The Best Private Schools in Dana, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dana. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Faith Christian School
Independent Christian School
Faith Christian School serves students from Dana and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, serving students from preschool through high school.
Programs:
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic institution serving students from Dana and the greater Lafayette area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on academic excellence and faith formation, the school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and maintains strong community support.
Programs:
St. James Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. James Lutheran School provides quality Christian education to students from Dana and the Lafayette region. The school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith-based education with strong academic programming, including STEM initiatives and comprehensive music education. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include updated classrooms, technology labs, music rooms, and playground areas. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and academic achievement in a nurturing Christian environment.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dana, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Dana, Indiana?
Dana itself is a very small town, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within Vermillion County and the surrounding region. The primary options include Faith Christian School in nearby Terre Haute (about 30 minutes away), which offers a K-12 education with a nondenominational Christian perspective. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, also in Terre Haute, is a diocesan Catholic school serving grades 7-12. For younger students, St. James Lutheran School in nearby Chrisman, Illinois (approximately 25 minutes away), provides a Lutheran-based education for preschool through 8th grade. Families in Dana should be prepared for a commute, as these are the closest established private institutions.
How does the tuition for private schools serving Dana, IN, compare to the state average, and are there any Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Dana families is generally below the state average for Indiana private schools, reflecting the rural and lower cost-of-living area. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these schools typically ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 annually for K-12. Indiana offers significant state-funded financial aid programs that Dana residents can utilize. The most notable 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) that provide need-based scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Dana, IN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving the Dana area often provide specialized programs rooted in their religious missions and smaller class sizes. Central Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with distinctive theology courses and access to a broader range of sports and clubs through its location in Terre Haute. Faith Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integrated across all subjects and may offer specific programs in fine arts or ministry. St. James Lutheran School provides a single-campus, faith-based environment for elementary and middle school years with a focus on community. These schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design, allowing for a focus on character education and values that may be a primary differentiator for Dana-area families compared to the public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Dana, Indiana, region?
The enrollment process for schools like Faith Christian, Central Catholic, and St. James Lutheran usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. The first step is often an open house or campus tour, which we recommend scheduling between January and March. Application deadlines can vary, but many aim for March or April. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records from the current school, a pastor's recommendation (for religious schools), and a family interview. For high school placement at Central Catholic, placement exams may be required. Due to the limited seats and Dana's location requiring commuting, it is advisable to apply early. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students.
For a family living in Dana, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (North Vermillion Community Schools) and a private school option requiring a commute?
The key considerations are fundamentally about values, logistics, and cost. Academically, North Vermillion public schools provide a solid, tuition-free education with the benefit of no commute. Choosing a private school involves a significant daily commitment to driving 25-45 minutes each way to Terre Haute or Chrisman. This impacts family schedules, transportation costs, and student involvement in after-school activities. The decision often hinges on the desire for a specific religious education and environment, which the private schools provide. Families must also evaluate the financial aspect, utilizing Indiana's voucher and tax credit programs to offset tuition. It's crucial to visit both the local public school and the private options to compare culture, class sizes, and program offerings firsthand.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities