The Best Private Schools in Sharon, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sharon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Schools of Augusta
Independent
Westminster Schools of Augusta is a highly regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM initiatives, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a low student-teacher ratio and a focus on character development, it consistently achieves high parent satisfaction and academic outcomes, serving families across the Central Savannah River Area, including Sharon.
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Prince Avenue Christian School
Christian
Prince Avenue Christian School provides a Christ-centered education from pre-K to 12th grade, emphasizing academic rigor integrated with biblical values. Serving the broader northeast Georgia region, including Sharon, the school offers a college preparatory curriculum with STEM focus, Advanced Placement courses, and diverse athletics and arts programs. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and sports complexes. With a reputation for high parent satisfaction and strong community involvement, it fosters spiritual and academic growth, attracting students from various backgrounds seeking a comprehensive private school experience.
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Briarwood Academy
Independent
Briarwood Academy is a respected private school offering education from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular involvement. Located in nearby Warrenton, it serves the Sharon community with a college preparatory curriculum that includes dual enrollment options and AP courses. The school boasts modern classrooms, athletic fields, and arts facilities, along with a supportive teacher-student environment. Parents praise its family-oriented atmosphere and commitment to student success, making it a popular choice for families in rural east Georgia seeking a well-rounded private education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sharon, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Sharon, Georgia?
While Sharon itself is a small town, families typically look to private schools in the broader region. The most prominent options include Westminster Schools of Augusta (about 30 miles away in Augusta), Briarwood Academy (in Warrenton, roughly 25 miles away), and Prince Avenue Christian School (in Athens, approximately 50 miles away). These are all independent, college-preparatory schools with distinct religious affiliations (Presbyterian, non-denominational Christian, and Baptist, respectively). For Sharon residents, commuting is a significant factor, so exploring each school's transportation options or carpool networks is essential.
How does the tuition for private schools near Sharon, GA, compare to state averages, and are there any Georgia-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the top regional schools varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Westminster Schools of Augusta's high school tuition is approximately $20,000, Briarwood Academy's is around $9,000, and Prince Avenue Christian School's is about $12,000. These figures are generally in line with or slightly below the Georgia private school average. Georgia offers two significant financial aid programs: the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for students to attend participating private schools (Westminster and Prince Avenue are participants), and the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) for students with IEPs. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Sharon, GA, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the region offer specialized programs not always available in smaller public school districts. Westminster Schools of Augusta features a renowned global studies program and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings. Briarwood Academy emphasizes a tight-knit community with strong agricultural and FFA programs, appealing to the rural character of the Sharon area. Prince Avenue Christian School integrates a biblical worldview across its curriculum and has a strong focus on fine arts and championship-level athletics. All three provide smaller class sizes and more individualized attention than typical public schools in Taliaferro or surrounding counties.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Sharon applying to schools like Westminster, Briarwood, or Prince Avenue?
The process is competitive and requires early planning. For fall admission, the timeline generally begins in the prior fall (September-October) with open houses and inquiry submissions. Application deadlines are typically between January and February, involving submission of forms, academic records, teacher recommendations, and standardized testing. Many schools require a family interview and student visit/assessment. Admission decisions are often released in March. Given the commute from Sharon, it's crucial to schedule visits well in advance and discuss logistics. We recommend initiating contact with the admissions office at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for sought-after grades.
For a family in rural Sharon, GA, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school a significant distance away?
The decision hinges on several Sharon-specific factors. First, evaluate the commute: a 30-50 mile daily drive to a private school requires a major time and fuel commitment. Second, consider the community aspect—attending a local public school keeps children within their immediate community, while a private school offers a different social and often more academically rigorous environment. Third, assess academic and programmatic needs: if a child needs advanced curricula, specific religious education, or specialized support not available in the Taliaferro County school system, a private school may be worth the commute. Finally, analyze the financial impact, balancing tuition, aid, and transportation costs against the perceived value of the private education.