The Best Private Schools in Central, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Central. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Cathedral School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Mary Cathedral School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Greater Lafayette area, including Central. With over 160 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and strong community atmosphere.
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Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Central and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 100% college acceptance rate and features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Notable programs include their STEM Academy, performing arts department, and comprehensive athletic program with multiple state championships. The school is known for its strong community values, individualized attention, and excellent college preparation.
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Lafayette Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lafayette Christian School provides a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout the Lafayette metropolitan area including Central. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a biblical worldview framework, offering college preparatory curriculum, advanced placement courses, and dual credit opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its strong sense of community, dedicated teachers, and well-rounded education that balances academics, arts, and athletics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Central, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Central, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Central, Indiana, is served by a small cluster of well-regarded private schools, primarily with religious affiliations. St. Mary Cathedral School offers a Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School provides a continuous Catholic education for grades 7-12, making it a common destination for St. Mary graduates. Lafayette Christian School, while located in nearby Lafayette, is a popular choice for Central families seeking a nondenominational Christian education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The proximity to Lafayette expands options, but these three form the core private school community for Central residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Central, Indiana, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Indiana?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary Cathedral School and Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School have parishioner and non-parishioner rates, typically ranging from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually. Lafayette Christian School's tuition is generally comparable. A significant financial consideration for Indiana families is the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is based on income and other criteria, and these funds can be applied to participating private schools, substantially reducing out-of-pocket costs. All three schools offer additional financial aid and multi-child discounts, so families are encouraged to apply for assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Central, Indiana, area?
Private schools in this area leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School features a strong STEM curriculum and is known for its competitive athletics within the Hoosier Conference. St. Mary Cathedral School emphasizes foundational Catholic values with dedicated art, music, and Spanish programs starting in elementary grades. Lafayette Christian School offers a Biblically-integrated curriculum across all subjects and has notable fine arts and drama productions. A common advantage in this community is the emphasis on character development and the ability for students to participate in a wide range of sports and activities without the intense competition for spots found in larger public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary or Central Catholic in Central, Indiana?
The process typically begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. For St. Mary Cathedral School (Pre-K-8), open houses are held in January-February, with application deadlines in early spring. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School holds shadow days for prospective 7th and 9th graders in the fall and winter, with applications due by a specified date in February for priority consideration. Both schools require submission of academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance assessment. For families new to the Catholic schools, a meeting with the principal or admissions director is standard. It's crucial to contact the schools directly by January to ensure you receive all timeline information, as spaces, particularly in early grades, can be limited.
For families in Central, how does the environment of a local private school compare to the public schools in the Greater Lafayette area?
The choice often centers on educational approach and community size. Public schools in the Greater Lafayette School Corporation are larger, offering a vast array of advanced placement courses, specialized career pathways, and extensive extracurricular offerings. In contrast, private schools in Central provide a smaller, more close-knit community with lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for highly individualized attention. The private school environment is explicitly values-based, integrating faith throughout the school day. For families in Central, the private options offer a community-centric, parochial school experience without the need to navigate large, comprehensive public high schools, though it may involve a short commute to Lafayette for some programs or schools.
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