The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence Catholic School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Lawrence Catholic School serves families throughout Delaware County and surrounding areas including Arlington. This highly-rated Catholic school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced math, science labs, and technology integration. Extracurricular programs include sports, music, art, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Canterbury School
Independent Private School
Canterbury School is a premier independent school serving students from across northeastern Indiana, including those from Arlington seeking exceptional educational opportunities. The school offers a rigorous academic program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, featuring both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate curricula. Canterbury boasts state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school is renowned for its exceptional faculty, with over 70% holding advanced degrees, and consistently achieves top academic results with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Anderson Christian School
Independent Christian School
Anderson Christian School serves students from Madison County and surrounding communities including Arlington. This established Christian school offers education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses, fine arts, and competitive athletic programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and excellent college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Arlington, Indiana, and what are their key characteristics?
Arlington, Indiana, is a small town, so families often look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include St. Lawrence Catholic School in Lafayette (Pre-K-8), offering a faith-based education; Anderson Christian School in Anderson (K-12), providing an interdenominational Christian curriculum; and Canterbury School in Fort Wayne (Pre-K-12), known for its rigorous college-preparatory program. For Arlington residents, commuting to Lafayette, Anderson, or Fort Wayne is a common necessity, as there are no private schools physically located within Arlington's town limits. Each school has a distinct mission, so visiting and understanding the commute is a crucial first step.
How does tuition for private schools near Arlington, IN, compare, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly among schools near Arlington. St. Lawrence Catholic School typically has a lower tuition range, often between $4,000-$6,000 annually, with parish subsidies available for members. Anderson Christian School's tuition is generally moderate. Canterbury School, as a premier independent school, has the highest tuition, often exceeding $15,000 per year. All Indiana families, regardless of income, can benefit from the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program and the Tax Credit Scholarship program. Eligibility depends on household income and, for vouchers, sometimes a prior enrollment requirement in public school. These programs can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying Arlington families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Arlington area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Arlington provide specialized programs that may not be available in smaller public school districts. For example, St. Lawrence integrates Catholic values and sacramental preparation throughout its curriculum. Anderson Christian School emphasizes biblical integration in all subjects and may offer specific ministry or service-learning tracks. Canterbury School provides extensive Advanced Placement (AP) courses, renowned arts programs, and competitive athletics at a state level. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. For Arlington parents seeking a specific religious foundation or a highly accelerated academic track, these programs are a key differentiator.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Arlington, Indiana?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. Lawrence, Anderson Christian, and Canterbury usually begin in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority given to current families and siblings. Canterbury School often has a more formalized process with application deadlines, testing, and interviews. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially at Canterbury, Arlington families are advised to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Most schools host open houses in the fall. A critical step is scheduling a shadow day for your child, which requires planning due to the commute. Rolling admission may be available if spots remain, but early action is strongly recommended.
For an Arlington resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several Arlington-specific factors. First is the daily commute, which can be 30-60 minutes each way to Lafayette, Anderson, or Fort Wayne, impacting family logistics and extracurricular participation. Second is cost: while public school is tax-funded, private tuition is an expense, though Indiana's voucher program can help. Academically, private schools may offer more specialized or rigorous tracks, while Arlington Community Schools provide the convenience of a close-knit, local community. Families must also consider their values: if a religious education or a particular pedagogical approach (like college-prep) is a priority, the commute to a private school may be worthwhile. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is essential for comparison.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Small Private Schools in Arlington, Indiana for Your Child
When you begin searching for "small private schools near me" in Arlington, Indiana, you're likely looking for more than just a list of names. You're seeking an educational environment where your child is known, valued, and given the individual attention that can truly nurture their potential. In a close-knit community like ours, the benefits of a smaller school setting often align perfectly with the values many Arlington families hold dear: strong relationships, community involvement, and a focused, supportive learning atmosphere. Fortunately, the area around Arlington offers several excellent small private school options, each with its own distinct character and mission, allowing you to find a fit that resonates with your family's specific needs and beliefs.
One of the most significant advantages of choosing a small private school in our region is the profound sense of community. In smaller classrooms, teachers have the opportunity to understand each student's unique learning style, strengths, and areas for growth. This isn't just about academic support; it's about fostering confidence and character. For instance, St. Lawrence Catholic School, while located a short drive away in Muncie, serves many families from the Arlington area and exemplifies this model. It integrates faith-based values with a rigorous curriculum, all within an environment where every child's participation in the school community is visible and impactful. This kind of setting can be incredibly reassuring for parents who want their children to be seen as individuals, not just faces in a crowd.
Exploring options for "small private schools near me" also means considering specialized educational philosophies. Canterbury School, located in Fort Wayne, represents a different approach, offering an independent, college-preparatory experience. While it involves a commute, families from Arlington who choose this path often do so for its challenging academic environment and extensive extracurricular opportunities, all within a framework that emphasizes personal integrity and global citizenship. It’s a reminder that "near me" can be relative when you find a school that perfectly aligns with your child’s aspirations. Closer to home, Anderson Christian School provides another compelling choice, blending academic instruction with Christian principles. For Arlington parents, its proximity and focus on spiritual development alongside core subjects make it a practical and values-oriented consideration.
Ultimately, your search for the right small private school near Arlington is a deeply personal journey. We recommend moving beyond the initial online search to experience these communities firsthand. Schedule visits to St. Lawrence, Anderson Christian, or even take the drive to explore Canterbury. Sit in on a class, talk to teachers and administrators, and, most importantly, observe the students. Do they seem engaged and happy? Do they interact respectfully with each other and their educators? The right school will feel like an extension of your family's values, a place where your child can build a strong academic foundation while developing the character and connections that will serve them for a lifetime. In the landscape around Arlington, these small schools are not just institutions; they are vibrant, intentional communities waiting to welcome your family.