The Best Private Schools in Merrillville, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Merrillville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Crown Point
American Montessori Society
This highly-rated Montessori school located in nearby Crown Point serves families throughout Lake County, including Merrillville. The school offers authentic Montessori education from toddler through eighth grade, focusing on individualized learning and hands-on experiences. The campus features beautifully prepared classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and specialized spaces for art, music, and foreign language instruction. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, development of independent learners, and inclusive community atmosphere. Many graduates successfully transition to top high schools in the region.
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Andrean High School
Diocese of Gary Catholic Schools
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Northwest Indiana. Founded by the Missionaries of the Holy Family, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 19 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors curriculum. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Andrean maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development through service learning. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere and successful athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball.
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21st Century Charter School at Gary
21st Century Charter Schools
Located in nearby Gary, this tuition-free public charter school serves students from throughout Northwest Indiana, including Merrillville families. The school emphasizes STEM education with state-of-the-art technology labs, robotics programs, and project-based learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and extensive college preparation including dual credit opportunities. The school features modern facilities, comprehensive extracurricular activities, and strong community partnerships. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's focus on academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Merrillville, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Merrillville, Indiana, and are there any directly within the town limits?
While Merrillville itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in the area commonly consider several highly-regarded institutions in the immediate Northwest Indiana region. Notably, Andrean High School (a Catholic, college-preparatory school in Merrillville) is a major option for grades 9-12. For younger students, popular choices include The Montessori School of Crown Point and the 21st Century Charter School at Gary (a public charter school, which is tuition-free but operates independently). Many Merrillville families also look at private schools in nearby Crown Point, Valparaiso, and Schererville. It's common for parents in Merrillville to commute a short distance for private education, given the region's compact geography.
How does the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (voucher program) affect tuition costs for private schools in the Merrillville area?
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program is a critical financial consideration for Merrillville families. It allows eligible students (based on household income and other criteria) to use state-funded vouchers to attend participating private schools. Most area Catholic schools, including Andrean High School, participate in this program. For the 2023-24 school year, a family of four with an annual income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for some level of voucher assistance. This significantly reduces out-of-pocket tuition costs and makes private school more accessible for many families in Lake County. It's essential to check directly with your school of interest for their specific participation status and application requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Northwest Indiana region near Merrillville?
Private schools in the Merrillville vicinity often leverage their independence to offer specialized programs that align with regional interests and needs. Andrean High School, for example, has a strong emphasis on STEM and college-prep academics, along with renowned athletic programs competing in the Indiana High School Athletic Association. Schools like The Montessori School of Crown Point offer child-centered, hands-on learning from preschool through elementary. Furthermore, given Northwest Indiana's industrial and healthcare economy, many area private high schools develop robust partnerships with local businesses and hospitals for internships and advanced coursework in engineering, health sciences, and skilled trades, providing practical, career-oriented education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Andrean High School in Merrillville, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment timelines for private schools in the Merrillville area generally begin in the fall or winter for the following academic year. For instance, Andrean High School typically opens applications for incoming 9th graders in October, with placement tests held in January. Many schools host open houses from September through January. Due to their reputation and limited seats, popular schools, especially at the high school level, can have waitlists, particularly if applications are submitted after priority deadlines. The process usually involves an application, academic records review, entrance exam, family interview, and registration fee. We strongly recommend contacting schools by November of the year prior to desired enrollment to understand their specific deadlines and requirements.
How do private schools in the Merrillville area compare to the highly-rated Merrillville Community School Corporation in terms of class size and curriculum focus?
Merrillville Community School Corporation (MCSC) is known for its strong public programs, including the Merrillville High School STEM Academy and performing arts. The key differentiators for private options often come down to class size, religious education (if applicable), and instructional approach. Private schools like Andrean typically offer smaller average class sizes (e.g., 15-20 students) compared to larger public school classrooms. The curriculum at a private school may have a mandatory religious component and a unified college-prep focus across all students, whereas MCSC offers a broader range of tracks, including advanced placement, career/technical, and general diplomas. The choice often hinges on a family's desire for a specific faith-based environment, perceived discipline, and the value placed on very small learning communities versus the diverse programs and no-tuition cost of the public system.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Special Needs School in Merrillville: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Merrillville, Indiana, searching for “special needs private schools near me” can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You want a nurturing environment that understands your child’s unique learning profile, but finding that perfect fit within a reasonable commute is a crucial part of the equation. While Merrillville itself is home to excellent private institutions like Andrean High School, which provides a strong college-prep foundation, and charter options such as 21st Century Charter School at Gary, the landscape for specialized private special education schools is more regional. This doesn’t mean your search is in vain; it means understanding the local ecosystem and the types of supportive environments available in Northwest Indiana.
The first step is to clarify what “special needs” means for your family. Needs can range from specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, to ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, or speech and language challenges. Many traditional private schools in our area, including the well-regarded Montessori School of Crown Point, embrace differentiated instruction and may offer accommodations. Montessori’s hands-on, individualized approach can be particularly beneficial for many children who thrive outside a conventional classroom structure. It’s essential to have open conversations with school administrators about their experience, staff training, and the specific supports they can realistically provide. A school might not be a dedicated special needs school but could still be an excellent match with the right resources.
Your search for “special needs private schools near me” will likely extend beyond Merrillville’s borders into the broader Region. This is where knowing your local resources becomes key. Families often look toward specialized centers in Crown Point, Valparaiso, or even the southern suburbs of Chicago. Investigating these options requires factoring in the daily commute from Merrillville, which is centrally located with good access to I-65 and I-80/94. This connectivity can be an advantage, making schools in neighboring towns more accessible than you might initially think. When researching, prioritize scheduling in-person visits. Observing a classroom, meeting the special education coordinators, and feeling the school’s culture are irreplaceable steps.
Furthermore, don’t overlook the vital role of advocacy and supplemental services. Even within a supportive private school setting, your child may benefit from external therapies. Merrillville and its surrounding communities have numerous clinics and practitioners specializing in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral support. Building a team around your child—combining the right school environment with targeted outside help—can create a powerful framework for success. Remember, the goal is to find a place where your child is understood, challenged appropriately, and can build confidence. Your search for “special needs private schools near me” is a journey toward that place. By leveraging both the educational offerings in Merrillville and the specialized resources throughout Northwest Indiana, you can find a supportive path forward for your child’s education and growth.