The Best Private Schools in Carthage, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carthage. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Knightstown Christian School
Independent Christian School
Knightstown Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located just 15 minutes from Carthage. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Their STEM program includes advanced science and mathematics courses, while their fine arts department provides music, art, and drama opportunities. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and academic rigor that prepares students for college success.
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St. Michael Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Michael Catholic School in Greenfield serves families throughout Hancock County, including Carthage residents. This established Catholic school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes advanced mathematics and comprehensive language arts instruction, supplemented by robust music and arts programs. The school features well-maintained facilities including a dedicated chapel, modern classrooms, computer labs, and playground areas. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its caring environment, experienced teachers, and balanced approach to spiritual and academic development.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Indianapolis
St. Mary School in Rushville serves students from Carthage and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Catholic education. The school offers a balanced curriculum with particular strength in STEM education and literacy development. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and extensive extracurricular offerings including sports teams and community service programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carthage, Indiana
What are the private school options for families living in Carthage, Indiana, and are there any located directly in town?
Carthage itself is a very small town and does not have a private school campus within its immediate town limits. However, families in Carthage typically look to nearby communities for excellent private, faith-based education. The most commonly considered schools include **St. Mary School** in nearby Rushville (approx. 15-minute drive), **St. Michael Catholic School** in Greenfield (approx. 25-minute drive), and **Knightstown Christian School** in Knightstown (approx. 20-minute drive). These schools serve the broader rural region of Rush and Henry counties, making Carthage residents part of their core community.
How does the tuition at private schools serving Carthage, IN, compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, area schools like St. Mary and St. Michael typically have parishioner and non-parishioner rates, often ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 annually. Knightstown Christian School may have a similar range. A critical financial consideration for Indiana residents is the **Indiana Choice Scholarship Program** (voucher), which provides state-funded assistance to eligible families based on income. Additionally, the **Indiana Tax Credit Scholarship** (SGO) program allows donors to direct funds to scholarships. It's essential to discuss eligibility directly with your school of interest, as they are experts in navigating these Indiana-specific programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Carthage, IN, offer that might not be available in the local public district?
Schools serving the Carthage area often emphasize small class sizes and faith integration as core differentiators. Specifically, **St. Mary School** offers a strong STEM program and Spanish instruction from preschool onward. **St. Michael Catholic School** highlights its "Leader in Me" program and dedicated art and music specialists. **Knightstown Christian School** provides a Bible-based curriculum and may offer agricultural or hands-on learning opportunities relevant to the rural community. Compared to the larger consolidated public districts, these private options often provide more individualized attention and a close-knit community atmosphere valued by many Carthage-area families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary or St. Michael for a family moving to Carthage?
Enrollment for the following academic year often opens in January or February for existing families and siblings, with open enrollment for new families beginning in early spring. However, these schools frequently accept rolling admissions based on availability, which is especially helpful for families relocating to Carthage mid-year. The process typically involves: 1) a campus tour and meeting with the principal, 2) submission of an application and records from the previous school, 3) a placement assessment for some grade levels, and 4) registration and financial aid paperwork. We recommend contacting the schools directly as soon as you know your plans, as some grades may have waiting lists.
For a family in Carthage, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Rush County Schools) and a private school a drive away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Transportation** is primary: public schools provide busing within the Carthage township, while private schools require parent-provided transportation to Rushville, Greenfield, or Knightstown. **Community and Values:** Private schools offer a specific faith-based environment and very small, consistent peer groups. **Academic & Extracurricular Scope:** The public high school (Rushville Consolidated High School) will have a wider variety of sports, clubs, and AP courses due to its larger size. Carthage families must weigh the daily commute and cost against the desire for a specific educational philosophy and intimate setting. Many families find the drive worthwhile for the community and personalized focus.
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