The Best Private Schools in Chesterton, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Chesterton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chesterton Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Chesterton Montessori School is a highly-regarded private institution offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months through 12 years. The school emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of the whole child. With small class sizes and AMI-trained teachers, the school provides a nurturing environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The campus features purpose-built Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes practical life skills, sensorial development, language arts, mathematics, and cultural studies.
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La Lumiere School
Independent College Preparatory School
La Lumiere School is a premier independent college preparatory school located just 20 minutes from Chesterton, serving day students from Northwest Indiana and boarding students from across the country and world. The school offers a rigorous academic program including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses, with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and recently renovated academic buildings. La Lumiere consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities and emphasizes character development through its honor code and community service programs.
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Morgan Township Elementary & Jr/Sr High School
Duneland School Corporation (private school program)
While technically part of the public school system, Morgan Township Schools operate as a sought-after school of choice with many private school characteristics, serving Chesterton families through Indiana's school choice program. The school is renowned for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong academic performance. The comprehensive K-12 program features advanced placement courses, robust STEM curriculum, championship athletics, and unique programs in agricultural science. The school maintains a 98% graduation rate with most graduates attending four-year colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Chesterton, Indiana
What are the main types of private school options available within or very near Chesterton, Indiana?
Chesterton and its immediate surrounding area in Northwest Indiana offer a few distinct types of private education. You have the Chesterton Montessori School, which provides education based on the Montessori method for younger children. For a traditional, faith-based K-12 education, families often look at Catholic schools in nearby cities like Valparaiso or Michigan City. A standout option is La Lumiere School, a prestigious, secular college-preparatory boarding and day school located just south of Chesterton in La Porte, known for its rigorous academics and tight-knit community. Additionally, Morgan Township Elementary & Jr/Sr High School, while a public school, is a notable consideration due to its high ratings and serves as a frequent comparison point for families evaluating all options in the Duneland area.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Chesterton, IN area compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Chesterton area varies significantly by school type and grade level. Chesterton Montessori School typically has annual tuition for primary programs. La Lumiere School, as a premier boarding school, has a higher tuition range comparable to national independent schools, though day student costs are lower. Indiana offers powerful financial aid options that apply to many private schools. The most significant 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. It's crucial to check each school's participation in these programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Chesterton area that leverage its location?
Private schools near Chesterton often leverage the region's natural and cultural resources. La Lumiere School, with its expansive wooded campus near the shores of Lake La Salle, emphasizes outdoor education and environmental stewardship. Its location in the Dunelands also facilitates unique science and ecology studies related to the Great Lakes and Indiana Dunes ecosystems. Furthermore, Chesterton's proximity to Chicago (about an hour away) allows schools like La Lumiere to integrate city resources into their curriculum through academic field trips, arts outings, and access to major universities for advanced research opportunities, which is a distinct advantage over more isolated schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Chesterton Montessori and La Lumiere School?
Enrollment timelines can differ. For Chesterton Montessori School, which often has smaller class sizes, it is advisable to inquire and apply a year in advance, especially for primary programs, as spots can fill quickly. They typically host open houses and require a school visit/interview. La Lumiere School follows a more formal independent school timeline, with applications due in January or February for the following fall, including standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT), transcripts, recommendations, and an interview. Rolling admissions may be available if space permits. A key local consideration is aligning your timeline with Indiana's voucher application period if seeking financial aid, which often has a spring deadline.
For families in Chesterton, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between a top-rated public school like those in the Duneland School Corporation and a local private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Duneland public schools (like Chesterton High School) are highly rated, offer a wide array of AP courses, sports, and extracurriculars, and are tuition-free. Choosing a private school like Chesterton Montessori or La Lumiere often involves seeking a specific pedagogical approach (Montessori), a significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratio, or a particular community ethos. For some, the structured college-prep environment and boarding option at La Lumiere are decisive. The commute is also a factor; Duneland schools are neighborhood-based, while private options may require transportation. Ultimately, it's a comparison of a robust, large-scale public system against specialized, mission-driven private environments.
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