The Best Private Schools in Lexington, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lexington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Christian School
Independent Christian School
Columbus Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just 15 miles from Lexington, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, with strong STEM programs, fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's nurturing environment and strong community feel.
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St. Peter's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Peter's Lutheran School has been serving the Columbus area and surrounding communities including Lexington for over six decades. The school provides Christ-centered education for students in preschool through 8th grade, with a strong academic foundation and comprehensive curriculum. The school features updated technology resources, dedicated music and art programs, and competitive sports teams. Known for its tight-knit community and high parent satisfaction, St. Peter's emphasizes both spiritual growth and academic achievement, preparing students for success in high school and beyond.
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Trinity Lutheran High School
Lutheran High School Association
Trinity Lutheran High School serves students from multiple counties including Scott County where Lexington is located. Located approximately 20 miles from Lexington, this college preparatory high school offers a robust academic program with Advanced Placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and career technical education pathways. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With a strong emphasis on faith-based education and community service, Trinity provides a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for college and career success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lexington, Indiana
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Lexington, Indiana?
While Lexington itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private Christian schools in nearby communities. The most prominent options include Columbus Christian School (in Columbus, IN), St. Peter's Lutheran School (in Columbus, IN), and Trinity Lutheran High School (also in Columbus). These schools provide a K-12 continuum, with St. Peter's offering elementary and middle grades, and Trinity Lutheran serving as the primary high school option for students graduating from the area's Lutheran elementary programs. For Lexington residents, this means commuting to Columbus, which is approximately a 15-20 minute drive, is typical for private education.
How does tuition at private schools serving Lexington, IN, compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the schools serving the Lexington area varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Columbus Christian School's tuition is approximately $6,500 for elementary students, while St. Peter's Lutheran School tuition is around $5,900 for members of the association churches and higher for non-members. Trinity Lutheran High School tuition is roughly $9,400. Importantly, Indiana offers significant state-funded financial aid programs that Lexington families can utilize, including the School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program and the Tax Credit Scholarship (SGO) program. Eligibility is based on income thresholds and other factors, and these can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs, making private school more accessible for many Indiana families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Lexington, IN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Lexington emphasize faith-based education integrated with a strong academic core. Unique programs include Columbus Christian School's emphasis on biblical worldview integration across all subjects and its partnership with the Purdue Polytechnic High School network for STEM pathways. Trinity Lutheran High School offers a distinctive College Credit Plus (CCP) program through partnerships with Indiana universities, allowing students to earn significant college credit. Additionally, these schools typically have smaller class sizes than the regional public schools, fostering close-knit communities. Their extracurriculars often have a strong focus on ministry, music, and athletics within the Lutheran Athletic Association and other Christian school leagues.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Lexington interested in schools like Columbus Christian or St. Peter's Lutheran?
The enrollment process for these schools generally begins in January or February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. For new Lexington families, the steps typically involve: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a personal tour (highly recommended). 2) Submitting an application by March or April for best consideration, though rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain. 3) Providing academic records, pastor references (for Lutheran schools), and possibly participating in a family interview. 4) Applying for financial aid and Indiana voucher/SGO funds simultaneously. It's crucial to apply for state financial programs by the Indiana state deadlines, which are often earlier than the school's admission deadline. Contacting the schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year is the best strategy.
For a family in Lexington, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local North Vernon public school district and a private school in Columbus?
The decision involves several local factors. The primary public school district for Lexington is North Vernon's Jennings County Schools. Key considerations include: **Commute & Community:** Private school requires a daily drive to Columbus, impacting logistics and involvement. **Educational Approach:** Public schools offer a secular, broad curriculum with potentially more diverse elective options. Private schools provide a faith-based environment with mandatory religion classes and chapel. **Cost:** Public school is tuition-free. Private school requires tuition, though Indiana aid can offset it. **Class Size:** Private schools near Lexington often have significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios. **Extracurriculars:** Jennings County High School may offer a wider variety of sports and clubs due to its larger size, while private school athletics focus on character development within a Christian league. Many Lexington families value the specific moral and religious foundation offered by the private options enough to make the commute.