The Best Private Schools in Advance, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Advance. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Crawfordsville Montessori School
Independent Montessori School
Crawfordsville Montessori School serves students from Advance and surrounding Montgomery County communities with authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. The school features individualized learning plans, hands-on Montessori materials, and a focus on developing independent, confident learners. With small class sizes and AMI-trained teachers, the school emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing each child's natural curiosity. The campus includes specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a strong community environment that draws families from throughout the region.
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Faith Christian School
Independent Christian School
Faith Christian School serves students from Advance and the greater Lafayette area with a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, Faith Christian provides a well-rounded education grounded in biblical principles. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptance for graduates.
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Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Lafayette Catholic Schools
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School serves students from Advance and surrounding communities in the Lafayette area with a comprehensive Catholic education for grades 7-12. The school features a strong college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With modern academic facilities, recently renovated science labs, and a commitment to faith-based education, Central Catholic provides a supportive community environment. The school boasts high graduation rates and strong college placement records, drawing students from multiple counties including those commuting from Advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Advance, Indiana
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Advance, Indiana, given that most top-rated schools are in nearby towns?
As a small unincorporated community, Advance itself does not host major private school campuses. However, families in Advance typically look to schools in neighboring Montgomery County towns, which are within a reasonable commuting distance. The primary options include **Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School (grades 7-12)** in nearby Lafayette, **Faith Christian School (K-12)** in Lafayette, and **Crawfordsville Montessori School (PreK-6)** in Crawfordsville. Your choice will largely depend on the age of your child, your educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori vs. faith-based), and your daily commute tolerance, with drives ranging from 20 to 40 minutes.
How does tuition for private schools serving Advance, IN, compare to the state average, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs to consider?
Tuition for schools accessible to Advance families varies. For the 2024-25 school year, Faith Christian School's tuition is approximately $6,500-$8,500, while Central Catholic High School is around $9,000-$10,000. Crawfordsville Montessori operates on a different scale for its younger grades. These figures are generally at or slightly below the Indiana private school average. Critically, Indiana residents can leverage the state's **School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program**. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Advance, IN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The schools provide distinct specialized programs. **Central Catholic** offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and theology programs, along with competitive athletics in the Hoosier Conference. **Faith Christian School** integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and emphasizes character development. **Crawfordsville Montessori School** provides a hands-on, individualized learning environment focused on early childhood and elementary education using the Montessori method—an option not available in most public districts in the area. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention than larger public school corporations in Montgomery or Boone counties.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Central Catholic or Faith Christian that serve Advance area families?
Enrollment for the following academic year typically opens in January or February, with priority often given to current families and siblings. For schools like **Central Catholic** and **Faith Christian**, the process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter; attending these is highly recommended. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades, initiating the process by early spring is crucial. Crawfordsville Montessori may have a rolling admissions process but encourages early inquiry due to small classroom sizes.
For an Advance resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school in the North Montgomery School Corporation and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several local factors. **Commute & Community:** Public schools (like North Montgomery schools) offer proximity and neighborhood connections. Private schools require a daily commute but can offer a tight-knit community centered on a shared mission (faith or educational philosophy). **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free. Private schools require tuition, but Indiana's voucher program may offset this. **Educational Approach:** Public schools follow state standards and offer a broad curriculum. Private schools provide alternative approaches (Montessori, faith-based integration) and often have more flexibility in teaching methods. **Extracurriculars:** Larger public high schools may have more extensive sports and club offerings, while private schools can offer more participation opportunities per student.