The Best Private Schools in Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Simons Island. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Frederica Academy
Independent
Frederica Academy is the premier private school on Saint Simons Island, offering a comprehensive college-preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 42-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Known for small class sizes and individualized attention, Frederica emphasizes academic excellence with Advanced Placement courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a strong sense of community and has a proven track record of college placements at selective universities.
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St. Francis Xavier Catholic School
Diocese of Savannah
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School serves families throughout the Golden Isles region including Saint Simons Island, offering a faith-based education from pre-K3 through 8th grade. The school provides a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by technology integration, including a dedicated STEM lab and 1:1 device program. With strong parent involvement and community values, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Students consistently perform above national averages on standardized testing and are well-prepared for high school placement.
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Glynn Academy
Glynn County Schools (College Preparatory Magnet Program)
While technically a public school, Glynn Academy's College Preparatory Magnet Program serves as a premier educational option for Saint Simons Island families seeking rigorous private-school-level academics. As Georgia's second-oldest public high school, it offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, extensive AP courses, and specialized academies in STEM and fine arts. The magnet program features selective admission, smaller class sizes, and enhanced academic opportunities that rival private institutions. The historic campus combines tradition with modern facilities, providing comprehensive extracurricular programs and competitive athletics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Simons Island, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families living on Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and what grade levels do they serve?
The primary private school options directly serving Saint Simons Island families are Frederica Academy and St. Francis Xavier Catholic School. Frederica Academy is an independent, college-preparatory day school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. St. Francis Xavier is a Catholic school offering programs from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. It's important to note that Glynn Academy, while often mentioned in local educational conversations, is actually a highly-regarded public high school in Brunswick, not a private institution. For families seeking private education beyond 8th grade on the island, Frederica Academy is the main local option.
How does the tuition for private schools on Saint Simons Island, GA, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Saint Simons Island's private schools is generally above the Georgia state average for private education, reflecting the island's coastal community and the specialized programs offered. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Frederica Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $15,000 for lower grades to over $20,000 for upper school. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School tuition is typically lower, often ranging from $7,000 to $10,000, with reduced rates for parish members. Both schools offer need-based financial aid, and Frederica Academy also has merit-based scholarship opportunities. Georgia's Tax Credit Scholarship Program (GOAL Scholarship, SSO) is a significant resource, allowing donors to redirect a portion of their state taxes to provide scholarships for private school students, which many local families utilize.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Saint Simons Island private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Private schools on Saint Simons Island uniquely integrate the coastal and maritime environment into their curricula. Frederica Academy, for instance, has a strong Marine Science program that utilizes the nearby Atlantic Ocean and marsh ecosystems for hands-on learning, including boat-based studies and coastal conservation projects. Many schools emphasize environmental stewardship and outdoor education. Extracurriculars often include sailing, fishing clubs, and coastal ecology competitions. This localized focus provides students with an educational experience deeply connected to the unique geography and culture of Georgia's Golden Isles, which is a distinctive advantage over more inland private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Frederica Academy on Saint Simons Island, and are there considerations for island residents?
The enrollment process for Saint Simons Island private schools typically begins in the fall for the following academic year. Frederica Academy, for example, often opens applications in September/October, with priority deadlines in January or February. The process usually involves an application, student assessments or transcripts, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For island residents, it's crucial to apply early due to limited seats and competitive admission, especially in entry-level grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade). Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. Given the island's geography, schools are accustomed to working with families who may split time between Saint Simons and other locations, but demonstrating a primary local residence is important for admission and community integration.
For families considering both public and private education on Saint Simons Island, what are the key differentiating factors in the educational experience?
The key differentiation on Saint Simons Island centers on school size, curriculum flexibility, and religious affiliation. The public school option for island residents is Glynn County Schools, which involves students attending island elementary/middle schools before being zoned for Glynn Academy in Brunswick for high school. Private options like Frederica Academy offer a continuous, small-community experience from Pre-K to 12th grade on one campus, with smaller class sizes and a dedicated college-prep curriculum. St. Francis Xavier provides a faith-based education integrated with academic rigor. Private schools often have more resources for individualized learning plans and specialized faculty. A major practical consideration is the daily commute: private schools on the island eliminate the need for a bridge crossing to Brunswick for middle and high school, which can be a significant factor for traffic and family logistics.
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