical "day student" option for families living in Rabun Gap and surrounding Rabun County. This allows local students to access the school's exceptional facilities, diverse student body, and expansive academic/athletic programs without boarding. The boarding component, however, enriches the entire community by creating a 24/7 campus life, fostering a global perspective, and supporting robust after-school and weekend programs that day students can often participate in. For local families considering boarding, there is also a 5-day boarding option, providing flexibility. This blend makes RGNS a unique educational asset not commonly found in rural Georgia towns.
What are the typical tuition ranges for private schools in the Rabun Gap, GA area, and what financial aid or scholarships are specifically available?
Tuition varies significantly between schools. For the 2024-25 academic year, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School's day student tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 for lower grades to over $30,000 for upper school, with boarding costs additional. Tallulah Falls School's day tuition is generally lower, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, reflecting its different funding model. All schools offer need-based financial aid. Crucially for Georgia residents, the state's **Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program** is a major factor. This program allows donors to redirect a portion of their state taxes to provide scholarships for students to attend participating private schools, including both RGNS and Tallulah Falls. This can substantially reduce the net cost for eligible families.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Rabun Gap-area private schools leverage the unique North Georgia mountain environment?
Schools here deeply integrate the local environment into their curricula and student life. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School has a renowned outdoor program with activities like hiking, climbing, and paddling, and its science classes often utilize the surrounding ecosystems. Its boarding program also includes a nationally recognized Work Program where all students, including day students, contribute to campus operations, instilling a strong work ethic tied to the region's values. Tallulah Falls School emphasizes environmental science and offers unique access to the nearby Tallulah Gorge for study and recreation. This focus on place-based learning, sustainability, and outdoor leadership is a defining characteristic of private education in this region, differing from urban private school offerings.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools in Rabun Gap, and are there considerations for late applicants given the area's smaller population?
The process typically begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, with application deadlines in January or February for the following academic year. Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, as a selective school with boarding demand, has a more structured timeline with key dates for financial aid applications. However, due to the smaller local population pool compared to metro areas, schools like RGNS and Tallulah Falls may have more flexibility for qualified late applicants, especially for day student positions in certain grade levels. It is always advisable to contact the admissions office directly, even after published deadlines, as space may become available. Rolling admissions is less common but possible. For kindergarten entry at RGNS, early inquiry is essential due to high local demand for those limited spots.
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