The Best Private Schools in Kempton, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kempton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 7-12. Located approximately 25 miles from Kempton, this school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 90% of graduates typically attending four-year colleges. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, personalized attention and strong teacher-student relationships are hallmarks of the educational experience. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous AP courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities.
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St. Mary Cathedral School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Mary Cathedral School is one of the oldest and most respected private schools in the Lafayette area, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located about 25 miles from Kempton, this Catholic school provides a comprehensive education rooted in faith and academic excellence. The school features updated technology labs, modern classrooms, and dedicated spaces for art and music. With a strong emphasis on character development and community service, St. Mary's prepares students for success in high school and beyond. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a well-rounded curriculum including advanced mathematics, literacy programs, and religious education.
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Faith Christian School
Independent Christian School
Faith Christian School is a comprehensive K-12 Christian school located approximately 20 miles from Kempton in Lafayette. The school offers a biblically-integrated curriculum with strong college preparatory programs at the high school level. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, with all subjects taught from a Christian worldview. Faith Christian maintains accreditation and offers a variety of extracurricular activities including sports, music, drama, and student clubs. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kempton, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Kempton, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Kempton, Indiana, is served by a small but dedicated cluster of private schools, primarily with religious affiliations. The main options are Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School (grades 7-12), St. Mary Cathedral School (typically Pre-K through 6th grade), and Faith Christian School (often K-12, but you should verify the specific grade range as it can vary). This structure means many local families choose St. Mary's for elementary education and then transition to Central Catholic for junior high and high school, while Faith Christian offers a continuous K-12 pathway. Given Kempton's rural setting in Tipton County, these are the central private institutions, and families seeking secular private options may need to look toward larger nearby communities like Kokomo or Indianapolis.
How does tuition at Kempton, IN private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Kempton's private schools is generally below the average for Indiana private schools, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at schools like St. Mary Cathedral School can range from $4,000-$6,000 annually, while high school tuition at Central Catholic may be between $7,000-$9,000. All the local faith-based schools actively offer financial assistance, primarily through parish subsidies for member families, need-based scholarships, and multi-child discounts. Critically, Indiana's state-wide School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program is a major financial consideration. Families meeting income eligibility requirements can use these vouchers at participating schools like those in Kempton, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. It's essential to check each school's specific participation status and application process for both institutional aid and state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Kempton, Indiana, emphasize due to their community and religious character?
Private schools in Kempton leverage their small size and religious missions to offer distinctive programs. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, as a diocesan school, often features strong theology curricula and may offer unique agricultural or STEM pathways that connect to the surrounding rural community. Faith-based service learning is a cornerstone, with students regularly engaging in local community support projects. St. Mary Cathedral School integrates Catholic sacramental preparation and daily religion classes into its core curriculum. Extracurricularly, these schools often punch above their weight in areas like speech and debate, music ministries, and sports through cooperative agreements, allowing students to participate in a wider range of activities despite the small student population. You won't find expansive AP course catalogs like in large urban schools, but you will find highly personalized attention and values-based education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Kempton, and are there considerations for families moving to the area?
The enrollment process for Kempton's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to registered parishioners (for Catholic schools) and siblings of current students. Given the limited seats, especially in the early grades at St. Mary Cathedral School, applying early is crucial. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for religious schools), and often a family interview. For families moving to Kempton outside this cycle, it's imperative to contact the school office directly, as spots may open up due to family moves. Unlike in larger districts, the admissions directors are very accessible, and a campus visit is highly encouraged to understand the close-knit community feel. Be prepared to provide immunization records and birth certificates, and inquire about any specific sacramental requirements for certain grades.
For a family in Kempton, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school (Tri-Central) and the available private options?
The decision between Tri-Central Community Schools and Kempton's private schools hinges on several local factors. **Academic & Size:** Tri-Central offers a comprehensive K-12 public education with a wider range of elective courses and extracurriculars due to its larger consolidated district. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower) and a structured, values-based environment integrated with religious instruction. **Community & Culture:** The private schools foster a tight-knit, familial atmosphere where every student is known, which is appealing in a small town like Kempton. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires financial planning, though vouchers can bridge the gap. **Logistics:** Tri-Central provides bus transportation across the district, while private school transportation is often the family's responsibility. Many families in the area choose based on their desire for a faith-based education and the personalized attention that defines the private school experience in this rural Indiana community.
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