The Best Private Schools in Griffith, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Griffith. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary Catholic Community School
Diocese of Gary
St. Mary Catholic Community School is a highly-rated private school serving families throughout Northwest Indiana, including Griffith. The school offers a challenging academic program with differentiated instruction and advanced math opportunities. Facilities include a dedicated STEM lab, art room, music rooms, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Andrean High School
Diocese of Gary
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Northwest Indiana, including Griffith families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and successful athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball.
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St. Thomas More School
Diocese of Gary
St. Thomas More School serves Pre-K through 8th grade students from Griffith and surrounding communities. The school features a comprehensive curriculum enhanced by technology integration, dedicated STEM laboratory, and Spanish instruction from kindergarten. The campus includes modern classrooms, a full gymnasium, and extensive playground facilities. Parent satisfaction is high with the school's strong academic foundation and faith-based community environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Griffith, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Griffith, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Griffith, Indiana, is served by a small but well-regarded cluster of private, primarily Catholic, schools. The most prominent are Andrean High School (grades 9-12), St. Thomas More School (Pre-K through 8), and St. Mary Catholic Community School (Pre-K through 8). This means families can access a continuous, faith-based education from early childhood through high school graduation without leaving the Griffith area. It's important to note that while these schools are located in or near Griffith, they draw students from across Northwest Indiana, including Merrillville, Schererville, and Highland.
How does Indiana's school choice voucher program, the Choice Scholarship, impact tuition affordability for private schools in Griffith?
Indiana's robust Choice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the cost of attending private schools in Griffith for eligible families. Schools like Andrean, St. Thomas More, and St. Mary actively participate in this program. Eligibility is based on household income relative to the Free and Reduced Lunch program guidelines, with multiple income tiers. This means many middle-income families in Griffith who may not have considered private school affordable could qualify for substantial state-funded tuition assistance. It's crucial to contact each school's financial aid office directly, as they can provide specific guidance on applying for the voucher and any additional parish or diocesan aid available.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private high school option in Griffith, Andrean High School, from local public schools?
Andrean High School in Griffith is distinguished by its strong college-preparatory curriculum with a notable focus on STEM through its "Andrean Scholars" program and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Extracurricularly, it has a renowned athletics program, particularly in baseball and football, competing at the state level. Unlike Griffith's public high school (which is part of the Griffith Public Schools system), Andrean offers a faith-based education environment and draws a more regionally diverse student body from across Lake County. Its smaller size can allow for more individualized attention, and it maintains a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduates.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the K-8 private schools in Griffith, like St. Thomas More or St. Mary?
For Griffith's K-8 private schools, the enrollment process typically begins with a fall or winter open house (often October-January) for the following academic year. Priority is usually given to current families, siblings of enrolled students, and active members of the supporting parish (for parish schools). The formal application deadline is often in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, and possibly a pastoral recommendation. For younger grades, a developmental screening may be required. Given the limited seats, especially in popular Pre-K and Kindergarten programs, interested Griffith parents are strongly advised to begin inquiries a full year in advance and attend the scheduled open houses.
For a family living in Griffith, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and the area's private schools?
The key considerations for a Griffith family include educational philosophy, cost, and community. Griffith Public Schools are highly rated, tuition-free, and offer the convenience of neighborhood schooling with strong programs. The private school path, represented by St. Thomas More, St. Mary, and then Andrean, offers a faith-based education integrated into the curriculum, often with smaller class sizes and a distinct disciplinary approach. The cost, though mitigated by Indiana vouchers, is a factor. Transportation is another; while Griffith Public provides buses, private schools may require carpooling. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on whether the family values the specific religious formation and community of the private schools versus the acclaimed, secular education of the local public system.