The Best Private Schools in Holland, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Evansville Day School
Independent
Evansville Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving Southern Indiana, including the Holland area. As the only International Baccalaureate World School in the region, it offers a rigorous academic program from early childhood through high school. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global education and character development alongside academic excellence.
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Precious Blood School
Catholic
Precious Blood School is a respected Catholic private school serving Dubois County and surrounding areas including Holland. The school provides a faith-based education combined with strong academic programs from preschool through 8th grade. Features include modern classroom technology, dedicated STEM labs, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. Many graduates continue to local Catholic high schools with strong academic preparation.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic
St. Mary's School in Huntingburg serves the broader Southern Indiana region, including Holland families seeking quality private education. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on core academic subjects. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and science programs supported by modern technology integration. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Facilities include updated classrooms, computer labs, and gymnasium for athletic programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holland, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Holland, Indiana?
While Holland itself is a small town, families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include Evansville Day School in Evansville (a Pre-K through 12 independent school), and two Catholic schools in the region: Precious Blood School in Jasper and St. Mary's School in Washington. For Holland residents, these schools involve a commute, but they provide structured private alternatives to the local public school system, which is part of the Northeast Dubois County School Corporation.
How does Indiana's school choice voucher program impact tuition affordability for private schools near Holland?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) can significantly reduce tuition costs for eligible families. To utilize a voucher for schools like Evansville Day School, Precious Blood, or St. Mary's, your family must meet specific income guidelines and your child must satisfy eligibility pathways, such as attending a public school for two prior semesters or receiving a voucher in a previous year. It's crucial to contact each school's financial aid office directly, as they can guide you through the application process and explain how the voucher amount, which is tiered based on income, applies to their specific tuition.
Are there private schools in the Holland area that offer specialized programs in agriculture or STEM, given the region's economy?
Yes, the private schools serving the Holland area often integrate these themes. Evansville Day School has a strong, college-preparatory STEM curriculum and robotics programs. While not in Holland proper, the Catholic schools like Precious Blood and St. Mary's often emphasize science and technology within their faith-based framework. For a direct agricultural focus, families in this rural part of Dubois County sometimes find that the local public FFA programs are robust, so if agriculture is a primary interest, it's important to compare the specific clubs and extracurricular offerings of each private school against the public options.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Evansville Day School that serve Holland-area students?
Enrollment timelines for these schools often begin almost a year in advance. For instance, Evansville Day School typically opens applications for the following academic year in the fall, with priority deadlines in the winter. The process usually involves an application form, student records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student visit/assessment. For the Catholic schools (Precious Blood, St. Mary's), timelines may be slightly different, often aligning with parish registration periods. Given the limited seats and the commute from Holland, it is highly advisable to initiate inquiries by September or October for the next school year.
What are the key considerations when deciding between a Holland-area public school and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Holland's public schools are part of a small, close-knit district (Northeast Dubois), which can offer convenience and strong community ties. Opting for a private school like those in Evansville, Jasper, or Washington involves a daily commute of 30-60 minutes, which impacts family logistics and extracurricular participation. Parents must weigh this against perceived benefits such as smaller class sizes, specific religious education, or different academic curricula. Additionally, using an Indiana voucher may make private school financially comparable to the incidental costs of public school, making the commute the primary logistical hurdle to evaluate.