The Best Private Schools in Austin, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Austin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John's Sauers Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John's Sauers Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just minutes from Austin, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a comprehensive education rooted in Lutheran values with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and faith formation. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes robust STEM programs, music education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has served the greater Austin/Seymour community for over 50 years with a proven track record of preparing students for high school success.
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St. Ambrose Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Ambrose Catholic School is a premier Catholic educational institution serving the Austin area from nearby Seymour. The school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a rigorous academic program that consistently produces students who excel in high school and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in mathematics and language arts while integrating technology and faith-based learning. The school features modern facilities, experienced faculty, and a supportive community environment. With over 60 years of educational excellence, St. Ambrose maintains high academic standards and offers diverse extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs.
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Columbus Christian School
Non-denominational Christian
Columbus Christian School is a highly-rated private Christian school serving students from Austin and surrounding communities. Located approximately 20 minutes from Austin, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical worldview with rigorous academics, featuring advanced placement opportunities, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The school boasts modern facilities, experienced faculty with advanced degrees, and a track record of graduates attending prestigious universities. With over 40 years of operation, Columbus Christian maintains excellent academic standards and high parent satisfaction ratings through its commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Austin, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Austin, Indiana?
Austin, Indiana, is served by a small number of private, faith-based schools. The primary options include St. John's Sauers Lutheran School (Pre-K-8), which offers a Lutheran education, and St. Ambrose Catholic School (K-8) in neighboring Scottsburg. Many Austin families also consider Columbus Christian School (Pre-K-12), located about 15 miles away in Columbus, for a continuous K-12 private education. Due to the limited options directly in Austin, parents often look to schools in surrounding Scott and Bartholomew counties, making transportation an important consideration.
How does the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (voucher program) affect tuition for private schools near Austin?
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible families in the Austin area. Schools like St. Ambrose Catholic School and Columbus Christian School participate in the voucher program. Eligibility is based on household income and other criteria, with multiple income tiers. For the 2023-24 school year, a family of four with an income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for some level of voucher assistance. It's crucial to contact the specific school's financial aid office early in the application process to understand your eligibility and the required documentation.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Austin, IN, area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Austin area emphasize their faith-based integration and often have smaller class sizes than the local public school district, Scott County School District 2. For example, St. John's Sauers Lutheran School incorporates religious teachings throughout its curriculum and may offer programs in Christian stewardship. Columbus Christian School provides a full K-12 pathway with athletics and arts programs, which is a unique offering compared to the K-8 local options. These schools often highlight their community values and character education as key differentiators from the public system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Austin, Indiana?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. John's Sauers, St. Ambrose, and Columbus Christian School generally begin in January or February for the following academic year. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. For popular grades, spaces can fill quickly, especially in kindergarten. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. Given the limited seats in these smaller schools, it is highly recommended that Austin-area families initiate inquiries by November to ensure they meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Austin, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves weighing several local factors. The public Austin Elementary and Middle/High School offer proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school like St. Ambrose or Columbus Christian means committing to a daily commute (15-30 minutes) and managing tuition costs, potentially offset by vouchers. Parents must consider the value of a specific religious education, smaller class sizes, and the school's culture against the convenience and comprehensive programs of the public system. Additionally, for high school, the only local private option requires commuting to Columbus, so the social and logistical aspects of your child being outside the immediate Austin community are important to consider.
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