The Best Private Schools in Sumner, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sumner. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Deerfield-Windsor School
Independent
Deerfield-Windsor School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving South Georgia, including Sumner residents. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, the school offers rigorous academic programs across all grade levels. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 9:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, robotics, and arts programs.
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Southland Academy
Independent
Southland Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from Sumner and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Southland features modern academic facilities, competitive athletic programs, and a strong emphasis on character development. The school has a long tradition of academic excellence with graduates attending top universities nationwide. Extracurricular offerings include championship sports teams, academic competitions, and performing arts programs.
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Westwood Schools
Independent
Westwood Schools provides exceptional private education to students from Sumner and the broader Southwest Georgia region. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in STEM education and fine arts. Westwood features modern campus facilities including technology labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with a focus on developing well-rounded students through diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, academic teams, and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sumner, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Sumner, Georgia?
While Sumner itself is a small, rural community, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Southwest Georgia region. The most prominent options include Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany (K-12, college-preparatory), Southland Academy in Americus (K-12), and Westwood Schools in Camilla (K-12). These schools are within a reasonable commuting distance from Sumner and represent the core of private education choices for local families, offering alternatives to the public school systems in Crisp or Sumter Counties.
How does the tuition for private schools near Sumner, GA, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Sumner, such as Deerfield-Windsor, Southland, and Westwood, typically ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually for lower grades, and can be higher for upper grades. This is generally in line with or slightly below the average for Georgia private schools outside of major metropolitan areas. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Georgia’s unique Student Scholarship Organization (SSO) programs, like the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, allow donors to fund scholarships for students in return for a state tax credit. Many families in Sumner utilize these SSO scholarships to make private education more affordable.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools serving the Sumner, GA area?
Private schools in the region distinguish themselves with specific programs. Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, a strong arts program, and competitive athletic conferences. Southland Academy in Americus is known for its smaller class sizes, a focus on character education, and successful agricultural and FFA programs that resonate with the rural community. Westwood Schools in Camilla emphasizes a STEM-focused curriculum and project-based learning. These specializations provide families in Sumner with distinct choices based on their child’s interests and learning style.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools near Sumner, Georgia?
The process for schools like Deerfield-Windsor, Southland, and Westwood usually begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. It involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or assessment. Many schools host open houses between October and January. Due to limited seats, especially in entry-level grades (Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), applying by their priority deadline—often in February or March—is crucial. Families in Sumner should plan to contact admissions offices a full year in advance to ensure they understand specific requirements and deadlines.
For a family in rural Sumner, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a commute away?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. Sumner is served by the Crisp County School District. Choosing a private school like those in Albany, Americus, or Camilla means committing to a daily commute of 30-60 minutes, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. The trade-off often includes smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if desired), and potentially more advanced or specialized academic tracks. For families deeply connected to the immediate Sumner community, the local public school offers proximity and convenience. The choice ultimately hinges on the value placed on the private school’s specific offerings versus the practicality and community integration of the local public system.