The Best Private Schools in Daleville, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Daleville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burris Laboratory School
Ball State University
Burris Laboratory School is a prestigious K-12 institution operated by Ball State University's Teachers College, located approximately 10 miles from Daleville. As a laboratory school, it offers innovative educational practices with university resources and research-based teaching methods. The school features a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, advanced placement courses, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and highly qualified teachers, Burris consistently ranks among Indiana's top academic performers.
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St. Lawrence Catholic School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Lawrence Catholic School provides comprehensive PreK-8 education with a strong faith-based foundation, serving families throughout Delaware County including Daleville. The school offers a balanced curriculum integrating traditional academics with Catholic values, featuring specialized programs in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), music, and physical education. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated teachers and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and a recently renovated campus serving approximately 200 students from diverse backgrounds.
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Muncie Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Muncie Christian Academy is an independent Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Daleville. The school provides a comprehensive biblical worldview education with strong college preparatory academics, including advanced placement options and dual credit opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes spiritual formation alongside academic rigor, offering diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. Muncie Christian Academy maintains accreditation and serves families throughout East Central Indiana.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Daleville, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Daleville, Indiana?
While Daleville itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Delaware County area. The most prominent options include Burris Laboratory School in Muncie (a public laboratory school affiliated with Ball State University, often considered alongside private options due to its selective admission), St. Lawrence Catholic School in Muncie (offering a faith-based K-8 education), and Muncie Christian Academy (providing a Protestant Christian education from preschool through 12th grade). Many Daleville families also consider private schools in nearby Anderson or Indianapolis, which involve a longer commute. It's important to visit each school, as their educational philosophies, sizes, and campus environments differ significantly.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Daleville, IN area compare, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Daleville/Muncie area varies. For the 2024-25 school year, St. Lawrence Catholic School and Muncie Christian Academy typically have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades, with higher rates for high school. Burris Laboratory School is tuition-free as a public school, but has limited seats and a competitive lottery. Indiana offers significant financial aid through the School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and it can be used at participating private schools like St. Lawrence and Muncie Christian Academy. Additionally, the Indiana Tax Credit Scholarship program allows donors to fund scholarships, and many local schools offer their own need-based aid and parish subsidies for church members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Daleville, Indiana?
The private schools near Daleville offer distinct specializations. Burris Laboratory School provides a unique "lab school" environment with a strong college-preparatory curriculum and direct access to Ball State University resources, including early college courses and specialized faculty. St. Lawrence Catholic School integrates faith throughout its curriculum and emphasizes community service. Muncie Christian Academy offers a Bible-based curriculum and may have specific programs aligned with its religious mission. For specialized interests like intensive arts or STEM, families often look to larger private institutions in Indianapolis. A key advantage for Daleville residents is the smaller class sizes and personalized attention found in these local private settings compared to larger public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Daleville, Indiana families?
Timelines and processes are school-specific and require early planning. For Burris Laboratory School, the application period for its lottery is usually in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Both St. Lawrence Catholic School and Muncie Christian Academy generally begin accepting applications in January or February for the fall, with rolling admission thereafter until seats are filled. These schools typically require an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, an entrance assessment, and a family interview. Due to limited capacity, especially in popular grade levels, it is highly recommended for Daleville parents to initiate inquiries and campus visits in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
How do the private school options near Daleville, Indiana compare to the public schools in the Daleville Community Schools district?
Daleville Community Schools is a small, rural public district known for its close-knit community. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. The local private schools offer alternatives: a faith-based education (St. Lawrence, Muncie Christian), a university-affiliated lab school model (Burris), or a curriculum centered on specific religious values. Academically, Burris often ranks highly on state metrics, competing with top public schools. Private schools generally have smaller average class sizes than even Daleville's public schools. The decision may also involve logistics—Daleville public schools offer convenience, while private options require transportation to Muncie. Many families use Indiana's voucher program to make private school financially feasible.
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