The Best Private Schools in Cedar Lake, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedar Lake. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Crown Point
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Crown Point provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, serving families throughout Northwest Indiana including Cedar Lake. The school features child-centered classrooms with specialized Montessori materials, outdoor learning environments, and enrichment programs in art, music, and foreign languages. The experienced faculty holds Montessori certifications and maintains low student-teacher ratios. The program emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and holistic development within a nurturing environment.
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Andrean High School
Diocese of Gary
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Northwest Indiana, including Cedar Lake families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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St. Mary Catholic Community School
Diocese of Gary
St. Mary Catholic Community School serves Pre-K through 8th grade students from Cedar Lake and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations, including advanced math and reading programs. Facilities feature modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and gymnasium. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development, with extensive extracurricular opportunities including sports, music, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedar Lake, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Cedar Lake, Indiana?
While Cedar Lake itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to nearby communities for established options. The most referenced schools include Andrean High School (a Catholic, college-prep high school in Merrillville), St. Mary Catholic Community School (a Pre-K through 8th grade school in Crown Point), and The Montessori School of Crown Point. Many Cedar Lake residents also consider private schools in larger neighboring towns like Lowell or Schererville. Transportation is often a key consideration, as these schools are not typically served by Cedar Lake's public bus routes.
How does Indiana's school choice programs, like the Choice Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Cedar Lake residents?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship (voucher) program can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families in Cedar Lake. Eligibility is primarily based on household income and can allow students to attend participating private schools, like Andrean or St. Mary, with state-funded scholarships. The income thresholds are updated annually, and many families qualify. Additionally, the Indiana Tax Credit Scholarship program allows donors to fund scholarships, creating more financial aid opportunities. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application process for these state programs, as they are a major financial consideration for Northwest Indiana families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cedar Lake offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Cedar Lake area often offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Andrean High School is known for its strong "59er" STEM Academy and a wide array of competitive athletics and arts. St. Mary Catholic Community School provides a faith-based curriculum integrated at all grade levels and emphasizes character education. The Montessori School of Crown Point offers a child-led, hands-on learning environment vastly different from traditional classroom structures. For Cedar Lake families, these specialized environments—whether faith-based, Montessori, or college-prep intensive—are key draws compared to the regional public school offerings.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cedar Lake, Indiana students?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Andrean, St. Mary, and the Montessori School of Crown Point are critical due to limited seats. Most begin accepting applications for the following academic year in the fall (October-January), with priority deadlines often in early spring. The process usually involves an application, student records review, family interview, and for some, an entrance exam (particularly for high school). For Cedar Lake families, planning at least a year in advance is advisable. Many schools also host open houses in the fall; attending these is highly recommended to understand the commute and community fit.
For a family living in Cedar Lake, what are the practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision often hinges on commute, cost, and educational philosophy. Cedar Lake is part of the Hanover Community School Corporation, which is generally well-regarded. Choosing a private school like those in Crown Point or Merrillville adds a daily commute of 20-30 minutes each way, requiring family logistics for transportation. Financially, even with Indiana vouchers, there may be out-of-pocket costs. However, families seek private options for specific religious education, smaller class sizes, alternative pedagogies (like Montessori), or specialized college-prep tracks not as robustly offered in the public system. Weighing the daily time investment against the desired educational environment is a key local consideration.
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