The Best Private Schools in Bainbridge, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bainbridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Avon serves families in the Bainbridge area with a comprehensive early childhood education program. This nationally accredited institution focuses on developmental milestones through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which incorporates STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth. The school features modern classrooms, secure facilities, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Parents consistently praise the qualified teachers, safe environment, and the school's ability to prepare children for elementary school with strong academic and social foundations.
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St. Susanna School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Susanna School provides a faith-based education serving families in Bainbridge and surrounding communities. This Catholic school offers a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with religious education, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school features modern technology integration, dedicated STEM labs, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Parents highlight the strong community atmosphere, individualized attention due to small class sizes, and the school's commitment to developing both academic excellence and moral character. The school maintains high academic standards with students consistently testing above national averages.
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The International School of Indiana
Independent Non-Profit
The International School of Indiana serves families throughout central Indiana, including Bainbridge residents seeking world-class private education. As Indiana's only independent, non-profit international school, ISI offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from Primary Years through Diploma Program. The school features extensive language immersion programs starting in preschool, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a diverse student body and faculty from over 40 countries, the school provides a globally-focused education that prepares students for top universities worldwide. Parents consistently praise the academic rigor, cultural exposure, and exceptional college placement record.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bainbridge, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Bainbridge, Indiana?
While Bainbridge itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Hendricks County and Indianapolis metro area. The most prominent local option is St. Susanna School in Plainfield, a Catholic K-8 institution. For early childhood education, The Goddard School, a national franchise with a strong focus on play-based learning, has a location in nearby Avon. For a rigorous, globally-focused curriculum, some Bainbridge families consider The International School of Indiana in Indianapolis, though it involves a significant commute. It's important for Bainbridge residents to note that most private schooling will require travel to neighboring communities, making transportation a key consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools near Bainbridge, IN, compare, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies widely based on the school's type and grade level. St. Susanna School, as a parish-affiliated Catholic school, typically has lower tuition, often ranging from $5,000-$8,000 annually, with discounts for parish members. The Goddard School, being a premium preschool/daycare, charges weekly rates that can equate to $10,000-$15,000+ per year. The International School of Indiana's tuition is the highest, often exceeding $20,000. Indiana offers significant financial assistance through the School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and it can be used at participating private schools, including St. Susanna. Additionally, the state's 529 plan (CollegeChoice 529) can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, providing a tax-advantaged savings option.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Bainbridge area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the region offer specialized programs that may not be available in the local North West Hendricks School Corporation. St. Susanna School provides a faith-based education integrated with core academics and character formation. The International School of Indiana offers full language immersion programs in Spanish, French, and Mandarin from preschool onward, along with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum—a unique offering in central Indiana. The Goddard School focuses on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) learning labs and social-emotional development for young children. For Bainbridge families, these specialized approaches—religious, international, or advanced early childhood—are the primary draws, as they offer alternatives to the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Susanna that serve Bainbridge families?
For schools like St. Susanna School, the enrollment process often begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is typically given to current families, siblings, and active parishioners of St. Susanna Catholic Church. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), school records, and possibly a family interview. Given the limited seats and the school's popularity in Hendricks County, applying early is crucial. The Goddard School in Avon often has rolling enrollment based on availability, especially for its preschool programs. For any private school, contacting the admissions office 6-12 months in advance is a recommended strategy for Bainbridge parents.
For a family in Bainbridge, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several Bainbridge-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: The local North West Hendricks schools (like Bainbridge Elementary) offer the convenience of proximity, while private options require a daily drive to Plainfield, Avon, or Indianapolis. Second is **cost**: Public schools are tuition-free, whereas private schools require significant financial investment, though Indiana's voucher program can help. Third is **educational philosophy**: Bainbridge's public schools offer a strong, standard curriculum with extracurriculars, while private options provide specific environments like religious formation (St. Susanna) or language immersion (ISI). Finally, **community**: Attending a local public school fosters neighborhood connections, while a private school may connect your child to a wider regional or faith-based network. Visiting both types of schools is essential for Bainbridge parents.
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