The Best Private Schools in Stapleton, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stapleton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augusta Preparatory Day School
Independent School
Augusta Preparatory Day School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Augusta area, including Stapleton. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, extensive Advanced Placement course offerings, and comprehensive arts and athletic programs. With a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements. The 60-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Westminster Schools of Augusta
Independent Christian School
Westminster Schools of Augusta is a premier Christian college preparatory school serving families throughout the CSRA region, including Stapleton. The school combines academic excellence with Christian values, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes 17 Advanced Placement courses. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, fine arts center, and athletic facilities. Westminster emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and maintains strong college acceptance rates to selective universities.
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Aquinas High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah
Aquinas High School is a respected Catholic college preparatory school that serves students from throughout the Augusta metropolitan area, including Stapleton. As the only Catholic high school in the CSRA, Aquinas provides a faith-based education alongside strong academic programs. The school offers numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on developing the whole person - spiritually, academically, and socially - Aquinas maintains a strong community atmosphere and excellent college placement record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stapleton, Georgia
What are the primary private school options serving families in Stapleton, Georgia, and how accessible are they?
While Stapleton itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to private schools in the broader Augusta metropolitan area. The most prominent options include Augusta Preparatory Day School in Martinez (a Pre-K-12, non-sectarian school), Westminster Schools of Augusta in Augusta (a Christian, college-preparatory school for grades K-12), and Aquinas High School in Augusta (a private Catholic high school). Accessibility from Stapleton involves a commute, primarily via GA-104 and I-20, ranging from approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and the specific campus. These schools often provide bus transportation routes that may extend to surrounding communities like Stapleton.
How does tuition at top private schools near Stapleton, GA, compare, and what financial aid options are available for Georgia residents?
Tuition for the leading schools near Stapleton varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Augusta Prep's tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 for lower school to $24,000 for upper school. Westminster Schools of Augusta's tuition is broadly similar, while Aquinas High School, as a diocesan school, often has a slightly lower tuition, typically in the mid-teens. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and as Georgia residents, families may also be eligible for the state's Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit program, which funds Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs). These SSOs provide scholarships for students to attend private schools, potentially reducing the net cost significantly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Augusta area offer that might benefit a student from Stapleton?
Schools in the Augusta region leverage local assets for unique programs. Augusta Preparatory Day School emphasizes global studies and has a strong engineering track, benefiting from proximity to Fort Gordon's cyber command. Westminster Schools of Augusta offers robust Christian leadership programs and extensive fine arts. Aquinas High School provides a distinctive Catholic classical curriculum alongside a nationally recognized athletics program. For a student commuting from Stapleton, these schools also offer extensive after-school activities and late bus options to accommodate the travel distance, ensuring participation in clubs, sports, and academic support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Augusta Prep, Westminster, and Aquinas for a family relocating to Stapleton?
The enrollment process is competitive and begins early. For primary entry points (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades), applications often open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February for the following fall. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT for some grades), and a family/student interview. For families moving to Stapleton mid-cycle or outside standard timelines, it's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as some spaces may be available in other grades. Given the commute, many schools encourage a visit and a "shadow day" for the student to experience the campus.
For a family in rural Stapleton, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school in Augusta?
The decision hinges on several Stapleton-specific factors. The local public school is likely part of the Jefferson County School District, which offers a different community environment. Key considerations include: the daily commute to Augusta (30-45+ minutes each way) for private school versus bus transportation to a local public school; the desire for a specific religious or college-preparatory focus not available publicly; and the financial investment of tuition versus no-cost public education. Families should also consider the social integration for their child, as attending a private school in Augusta means building a peer network largely outside their immediate Stapleton community, which can impact after-school and weekend activities.