The Best Private Schools in Hobart, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hobart. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Crown Point
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Crown Point is an AMS-accredited institution serving families throughout Northwest Indiana, including Hobart. Founded in 1999, the school offers authentic Montessori education from early childhood through middle school. The program emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of the whole child. The campus features thoughtfully prepared classrooms, outdoor learning environments, and specialized spaces for art, music, and physical education. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and the exceptional academic and social development students achieve. The school maintains small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios.
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Valparaiso Catholic Schools
Diocese of Gary Catholic Schools
Valparaiso Catholic Schools is a comprehensive PreK-12 system serving students from Hobart and surrounding communities. The system includes St. Paul Catholic School (PreK-8) and Valparaiso High School, offering continuous Catholic education. The high school is an International Baccalaureate World School and offers numerous AP courses. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-rich learning environments. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence, VCS students consistently outperform state and national averages on standardized tests. The school offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams, robotics, and comprehensive arts programs.
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Andrean High School
Diocese of Gary Catholic Schools
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the Hobart and greater Northwest Indiana region. Established in 1959, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for its strong community values and academic excellence, Andrean maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school offers over 40 clubs and activities alongside competitive athletic programs that have won multiple state championships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hobart, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Hobart, Indiana?
While Hobart itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the immediate Northwest Indiana region. These include Andrean High School (a Catholic, co-ed college-prep school in Merrillville), The Montessori School of Crown Point, and the Valparaiso Catholic Schools system (St. Paul Catholic School for K-8 and Valparaiso Catholic High School). Many Hobart families also consider schools in nearby cities like Munster and Schererville. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are a short commute from Hobart via I-65 or US-30.
How does Indiana's school choice voucher program affect tuition for private schools near Hobart?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) can significantly reduce the cost of private education for eligible families in Hobart. Income-based eligibility tiers allow many middle-income families to qualify. Most area Catholic schools (like Andrean and Valparaiso Catholic) and some other approved private schools participate. The voucher amount is applied directly to tuition. It's crucial to apply for the voucher through the state before the school's enrollment deadline and to confirm the specific school's participation status, as requirements and funding levels can change annually.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Hobart area?
Private schools in Northwest Indiana distinguish themselves with specialized programs. Andrean High School is known for its strong STEM curriculum and competitive athletics. The Montessori School of Crown Point offers authentic, child-led Montessori education from toddler through middle school, which is unique in the region. Valparaiso Catholic Schools provide a continuous faith-based education from preschool through high school with a focus on service learning. Given Hobart's proximity to the industrial and technical sectors of Gary and the Region, many schools also emphasize college and career readiness with relevant partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Andrean serving Hobart students?
For a fall start, the enrollment process for schools like Andrean High School often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the prior fall (September-October). Application deadlines for incoming freshmen are typically in early winter (December-January), with placement exams held shortly after. Admission decisions are usually communicated by February or March. For families seeking Indiana vouchers, the state application window is critical and often opens in the spring. We recommend contacting the admissions office of your target school by the start of your child's 8th-grade year to ensure you meet all deadlines for testing, applications, and financial aid.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Hobart compare to the public schools in the Duneland or School Town of Hobart districts?
Private schools in the area typically offer significantly smaller class sizes, often ranging from 15-22 students, compared to larger public school classrooms. This can allow for more individualized attention. The community environment is also distinct: faith-based schools foster a community around shared values, while Montessori schools emphasize a specific educational philosophy. Public schools in Hobart and the esteemed Duneland (Chesterton) district offer a wider diversity of programs, larger extracurricular offerings, and no tuition. The choice often comes down to prioritizing a specific educational approach and community size versus the breadth of resources and programs available in the larger public systems.
Private Education Insights
Choosing the Right Private Kindergarten in Hobart, Indiana: A Parent's Guide
For families in Hobart, Indiana, the decision about where to send your child for their first formal educational experience is a significant one. Private kindergarten offers a distinctive path, often characterized by smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and a values-based foundation that many parents in our community seek. As you navigate this important choice, understanding the local landscape of private early education can help you find the perfect environment where your child’s curiosity and character can flourish together.
In Hobart and the surrounding Northwest Indiana region, private kindergarten options provide a meaningful alternative to public school boundaries. One of the primary benefits you’ll encounter is the low student-to-teacher ratio. This allows for highly individualized attention, ensuring that educators can tailor lessons to your child’s unique learning pace and style. Whether your child is an early reader or needs a bit more support with foundational skills, a private setting is designed to meet them where they are. This personalized approach is about more than just academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child in a secure and encouraging atmosphere from the very start of their educational journey.
The local options reflect a diversity of educational philosophies to align with your family’s values. For instance, while Andrean High School serves older students, its presence underscores a strong local network of Catholic education, with feeder schools often offering robust kindergarten programs that integrate faith with learning. Many families are drawn to this cohesive, values-oriented path that can extend through high school. Alternatively, institutions like The Montessori School of Crown Point, though a short drive from Hobart, offer a renowned, child-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning and mixed-age classrooms. Exploring these different models is key. We recommend scheduling tours and observing classrooms in session. Pay attention to how teachers interact with students, the richness of the learning materials, and the overall vibe of the school. Don’t hesitate to ask specific questions about daily routines, social-emotional learning integration, and how they communicate with parents.
Considering the practicalities for Hobart families is also essential. Beyond tuition, think about logistics like transportation, before and after-care programs, and the school’s community feel. Many private kindergartens in the area foster tight-knit parent communities, which can be an invaluable source of support as you navigate these early years. It’s also wise to inquire about the transition plan from kindergarten into the lower elementary grades to ensure a seamless continuation if you plan to stay within a private system. Ultimately, choosing a private kindergarten in Hobart is an investment in your child’s foundational year. It’s about selecting a partnership with educators who share your vision for cultivating a lifelong love of learning, resilience, and kindness. By taking the time to research and visit schools, you are laying the cornerstone for a confident and joyful educational journey right here in our own community.