The Best Private Schools in Edinburgh, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Edinburgh. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Christian School
Independent Christian School
Columbus Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from Edinburgh and surrounding communities. Established in 1976, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical worldview with rigorous academics, featuring advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently praise the school's dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and commitment to character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. Bartholomew Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Bartholomew Catholic School has been serving families in the Edinburgh-Columbus region since 1959, providing exceptional faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic foundation with particular emphasis on advanced mathematics and comprehensive language arts. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a values-based curriculum that integrates Catholic teachings. The campus features updated classrooms, a dedicated music room, library, and gymnasium. Parent reviews highlight the school's nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong sense of community that extends to Edinburgh families.
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St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Located in nearby Franklin, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School serves students from Edinburgh and surrounding Johnson County communities. Founded in 1964, the school offers a classical Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and academic excellence. The school features strong STEM enrichment programs, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive arts education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a full gymnasium, and outdoor learning spaces. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor, dedicated faculty, and the strong values-based education that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Edinburgh, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Edinburgh, Indiana?
Families in the Edinburgh, Indiana area are primarily served by three main private institutions, all with a religious affiliation. These are Columbus Christian School (K-12, non-denominational Christian), St. Bartholomew Catholic School (Pre-K-8), and St. Rose of Lima Catholic School (K-8) in nearby Franklin. It's important to note that there are no private high schools physically located within Edinburgh's town limits; Columbus Christian School, located about 15 miles away in Columbus, is the closest option for a full K-12 private education. Many Edinburgh families also consider private schools in the larger Columbus area for a wider range of choices.
How does tuition for private schools in the Edinburgh, Indiana area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Bartholomew Catholic School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000 for parishioners, while Columbus Christian School's tuition ranges from around $6,500 for elementary to over $8,000 for high school. A critical financial consideration for Indiana residents is the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Families meeting certain income thresholds (which are quite generous) can use state funds to cover all or a significant portion of tuition at participating private schools, including all three mentioned. Additionally, Indiana's 529 Education Savings Plan can be used for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Edinburgh offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Edinburgh emphasize their faith-based education and often have more specialized programs within that framework. Columbus Christian School offers a distinctive Bible-integrated curriculum across all subjects and provides secondary students with dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges. Both St. Bartholomew and St. Rose of Lima incorporate daily religion classes and sacramental preparation, which is a core draw for Catholic families. In terms of extracurriculars, these smaller schools often provide a different environment where students can more easily participate in multiple sports and activities, though the breadth of offerings may be narrower than at larger public schools like Edinburgh Community School Corporation.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Edinburgh, Indiana families?
The process generally begins in the winter for the following fall. For Catholic schools like St. Bartholomew, priority is typically given to active parishioners and currently enrolled families, with open enrollment for others beginning in January or February. Columbus Christian School also has an early enrollment period for current families, followed by open enrollment. All schools require an application, student records, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to smaller class sizes, some grades—particularly kindergarten and early elementary—can fill quickly. It is highly advisable for Edinburgh parents to contact schools by January to request information and schedule tours, as deadlines can be as early as March.
For an Edinburgh resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, given their locations?
The most significant logistical factor is transportation and commute. Since the top private options are not within Edinburgh, parents must plan for daily driving. St. Bartholomew Catholic School is in Columbus, about a 15-20 minute drive, and Columbus Christian School is also in Columbus. St. Rose of Lima is in Franklin, a similar commute in the opposite direction. None of these schools typically provide state-funded bus transportation from Edinburgh, so carpooling is common. This commute also impacts involvement in after-school activities and sports. On the positive side, choosing a school in Columbus integrates your child into a larger community network, which can be beneficial for social connections and accessing city resources.
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