The Best Private Schools in Kentland, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kentland. 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 from multiple counties including Newton County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 14 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Serving families from Kentland and surrounding communities, Central Catholic has a strong track record of college acceptance and student success.
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St. Boniface School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Boniface School is one of Indiana's oldest continuously operating Catholic schools, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a classical education model integrated with modern technology and STEM enrichment. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic rigor, St. Boniface provides small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features updated classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and comprehensive arts programs. Many families from Kentland and surrounding areas choose St. Boniface for its proven academic foundation and nurturing environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Lafayette Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lafayette Christian School is an independent Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, drawing families from Kentland and the broader Greater Lafayette area. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum grounded in biblical principles, with small class sizes and dedicated Christian faculty. Programs include advanced coursework, competitive athletics, vibrant fine arts, and technology integration across all grade levels. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, and athletic spaces. Lafayette Christian is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kentland, Indiana
What are the private school options for families living in Kentland, Indiana, and do we need to commute to a larger city?
Kentland itself is a small town, so your immediate in-town private options are limited. However, the broader Newton County area is served by a few key institutions. The most prominent is Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School, located in nearby Lafayette (about a 30-minute drive). For younger grades, St. Boniface School in Lafayette (Pre-K-6) and Lafayette Christian School (K-12) are also primary considerations for Kentland families seeking private, faith-based education. This means most families opting for private school in the Kentland area should plan for a commute to Lafayette, which is a common practice for accessing specialized educational services in rural Indiana.
How does tuition at private schools serving Kentland, Indiana, compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Central Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $8,500-$9,500, while Lafayette Christian School is around $7,000-$8,500 for K-12. St. Boniface elementary is typically lower. Critically for Indiana residents, the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program can significantly offset costs. Eligibility is based on income thresholds and can make private school affordable for many families. Additionally, all these schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members. It's essential to apply for both state and institutional aid early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Kentland, IN, offer that local public schools may not?
The private schools serving the Kentland area often provide distinct programming rooted in their missions. Central Catholic High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and theology programs, along with access to a wider range of competitive sports in the Hoosier Athletic Conference. Lafayette Christian School provides a biblically-integrated curriculum at all grade levels. A key differentiator for these schools is their smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students, allowing for personalized attention that can be challenging in larger rural public districts. They also emphasize character and faith formation as core components of the school day, which is a primary draw for many families.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Central Catholic that Kentland families apply to?
The enrollment process for schools like Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School begins almost a full year in advance. Prospective family open houses typically occur in the fall (October-November). Application deadlines for priority consideration and financial aid are usually in January or February for the following academic year. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or shadow day for the student. Because these schools draw from a wide geographic area including Kentland, it's advisable to apply early to secure a spot, especially for incoming freshman classes. Registration for returning students usually happens in the spring.
For a Kentland resident, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (South Newton Junior-Senior High) and a private school in Lafayette?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The South Newton School Corporation offers the convenience of a very short commute, strong community ties, and no tuition. The private school option involves a daily 25-45 minute commute to Lafayette, which impacts family logistics and transportation costs. Academically, South Newton provides a solid education with its own extracurriculars. The private schools offer a specific religious environment, often more rigorous college-prep tracks, and exposure to a more diverse student body from across the Greater Lafayette area. Ultimately, Kentland families must weigh the value of the faith-based mission and specialized programs against the time and financial investment of the commute and tuition.