The Best Private Schools in Cross Plains, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cross Plains. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Louis School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Louis School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 7 miles from Cross Plains in Batesville. The school serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation rooted in Catholic values. Known for its excellent teacher-to-student ratios and comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including updated classrooms, science labs, and a gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community involvement that extends to families throughout the Cross Plains area.
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Oldenburg Academy
Sisters of St. Francis
Oldenburg Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory high school located approximately 12 miles from Cross Plains. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college prep courses, providing rigorous academic opportunities for students. The campus features state-of-the-art science laboratories, modern classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and beautiful historic buildings. With small class sizes and personalized attention, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The academy serves students from multiple surrounding communities including Cross Plains, with transportation options available for regional families.
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The Seven Hills School
Independent School Network
The Seven Hills School is a highly-regarded independent school located in Cincinnati, approximately 35 miles from Cross Plains, serving families throughout the tri-state region. The school offers a comprehensive progressive education program from early childhood through high school, known for its innovative curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Features include extensive campus facilities, competitive athletics, robust arts programs, and outdoor learning environments. While requiring a commute, the school provides transportation options and serves many Indiana families seeking premier private education with exceptional college preparation and academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cross Plains, Indiana
What are the main private school options available for families in Cross Plains, Indiana, and what are their key characteristics?
Cross Plains, Indiana, is served by a few notable private schools, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. The most prominent is St. Louis School in nearby Batesville, offering a Pre-K through 8th-grade education with a strong faith-based curriculum. For high school, families often look to Oldenburg Academy, a private Catholic college-preparatory high school in Oldenburg, about a 20-minute drive from Cross Plains. The Seven Hills School, also in the region, is another option. The private school landscape in this rural part of Indiana is defined by smaller, community-oriented institutions with a focus on traditional values and personalized attention, rather than a wide array of secular or specialized independent schools found in larger cities.
How does the tuition for private schools near Cross Plains, IN, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Cross Plains area is generally at or below the Indiana state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Louis is often in the range of $4,000-$6,000 annually, while high school tuition at Oldenburg Academy can be approximately $10,000-$12,000. Indiana offers significant financial support through the School Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) and Tax Credit Scholarships (SGOs). Eligibility for vouchers is based on income, and many local families utilize these programs. Additionally, most schools offer parish subsidies for active church members, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid directly from the institution.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Cross Plains area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools near Cross Plains leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. Oldenburg Academy emphasizes a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a required theology program and notable offerings in STEM and the arts, including opportunities at the nearby University of Indianapolis' Etchberger Gallery. St. Louis School integrates Catholic teachings across all subjects and often has strong community service components. A key differentiator is the pervasive focus on character and faith development, which is woven into daily activities. While local public schools may offer broader athletic conferences, these private schools often provide a more intimate environment for student participation in sports, music, and clubs without the competition for spots found in larger public systems.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Louis School or Oldenburg Academy for a family in Cross Plains?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region typically begins in the winter for the following fall semester. For St. Louis School (Pre-K-8), families should contact the school office by January or February to schedule a tour, submit an application, and provide sacramental records (if applicable) and previous school records. Oldenburg Academy holds open houses in the fall and winter, with application deadlines often in early spring. Both schools usually require a placement assessment for new students. A key local consideration is transportation; while some families carpool, private schools in Indiana are not required to provide busing, so planning for daily travel to Batesville or Oldenburg is a crucial part of the enrollment decision process for Cross Plains residents.
For a family in rural Cross Plains, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school option?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The primary practical consideration is **transportation and commute**. Cross Plains families opting for private schools must commit to driving their children to Batesville, Oldenburg, or beyond daily, as no district busing is provided. **Cost** is another major factor, though Indiana's voucher program can mitigate this. **Community and continuity** are also key: a K-8 school like St. Louis offers a consistent, close-knit environment, while transitioning to a public middle/high school might involve merging with a larger district. Academically, private schools offer a specific value-based education and often smaller class sizes, while the local public South Ripley Community Schools may provide more extensive extracurricular facilities, larger sports teams, and proximity. Many families in the area value the religious education and discipline offered by the private options, viewing it as worth the logistical and financial investment.
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