The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Providence Cristo Rey High School
Cristo Rey Network
Providence Cristo Rey High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Franklin and the greater Indianapolis area. The school features a unique Corporate Work Study Program where students gain professional experience while helping fund their education. With a strong focus on academic excellence and character development, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education, critical thinking, and leadership development within a supportive, faith-based community.
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Roncalli High School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Roncalli High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Franklin and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with over 20 Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM Academy, and extensive fine arts programs. With modern facilities including state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes, Roncalli provides a well-rounded education. The school boasts a 99% graduation rate and strong college placement records, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Rose of Lima Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Rose of Lima Catholic School is Franklin's local Catholic educational institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating faith formation and character development. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive individualized attention. The curriculum includes modern STEM initiatives, technology integration, music, art, and physical education programs. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Franklin, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Franklin, Indiana, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a Catholic affiliation. For high school, families can consider **Providence Cristo Rey High School** (9-12) in Indianapolis, which serves Franklin residents through a unique corporate work-study model, and **Roncalli High School** (9-12), also in Indianapolis, known for its strong college-prep curriculum. For younger students, **St. Rose of Lima Catholic School** in Franklin itself provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade. It's important to note that many families in Franklin also consider private schools in nearby Greenwood, Indianapolis, or other Johnson County towns, as the immediate Franklin options are limited, especially for non-Catholic or non-religious education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Franklin, Indiana, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly. St. Rose of Lima, as a local parish school, typically has lower tuition, often around $5,000-$7,000 annually, with discounts for parish members. Roncalli High School's tuition is higher, generally in the $10,000-$12,000 range. Providence Cristo Rey has a unique model where a portion of tuition is covered by student work-study, making net tuition more accessible, often around $3,000-$4,000 for families. Crucially, Indiana offers the **Choice Scholarship Program** (vouchers) and **Tax Credit Scholarships** (SGOs). Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and these can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. Families in Franklin should directly contact schools to discuss their specific financial situation and available state aid.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private high schools accessible to Franklin, IN, residents?
The accessible private high schools offer distinct specializations. **Providence Cristo Rey** is unique in Indiana for its **Corporate Work-Study Program**, where students gain professional experience one day a week, funding part of their tuition and providing unparalleled career readiness. **Roncalli High School** is renowned for its comprehensive **Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings**, robust athletics (competing in the Indiana High School Athletic Association), and extensive fine arts programs. While not in Franklin, their draw for Johnson County families is strong. Franklin's own St. Rose of Lima provides a foundation with a focus on faith-based character education, preparing students for these secondary options.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Rose of Lima in Franklin, and when should parents apply?
For a community school like **St. Rose of Lima Catholic School** in Franklin, the enrollment process often begins with a fall open house (October-November) for the following academic year. Priority registration for parish members and current families typically opens in January, with open registration for new families in February or March. The process usually involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, academic records, and possibly a family interview. For the Indianapolis-based high schools (Roncalli, Providence Cristo Rey), timelines are similar but may start earlier. It's highly advisable for Franklin parents to contact schools by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, as some grades, especially kindergarten, may have waiting lists.
How do the class sizes and community environment of Franklin's private schools compare to the public Franklin Community School Corporation?
Private schools in the Franklin area generally offer significantly smaller class sizes. At **St. Rose of Lima**, classes often have 15-20 students, fostering individualized attention. This contrasts with Franklin Community public schools, where elementary classes can approach 25-30 students. The community environment is also distinct; private schools like St. Rose and Roncalli promote a close-knit, values-based community centered on specific religious traditions. The public school system offers a broader, more diverse community and a wider array of elective courses and specialized programs at the secondary level due to its larger size. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for small, faith-based learning versus the comprehensive resources and diversity of a larger public district.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Private High School in Franklin, Indiana: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Franklin, Indiana, considering the transition to a private high school is a significant decision that blends academic aspirations with community values. Our city, nestled in Johnson County, offers a unique educational landscape where private institutions provide compelling alternatives to public schooling, each with its own distinct character and mission. Understanding what these schools offer and how they align with your family’s goals is the first step in this important journey. The local options, including Providence Cristo Rey High School, Roncalli High School, and St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, represent more than just academic institutions; they are communities dedicated to shaping young adults within the fabric of our Franklin values.
A primary consideration for many families is the educational philosophy and college preparatory focus. Private high schools in our area typically offer rigorous curricula with an emphasis on critical thinking and personalized attention, thanks to lower student-to-teacher ratios. This can be particularly advantageous for students who thrive in an environment where teachers know them by name and can tailor instruction to their learning style. Roncalli High School, for instance, boasts a comprehensive college-prep program with a wide array of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities, preparing students for competitive universities. The focus extends beyond textbooks, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals ready for the challenges of higher education and life beyond.
The unique model of Providence Cristo Rey High School highlights another vital aspect of private education: innovative approaches to learning and accessibility. Their distinctive Corporate Work Study Program integrates professional experience with academic study, allowing students to finance a portion of their tuition while gaining invaluable real-world skills. This model speaks to a commitment to making a private high school education attainable for families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and instilling a strong work ethic. It’s a powerful example of how private schools in Franklin can offer specialized pathways that align education with practical future readiness.
For families deeply connected to the Franklin community, the values-based education found in local private high schools is often a deciding factor. These institutions, like St. Rose of Lima which feeds into secondary options, are frequently rooted in faith traditions, emphasizing character development, service, and ethical leadership. This creates a consistent moral framework that resonates with many parents seeking an education that reinforces the lessons taught at home. The sense of community is palpable, with strong ties to local parishes, businesses, and alumni networks, fostering a supportive environment where students are encouraged to grow not just intellectually, but spiritually and socially.
Ultimately, choosing a private high school in Franklin is about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs and your family’s aspirations. We encourage you to visit campuses, speak with administrators and current parents, and observe the culture firsthand. Attend an open house at Roncalli, learn about the work-study rhythm at Providence Cristo Rey, or engage with the community at a local feeder school event. The investment in a private high school education is significant, but for many families in our area, the return—measured in academic preparation, character formation, and a tight-knit community—proves invaluable for launching their students toward a bright and purposeful future.
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