The Best Private Schools in Leroy, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leroy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The La Lumiere School
Independent
La Lumiere is a premier co-educational, independent college preparatory school serving students from Leroy and surrounding communities. Founded by a group of educators seeking to create an environment focused on academic excellence and character development, the school offers a rigorous curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 150-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, art studios, athletic complexes, and residential facilities for boarding students. Known for its strong community values and exceptional college placement record, La Lumiere consistently prepares students for top universities while emphasizing holistic development through extensive extracurricular programs in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Canterbury School
Independent
Canterbury School is an acclaimed independent day school serving students from across Northern Indiana, including the Leroy area. The school offers a continuous educational experience from early childhood through high school graduation, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity. Canterbury's college preparatory program features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement courses and extensive arts and athletics programs. The 65-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Known for its strong academic outcomes and inclusive community, Canterbury consistently ranks among Indiana's top private schools with graduates attending selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Andrean High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Gary
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving families from Leroy and Northwest Indiana. With a mission rooted in faith, knowledge, and service, the school provides a comprehensive academic program that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses alongside robust STEM and fine arts offerings. The campus features modern classrooms, science and computer labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Andrean maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with nearly 100% college acceptance rate and has earned recognition for both its athletic achievements and community service initiatives. The school fosters a close-knit community environment while preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leroy, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Leroy, Indiana?
While Leroy itself is a small town, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader Northwest Indiana region. The most prominent are The La Lumiere School in La Porte (a co-ed, college-preparatory boarding and day school), Andrean High School in Merrillville (a Catholic, co-ed secondary school), and Canterbury School in Fort Wayne (though it's a longer commute, it's a top-ranked independent day school). For Leroy residents, these schools typically involve a commute, so transportation planning is a key local consideration. Some families also explore smaller parochial options in neighboring towns like LaCrosse or Wanatah.
How does Indiana's school choice programs, like the Choice Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Leroy families?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship (voucher) program can significantly reduce the cost of private education for eligible Leroy families. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, with multiple income tiers. For the 2023-24 school year, a family of four with an income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for some level of voucher. This makes schools like Andrean High School or The La Lumiere School more accessible. It's crucial to apply for the voucher through the participating school during their enrollment process, as funding is limited. Additionally, Indiana's Tax Credit Scholarship program (SGO) provides another avenue for financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Leroy, IN, offer that differentiate them?
The schools accessible to Leroy families offer distinct specializations. The La Lumiere School is renowned for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, small class sizes, and unique offerings like its January Term experiential learning projects and a strong focus on community within its residential campus. Andrean High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education with a well-known "59er" athletic tradition and robust STEM and fine arts programs. Canterbury School, while a longer drive, offers an exceptionally strong academic reputation with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses. For Leroy students interested in agriculture or rural life, these schools provide a broader, college-focused perspective while sometimes offering independent study projects connected to local interests.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like La Lumiere or Andrean for a student from Leroy?
The process for these competitive schools begins early. For fall admission, prospective families should start visiting schools and inquiring in the fall of the prior year (e.g., fall of 7th grade for 9th-grade entry). Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held October-January), 2) Completing applications by January or February deadlines, 3) Taking required entrance exams (like the HSPT for Andrean or SSAT/ISEE for La Lumiere), and 4) Applying for financial aid and Indiana vouchers simultaneously. Given Leroy's location, arranging a shadow day (where your child spends a day at the school) requires planning for transportation. Admission and financial aid decisions are typically released in March.
For a family living in rural Leroy, what are the practical considerations when choosing between local public schools and a private school a commute away?
This is a central decision for Leroy families. Key considerations include: **Commute:** Driving to La Porte, Merrillville, or beyond can mean 30-60+ minutes each way, impacting family schedules and student participation in after-school activities. **Community vs. Opportunity:** Local public schools offer a tight-knit, community-based environment. Private schools offer expanded academic rigor, extracurricular breadth, and a peer group focused on college preparation. **Cost vs. Value:** Even with vouchers, private school involves costs for tuition gaps, transportation, and fees. Families must weigh this against the perceived value of specialized programs, smaller classes, and potentially higher college placement rates. Many Leroy families find a hybrid approach, utilizing strong local elementary public schools and then considering private options for high school.
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