The Best Private Schools in Manilla, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Manilla. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
While located in Indianapolis (approximately 45 minutes from Manilla), St. Thomas Aquinas School serves families throughout central Indiana and is considered one of the top Catholic private schools in the region. The school offers a classical education model for students in preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing critical thinking, traditional academic disciplines, and character formation. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and technology-rich classrooms. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for excellent academic outcomes, with many graduates attending top college preparatory high schools. Parent reviews consistently highlight the outstanding faculty, rigorous curriculum, and strong community values.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Joseph Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located just 15 minutes from Manilla in Shelbyville. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in Catholic values with strong emphasis on academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated teachers, strong community atmosphere, and well-rounded education that prepares students for high school success. The school offers extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, art, and community service opportunities.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Located approximately 20 minutes from Manilla in Rushville, St. Mary Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation and faith-based education. The school is known for its small class sizes, individualized attention, and rigorous academic program that exceeds state standards. Facilities include a modern library, computer lab, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music rooms. The school community is highly engaged with numerous family events and volunteer opportunities. Parents report high satisfaction with the school's safe environment, quality instruction, and comprehensive preparation for high school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Manilla, Indiana
What are the private school options for families in Manilla, Indiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Manilla, Indiana, is served by a small, faith-based private school community, primarily consisting of Catholic institutions. The main options are St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Mary Catholic School, and St. Thomas Aquinas School. These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten or kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Manilla often look at private options in larger nearby communities like Shelbyville, Greensburg, or Indianapolis. It's important to contact each school directly, as grade offerings can vary year-to-year in smaller communities.
How does tuition at Manilla's private Catholic schools compare to the Indiana state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Manilla's parish-based Catholic schools is generally below the Indiana state average for private schools, reflecting the rural community and parish subsidies for member families. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition often ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 per student, with significant discounts for multiple children and active parish members. All families should inquire about the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers), which provides state-funded assistance to eligible students, and the SGO (Scholarship Granting Organization) tax credit scholarships. Additionally, local parishes often have dedicated funds to assist families in need.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Manilla, IN, offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Manilla emphasize a close-knit, values-based education with small class sizes, allowing for significant individual attention. Academically, they integrate faith across the curriculum and often participate in shared academic competitions (like the Indiana Academic Super Bowl) with other area Catholic schools. Extracurriculars are community-focused; for example, students may participate in 4-H projects, local history studies about Rush County, and service projects supporting local food pantries or nursing homes. Sports are typically offered through cooperative agreements with other small schools or the local public school district, fostering a unique cross-community connection.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at a private school in Manilla, Indiana?
The enrollment process for Manilla's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to currently enrolled students and siblings. Open houses are often held in early winter. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent report cards, and possibly a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited. It is highly recommended that interested families initiate contact by December to ensure they receive all deadline information and financial aid application details (which often have a spring deadline).
For a family in Manilla, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private Catholic school?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, class size, cost, and community. Manilla's public school students are served by the Rush County Consolidated School District, attending school in nearby Rushville. The public system offers a broader range of elective courses, larger-scale sports programs, and no tuition. Private schools in Manilla offer a specific religious education, very small class sizes (often 15 students or fewer), and a consistent disciplinary framework rooted in faith. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a faith-integrated education and a tight-knit school community versus the wider resources and extracurricular breadth of a consolidated public district. Visiting both types of schools is essential.