The Best Private Schools in Tybee Island, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Tybee Island. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Savannah Country Day School
Independent
Savannah Country Day School is consistently ranked as one of the top private schools in coastal Georgia, serving students from Tybee Island and throughout the Savannah metropolitan area. This independent college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade, with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 65-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Notable for its high college acceptance rates, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and character development through comprehensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service.
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St. Andrew's School
Independent
St. Andrew's School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Tybee Island community and greater Savannah area. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers both the IB Diploma Programme and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a 27-acre wooded campus with modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. St. Andrew's is known for its diverse student body, strong sense of community, and balanced approach to education that emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and personal growth. The school maintains excellent college placement records and offers robust athletic and arts programs.
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Quality Private School 3
Independent School
A trusted private school serving the Tybee Island community with quality education and personalized learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Tybee Island, Georgia
Are there any private schools physically located on Tybee Island, Georgia, and what are the primary options for families living there?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located on Tybee Island itself. Families residing on Tybee Island typically look to private schools in the greater Savannah metropolitan area, which is about a 30-minute commute. The most prominent options include Savannah Country Day School and St. Andrew's School, both of which are highly-regarded, independent college-preparatory institutions. Some families may also consider parochial schools or smaller private academies in Savannah. The commute is a significant factor for Tybee Island residents, so transportation arrangements and daily travel time are important local considerations.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving Tybee Island, Georgia, families, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the top private schools in the Savannah area that serve Tybee Island families typically ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per year for the upper grades. Most schools offer robust need-based financial aid. A key Georgia-specific program is the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program, which allows taxpayers to redirect a portion of their state income tax to provide need-based scholarships for students to attend participating private schools. Both Savannah Country Day School and St. Andrew's School are GOAL participating schools, which can be a crucial financial resource for qualifying Tybee Island families.
Given Tybee Island's coastal environment, do any Savannah-area private schools offer specialized programs in marine science or environmental studies?
Yes, the unique coastal ecology of the Tybee Island and Savannah region is reflected in some local private school curricula. Savannah Country Day School, for example, has a strong science department with opportunities for environmental and ecological study that can leverage the nearby barrier island and marsh habitats for fieldwork. Some schools may offer specialized courses, clubs, or independent study projects focused on marine biology, coastal conservation, or environmental science. When touring schools, Tybee Island parents should inquire about science electives, partnerships with local institutions like the University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, and related extracurricular activities.
How does the enrollment timeline for Savannah private schools work for Tybee Island families, and are there considerations for the application process from off the island?
The enrollment timeline for competitive Savannah private schools is similar to national independent school norms, with applications typically due in January or February for the following fall. Key steps include fall/winter open houses, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), and student interviews. For Tybee Island families, planning for the logistical aspects is vital. This includes scheduling multiple trips to Savannah for tours and interviews, accounting for potential bridge traffic, and ensuring all application materials are submitted electronically or by mail well in advance. Building a relationship with the admissions office and communicating your commute plans can also be beneficial.
What are the primary factors a Tybee Island family should consider when choosing between the local public school (Tybee Island Maritime Academy) and a private school in Savannah?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Tybee Island Maritime Academy (TIMA) is a public charter school with a unique maritime-focused curriculum that directly leverages the island's environment, offering a very short commute. Choosing a private school in Savannah involves a significant daily commute but typically offers smaller class sizes, extensive extracurricular and athletic options, and a college-preparatory curriculum that may have different breadth or depth. Families must weigh the value of a specialized, community-based public charter against the broader academic and programmatic resources of a Savannah private school, while also seriously considering the impact of a 45-60 minute round-trip commute on their child's daily schedule and family life.
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