The Best Private Schools in Nashville, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Nashville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Bloomington Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Bloomington Montessori School, located just 20 minutes from Nashville, IN, offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. The school features beautiful natural campus settings with outdoor classrooms, gardens, and nature trails. With AMS accreditation and highly trained Montessori teachers, the school provides individualized learning experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The program includes Spanish language, music, art, and extensive outdoor education components.
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The International School of Indiana
Independent
The International School of Indiana offers a globally-focused education with International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through high school. Located about 45 minutes from Nashville, IN, ISI provides language immersion programs in French and Spanish, rigorous academic preparation, and diverse cultural experiences. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. With small class sizes and highly qualified faculty, ISI prepares students for success in global universities and careers.
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St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Located approximately 40 minutes from Nashville, the school offers comprehensive STEM programs, fine arts education, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive athletic facilities. With a dedicated faculty and strong parent community, St. Charles emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Nashville, Indiana
What are the primary private school options for families residing in or near Nashville, Indiana?
While Nashville, IN itself is a small town, families in the area typically look to nearby Bloomington and Indianapolis for private school options. The schools you mentioned, like Bloomington Montessori School, are located in Bloomington, approximately 20 minutes away. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School is in Bloomington, and The International School of Indiana is in Indianapolis, about a 45-60 minute commute. Local families also consider smaller, community-based options or may explore homeschooling co-ops. It's important for Nashville parents to factor in commute times when evaluating schools in the broader Brown County/Monroe County region.
How does Indiana's school choice voucher program, the Choice Scholarship, affect private school tuition for Nashville families?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the cost of private education for eligible Nashville families. This state-funded voucher allows students to attend participating private schools using a portion of the state tuition support. Eligibility is primarily based on household income, with several pathways to qualify. Many of the private schools in Bloomington and Indianapolis that serve Nashville residents participate in this program. It's crucial to check with each specific school about their participation and to apply through the state by the deadlines, as this can make previously unattainable schools financially feasible for qualifying families.
Given Nashville's artistic community and proximity to Bloomington, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do area private schools offer?
Reflecting the cultural environment, private schools in the region often have strong arts and nature-based programs. For example, Bloomington Montessori School emphasizes hands-on, child-led learning that aligns with a creative and individualistic ethos. Schools in the area may offer specialized arts integration, environmental science programs leveraging Brown County State Park, and music collaborations with local artisans or Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music (in Bloomington). This provides a unique educational blend that complements Nashville's artistic heritage and the natural beauty of southern Indiana.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Nashville, IN area?
Enrollment timelines for schools in Bloomington and Indianapolis often begin nearly a year in advance. Many have open houses in the fall (September-November) for admission the following academic year. Application deadlines for the most sought-after schools can be as early as January or February. Given Nashville's location, it's especially important to apply early, as some schools may give preference to in-district or local applicants before considering those from farther afield like Brown County. Tours, interviews, and assessments are common steps. We recommend initiating contact with schools by the start of your child's pre-kindergarten or preceding grade year.
How do the class sizes and educational environments of private schools near Nashville compare to the local public school, Brown County Schools?
Brown County Schools, the public district for Nashville, offers a close-knit, community-focused education but with fewer specialized program options due to its smaller size. Private schools in Bloomington, such as St. Charles Borromeo or Bloomington Montessori, typically offer much smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for highly individualized instruction. The private school environment may also provide a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., Montessori, Catholic, International Baccalaureate) that isn't available in the public system. The trade-off for Nashville families is the commute and cost, versus the convenience and no-tuition expense of the local public schools, which are well-regarded for their community integration.
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