The Best Private Schools in Garrett, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Garrett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Garrett community with a strong tradition of academic excellence. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, robust STEM programs, music and arts education, and competitive athletics. The school maintains strong community ties and consistently receives high marks from parents for its nurturing environment and academic preparation.
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Canterbury School
Independent College Preparatory School
Canterbury School, located approximately 30 minutes from Garrett in Fort Wayne, is a premier independent college preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges. Features include exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Canterbury consistently ranks among Indiana's top private schools with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide. The school provides transportation options for students from surrounding communities including Garrett.
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Lakewood Park Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located just 8 miles from Garrett in Auburn, Lakewood Park Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive Christian education. The school features a strong college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic programs. With a focus on academic excellence and character development, LPCS maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities. The school has earned recognition for its high graduation rates and college acceptance records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Garrett, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Garrett, Indiana, and what are their core educational approaches?
In Garrett, Indiana, and the immediate surrounding area, the primary private school options include St. Joseph School (Catholic, PreK-8), Lakewood Park Christian School (Interdenominational Christian, PreK-12 in Auburn, about 7 miles from Garrett), and Canterbury School (Independent college-preparatory, PreK-12 in Fort Wayne, about 30 miles away). St. Joseph offers a faith-based education integrated with a standard curriculum. Lakewood Park provides a Bible-based education with a focus on college and career readiness. Canterbury is a highly selective, secular independent school known for rigorous academics. For Garrett residents, St. Joseph is the only in-town private option, while families often consider the short commute to Lakewood Park for a K-12 Christian program or the longer drive to Canterbury for a top-tier independent education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Garrett, Indiana area typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition in the Garrett area varies significantly by school. St. Joseph School, as a parish-supported Catholic school, often has the most accessible tuition, which can range from $4,000-$6,000 annually, potentially below the Indiana private elementary school average. Lakewood Park Christian School's tuition is higher, typically between $6,500-$8,500 for grades K-12, aligning more closely with state averages for private high schools. Canterbury School's tuition exceeds $20,000, reflecting its elite independent status. All three participate in Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) and the Tax Credit Scholarship (SGO) program, which can substantially reduce costs for eligible families based on income. It's crucial to apply for financial aid and these state programs directly through each school.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Garrett, Indiana offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools near Garrett offer specialized programs that cater to specific educational philosophies. St. Joseph School emphasizes its Catholic identity, with daily religion classes, sacramental preparation, and community service integrated into the curriculum. Lakewood Park Christian School offers distinctive programs like its "Project-Based Learning" initiatives, strong fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics in the Indiana Christian Athletic Conference. While not in Garrett, its proximity provides a full K-12 Christian environment. Canterbury School, though a longer commute, provides unparalleled opportunities such as extensive Advanced Placement courses, global study trips, and renowned arts and robotics programs. These focused environments often feature smaller class sizes than Garrett's public schools, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Garrett, Indiana families, and are there key deadlines?
Enrollment timelines are school-specific. For St. Joseph School in Garrett, the priority enrollment period for existing families and parish members often begins in January, with open enrollment for new families starting in February. Lakewood Park Christian School usually begins its re-enrollment in February and opens applications for new students in March. Canterbury School has the earliest and most rigorous process, with applications due in January for the following fall. A common critical step for Indiana families is applying for state voucher (Choice Scholarship) eligibility, which has a state deadline typically in the spring. We highly recommend contacting your school of interest by early fall to schedule tours, as some grades (especially kindergarten) may have limited space. All schools require application forms, records, and often a student visit or assessment.
For a family living in Garrett, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school option?
The decision involves several Garrett-specific factors. **Location & Commute:** St. Joseph is within Garrett; Lakewood Park is a 10-15 minute drive to Auburn; Canterbury is a 45+ minute commute to Fort Wayne. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free. Private options require tuition, though state vouchers/SGOs can help. **Educational Environment:** Garrett's public schools offer a comprehensive K-12 experience with diverse extracurriculars. Private options offer a specific faith-based (St. Joseph, Lakewood Park) or secular college-prep (Canterbury) environment with typically smaller classes. **Continuity:** St. Joseph ends at 8th grade, requiring a high school transition, while Lakewood Park and Canterbury offer a full K-12 program. Many Garrett families value the community aspect of the in-town St. Joseph School, while others seek the specialized high school programs a short drive away. Visiting all options is essential.