The Best Private Schools in Danville, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Danville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University High School of Indianapolis
Independent
University High School is a highly selective, independent college preparatory school serving students from across central Indiana, including Danville families. With a perfect 5.0 rating and small class sizes averaging 12 students, the school offers rigorous academics with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM program. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, dedicated art studios, and collaborative learning spaces. Extracurricular offerings include championship athletics, robotics, debate, and extensive arts programs. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Thomas Aquinas School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Thomas Aquinas School serves families from Danville and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school maintains a 4.8 rating with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, STEM labs, a dedicated art room, music facilities, and gymnasium. The curriculum integrates technology throughout all grade levels with 1:1 device programs. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports, choir, band, and various clubs. The school is known for its strong community involvement and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Susanna School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Susanna School provides Catholic education serving families in Danville and the western Indianapolis suburbs. With a 4.6 rating and strong academic reputation, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade. The campus features modern classrooms, computer labs, science facilities, and extensive athletic fields. The curriculum emphasizes technology integration with Smart Boards in every classroom and a robust STEM program. Spanish language instruction begins in kindergarten, and the school offers comprehensive fine arts and music programs. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Danville, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Danville, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
While Danville itself is a smaller town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate area and a short commute. Notably, **St. Thomas Aquinas School** in Indianapolis (approx. 20 miles away) serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a strong Catholic foundation. **St. Susanna School** in Plainfield (approx. 15 miles away) also offers a Catholic education for grades Pre-K through 8. For high school, the prestigious **University High School of Indianapolis** is a top-tier, independent college-preparatory school serving grades 9-12. Many Danville families also consider private schools in adjacent towns like Avon, Brownsburg, and the wider Indianapolis metro, significantly expanding options.
How does the tuition for private schools near Danville, IN, compare, and what financial aid options are available to Indiana residents?
Tuition varies significantly by school type and grade level. Parish-supported Catholic schools like St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Susanna often have lower tuition rates for registered parishioners, typically ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually. Independent schools like University High School have a higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000 per year. All Indiana residents can benefit from the state's **School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program**. Eligibility is based on household income and other factors, and it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition and your potential eligibility for state and institutional aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Danville, IN, community?
Schools in this region offer distinct programs to complement their core curricula. **University High School** is renowned for its rigorous academics, extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings, and unique programs like January Term (J-Term) for experiential learning. The Catholic elementary/middle schools, such as **St. Susanna** and **St. Thomas Aquinas**, integrate faith-based education with strong STEM initiatives and character development programs. Given Danville's location, many private schools also leverage proximity to Indianapolis for enrichment, including partnerships with museums, universities, and cultural institutions for field trips and specialized courses not typically available in smaller public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Danville, Indiana, area?
For the most sought-after schools, especially **University High School**, the process begins early. Prospective student open houses are typically held in the fall (September-November), with application deadlines for the following academic year often in January or February. This includes entrance exams (like the HSPT), interviews, and submission of records. For K-8 Catholic schools like **St. Susanna** or **St. Thomas Aquinas**, timelines can be more flexible but still prioritize current families and parish members, with open enrollment periods often in the winter. We strongly recommend contacting schools the fall before your desired enrollment year, as waiting lists are common. Don't forget to apply for Indiana's Choice Scholarship program by the state deadlines, which are separate from school admissions.
For a family in Danville, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school district (Danville Community School Corporation) with area private schools?
Key considerations include educational approach, class size, and community. Danville Community Schools are well-regarded and offer the convenience of a local, tuition-free education with robust athletics and arts. The primary draws of area private schools are often **specialized educational philosophies** (college-prep, faith-based), **smaller class sizes** for individualized attention, and a distinct community identity. For high school, families may compare Danville High's offerings with the intensive college-prep environment of **University High School**. Commute is a major factor; private options require driving to neighboring towns. Financially, you must weigh the cost of private tuition (potentially offset by vouchers) against the tax-supported public system. Many families value the specific moral or religious instruction offered by local Catholic schools as a deciding factor.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools in Danville, Indiana
For parents in Danville, Indiana, beginning the search for the right educational environment for your child can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You might be typing phrases like “secular private schools near me” into your search bar, seeking an alternative that offers a rigorous academic program without a religious affiliation. While Danville is home to several excellent faith-based institutions like St. Susanna School and St. Thomas Aquinas School, families specifically looking for a non-sectarian option will find that their search naturally extends into the broader Indianapolis metropolitan area. This doesn’t mean a compromise on community or convenience, but rather an expansion of possibilities that are still very accessible from our Hendricks County town.
The concept of a secular private school is often centered on a mission-driven education that prioritizes critical thinking, diverse perspectives, and a curriculum unbound by religious doctrine. For Danville families, this often means looking at schools in Indianapolis that are within a reasonable commute. One prominent example is University High School of Indianapolis, located just off the I-465 corridor. While the drive is roughly 30-40 minutes from central Danville, many local families find the trip worthwhile for its college-preparatory focus, emphasis on intellectual curiosity, and inclusive community. It represents a classic model of an independent, secular school where the core values are derived from academic excellence and character development rather than a specific faith tradition.
When considering this path, practical logistics become a key part of the decision. The commute to Indianapolis schools is a daily reality, so it’s wise to connect with other Danville families who may already be carpooling. This not only eases the transportation burden but also helps your child build local friendships with peers sharing the same school experience. Additionally, visiting these schools is crucial. Schedule a tour during rush hour to truly gauge the drive, and use that time to envision it as an opportunity for conversation with your child rather than just lost time. Explore how the school fosters a sense of belonging for students who come from suburban communities like ours. Ask about after-school activities and how they accommodate students who may need to leave promptly to manage the commute back to Danville.
Ultimately, finding the right secular private school near Danville is about aligning your family’s educational values with the right community. It requires looking beyond our immediate zip code to the rich tapestry of options in the region. The investment of time in research and visits is an investment in your child’s future. By broadening your search to include these excellent Indianapolis-based institutions, you are opening doors to learning environments where students are challenged to explore ideas freely, develop a strong sense of self, and prepare for a global society. For many families in our community, that journey, though extending beyond the town limits, leads to a perfect fit that feels just right for their child’s unique journey.