The Best Private Schools in Aurora, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aurora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Lawrence School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Aurora and greater Dearborn County area. Established in 1957, the school provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, academic excellence, and strong community values.
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St. Mary's School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Located directly in Aurora, St. Mary's School has been serving the community since 1959 with exceptional Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, dedicated teachers, and family-oriented atmosphere. Programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, music education, and religious formation. The school maintains excellent facilities and offers various extracurricular activities. Parents frequently highlight the school's safe environment, individualized attention, and preparation for high school success.
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St. John the Baptist School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. John the Baptist School, located just across the state line in Harrison, Ohio, serves many families from the Aurora, Indiana area due to its proximity and excellent reputation. Founded in 1962, this Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on academic excellence and character development. The school features comprehensive technology integration, competitive sports programs, and strong art education. With dedicated faculty and modern facilities, the school provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for high school and beyond. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its community atmosphere and educational quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aurora, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for K-8 education in Aurora, Indiana?
Aurora, Indiana, is served by three Catholic elementary/middle schools, all part of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. These are St. Lawrence School (Pre-K-8), St. Mary's School (K-8), and St. John the Baptist School (K-8). These are the main private school options within the city itself. For high school, families typically look at private institutions in nearby larger communities like Lawrenceburg, Greendale, or across the river in Ohio, as there is no private high school physically located in Aurora. Each local school offers a faith-based education with core academic subjects, religious instruction, and extracurricular activities.
How does the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) affect tuition at private schools in Aurora?
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost for qualifying families at Aurora's private schools like St. Lawrence, St. Mary's, and St. John the Baptist. Eligibility is based on household income and size, with multiple income thresholds. For the 2023-24 school year, a family of four with an income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for a partial voucher. These state-funded vouchers are paid directly to the chosen private school. It's crucial to contact the specific school's office for the most current tuition rates after applying the voucher, as they can help determine your family's eligibility and final cost, making private education in Aurora more accessible.
What unique educational or community aspects define the private school experience in a small city like Aurora, IN?
Private schools in Aurora, IN, offer a distinctive small-community, values-based education. With smaller class sizes than many public districts, teachers provide personalized attention. A major unifying aspect is the strong emphasis on community service and local involvement; students often participate in Aurora's historic downtown events, riverfront clean-ups, and partnerships with local charities. Furthermore, being in a tight-knit Ohio River community, these schools often foster multi-generational family attendance and deep-rooted traditions. The Catholic identity integrates faith throughout the curriculum, but the schools welcome families of various faiths who appreciate the structured environment and moral focus.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Aurora, Indiana?
Enrollment for the following academic year at Aurora's private schools typically opens in January or February. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), recent report cards, and standardized test scores. Many schools host open houses in the winter. A key local consideration is that due to the small size of the schools, some grades—especially kindergarten and popular middle school grades—may have limited seats and can reach capacity. It is highly advisable for Aurora parents to begin inquiries early. Sibling and parish member preferences are often given, so connecting with the local parish community can be an important step.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Aurora's private schools compare to the public South Dearborn Community School Corporation?
Aurora's private schools (St. Lawrence, St. Mary's, St. John the Baptist) offer a core academic curriculum infused with daily religion classes, which is the primary differentiator from the public South Dearborn schools. Academically, private schools often have smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized instruction. For extracurriculars, public South Dearborn schools (like Aurora Elementary and South Dearborn Middle/High School) generally have a wider variety of sports teams, clubs, and advanced placement courses due to larger student populations. Aurora's private schools focus on foundational clubs, sports like basketball and volleyball, and music/art programs, with students often having the opportunity to participate in some South Dearborn athletics in later grades through cooperative agreements. The choice often comes down to prioritizing a specific faith-based environment and community size versus a broader array of elective and athletic options.
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