The Best Private Schools in Bedford, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bedford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
Diocese of Indianapolis Catholic Schools
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is Bedford's premier private school offering comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a strong faith-based academic foundation with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology, fine arts, and religious education. The school features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, computer technology resources, and extensive athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community involvement.
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Lighthouse Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lighthouse Christian Academy serves the Bedford community with a comprehensive K-12 Christian education program. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that includes Advanced Placement and dual credit courses through local colleges. Their campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities including gymnasium and sports fields, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong extracurricular programs in athletics, music, and community service. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong academic outcomes.
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St. Charles Borromeo School
Diocese of Indianapolis Catholic Schools
Located in nearby Bloomington (approximately 25 miles from Bedford), St. Charles Borromeo School serves families throughout the region with an outstanding Catholic education program. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and faith formation. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science enrichment programs, comprehensive language arts, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern technology resources, dedicated science labs, extensive library facilities, and well-maintained athletic spaces. Many Bedford families choose this school for its exceptional academic reputation, experienced faculty, and strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bedford, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Bedford, Indiana, and what are their core affiliations?
Bedford, Indiana, offers a few primary private school options, each with distinct characteristics. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade) and St. Charles Borromeo School (Pre-K through 6th grade) are both parish-based Catholic schools providing faith-based education with a traditional academic core. Lighthouse Christian Academy serves students from Kindergarten through 12th grade and is an interdenominational Christian school. For a complete K-12 private education within Bedford, Lighthouse Christian Academy is the only current option, as the Catholic schools feed into public high schools or require consideration of Catholic high schools in neighboring communities.
How does tuition at Bedford, IN private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Bedford's private schools is generally below the Indiana state average for private education, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at the area's Catholic elementary schools often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per student, with parishioner discounts. Lighthouse Christian Academy's tuition varies by grade but is competitive within this range. All schools offer need-based financial aid, and critically, Indiana's state-funded School Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) and Tax Credit Scholarship (SGO) programs are widely utilized. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, making private school in Bedford more accessible than many families initially expect.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bedford private schools offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Bedford private schools integrate the local context into their programs in several ways. Given Bedford's history as the "Limestone Capital of the World," schools often incorporate local geology and history into science and social studies curricula. St. Vincent de Paul and St. Charles Borromeo emphasize community service projects tied to local parishes and organizations. Lighthouse Christian Academy may offer agricultural or shop-related electives that align with the surrounding rural community. Extracurriculars are often collaborative; for instance, schools may form co-op sports teams for sports not offered individually, allowing students to compete against larger public schools in the area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bedford, Indiana, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Bedford private schools typically begins with open houses in January or February for the following fall. Application deadlines are often in early spring (March/April), but rolling admissions continue based on availability. Due to the smaller size of these schools, some grades—particularly kindergarten and early elementary—can fill quickly, leading to waitlists. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for religious schools), and a family interview. A key local consideration is that Indiana's voucher application window (often February-April) can influence family timelines, so it's advised to apply for school admission and financial aid programs concurrently.
For a family considering private versus public schools in Bedford, what are the defining operational differences, particularly regarding standardized testing and school size?
The defining differences between Bedford's private and public (North Lawrence Community Schools) options are class size, curriculum flexibility, and testing philosophy. Bedford private schools boast significantly smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students versus 25+ in public schools, allowing for more individualized attention. While public schools follow Indiana's state-mandated curriculum and ILEARN/IREAD standardized testing, private schools have more autonomy. They typically use nationally-normed tests like NWEA MAP for internal assessment without the high-stakes state accountability pressure. However, public schools offer a wider array of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and large-scale athletic programs that smaller private schools cannot match independently.