The Best Private Schools in Boston, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Christian School
Independent Christian School
Columbus Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution located approximately 15 miles from Boston, serving students across Bartholomew County and surrounding areas. The school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. Their college preparatory program boasts high college acceptance rates, and they provide robust STEM curriculum alongside fine arts and athletic programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Peter's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Peter's Lutheran School is one of Indiana's oldest and most respected private schools, located in nearby Columbus and serving families throughout the region including Boston. The school provides exceptional education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Lutheran Christian teachings. Their comprehensive curriculum includes advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and extensive music programs. The historic campus features modernized facilities, technology-integrated classrooms, and dedicated spaces for arts and athletics. The school is noted for its highly qualified teachers and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Mary's School in North Vernon serves students from Boston and surrounding Jennings County communities, offering exceptional Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school features a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on mathematics, language arts, and religious education. Their curriculum is enhanced by technology integration, art programs, music education, and various extracurricular activities. The school maintains small class sizes ensuring personalized attention, and parents consistently report high satisfaction with the quality of education and supportive community environment. The campus includes modern facilities while maintaining its historic character.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boston, Indiana
What are the private school options available specifically in Boston, Indiana, and what are their educational affiliations?
Boston, Indiana, is a small, unincorporated community, so its private school options are limited and often faith-based, serving the broader township and county area. The primary options include Columbus Christian School (non-denominational Christian), St. Peter's Lutheran School (Lutheran), and St. Mary's School (Catholic). It's important for parents to note that these schools may be located in nearby towns like Columbus or North Vernon, with Boston residents commuting. Each offers a K-8 education rooted in their respective religious traditions, with small class sizes being a common feature. For high school, families typically look at private options in larger nearby communities or consider public schools in the Jennings County or Bartholomew County school districts.
How does tuition at private schools serving Boston, IN, compare to the state average, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Boston area is generally below the state average for Indiana private schools, reflecting the rural and semi-rural nature of Jennings County. Annual tuition often ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 for elementary grades. Indiana offers significant state-funded financial aid programs that Boston-area families can utilize. The most notable is the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers), which provides state-funded vouchers to eligible families based on income to attend participating private schools. Additionally, the Indiana Tax Credit Scholarship program allows donors to receive a tax credit for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which then provide need-based scholarships. All three local schools (Columbus Christian, St. Peter's, St. Mary's) typically participate in these programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Boston, Indiana, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Given their small size and religious missions, the private schools near Boston, IN, differentiate themselves through specialized faith-integrated curricula and close-knit community environments. Columbus Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects. St. Mary's School integrates Catholic teachings and sacramental preparation. St. Peter's Lutheran focuses on Lutheran doctrine and often has strong music programs tied to the church. While they may not have the extensive athletic facilities or elective variety of a larger public school like Jennings County Elementary or High School, they offer consistent, values-based education with high teacher-student interaction. Some may partner with local organizations for limited extracurriculars, but their core distinction is religious education and character formation.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Boston, IN, seeking to join a private school like St. Mary's or Columbus Christian?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Boston area usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year, with many schools hosting open houses by February. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an application (often available online) by March or April for priority consideration, 2) Providing records from the previous school, 3) A family interview or meeting with school administration, and 4) For faith-based schools, possibly providing a pastor's reference or proof of parish membership (for parishioner tuition rates). Due to limited seats, especially in specific grades, early application is encouraged. Families should also apply for Indiana voucher or SGO scholarship programs simultaneously, as those have separate state deadlines, usually in the spring.
For a family living in Boston, IN, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school?
The key considerations involve logistics, cost, and educational philosophy. Logistically, Boston students are typically districted for Jennings County public schools, which provide bus transportation. Attending a private school like those in Columbus often requires parent-provided transportation, a significant factor given the rural roads and distance. Cost is major, but Indiana's voucher program can make private school financially feasible for qualifying families. Educationally, parents must decide if they desire the specific religious environment and small-school setting of a private option versus the broader curriculum, sports, and potentially larger peer network of the public system. Academically, it's wise to examine standardized test scores and teacher qualifications at both types of schools. Ultimately, the choice for Boston residents often centers on how much they value faith-based instruction and are willing to manage the commute.