The Best Private Schools in Peru, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Peru. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is the premier private school option located directly in Peru, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations, featuring modern STEM programs, robust music and arts curriculum, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains high academic standards while emphasizing character development and faith formation. The campus includes well-maintained facilities with technology-integrated classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for specialized instruction.
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First Evangelical Christian Academy
First Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Located approximately 20 miles from Peru in Kokomo, First Evangelical Christian Academy serves families throughout north-central Indiana with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement opportunities, extensive fine arts programs including theater and visual arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 25-acre campus includes modern academic buildings, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development.
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All Saints Catholic School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
All Saints Catholic School in Logansport, approximately 25 miles from Peru, serves students from preschool through 8th grade across the north-central Indiana region. The school offers a well-rounded Catholic education with particular emphasis on STEM education, early Spanish language instruction, and comprehensive athletic programs. The school features modern classroom technology, dedicated science and computer labs, a full gymnasium, and updated playground facilities. With strong parent involvement and community support, All Saints provides a nurturing environment focused on academic achievement, faith formation, and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Peru, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Peru, Indiana, and what are their educational philosophies?
Peru, Indiana, offers a few core private school options, each with a distinct focus. St. Joan of Arc Catholic School (Pre-K-6) and All Saints Catholic School (Pre-K-6) provide faith-based education rooted in Catholic values and traditions, often feeding into Peru's Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School in the neighboring city. First Evangelical Christian Academy offers a Protestant Christian education. The landscape is characterized by smaller, community-oriented religious schools rather than a wide array of large, secular independent institutions. For higher grades, many Peru families consider commuting to Central Catholic in Logansport or other private options in Kokomo or Indianapolis.
How does tuition for private schools in Peru, IN, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Peru's private schools is generally below the Indiana state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition at the local Catholic elementary schools typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 per child, with parishioner discounts often available. First Evangelical Christian Academy's tuition is comparable. All schools offer need-based financial aid, and importantly, Indiana's statewide School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program is a significant resource. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and it can cover a substantial portion of tuition at participating schools, making private education more accessible for many Peru families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Peru's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Peru's private schools often integrate local history and resources into their programs. Given Peru's fame as the "Circus City of the World" and home to the International Circus Hall of Fame, schools may incorporate circus history into social studies or art projects. Furthermore, with agriculture being central to Miami County's economy, science curricula might have a practical, local focus. Extracurricularly, due to smaller enrollments, schools often form cooperative sports teams (like soccer or basketball) with other small private schools or parishes. Music and drama programs may participate in regional Catholic or Christian school competitions, and community service projects are deeply tied to local churches and charities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Peru, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Peru's private schools usually begins with an open house in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration is typically offered first to current families, then to parish members (for Catholic schools), and then to the general community. Given the limited number of seats, especially in popular grades like Kindergarten, it is advisable to apply by early spring. While persistent waitlists are less common than in major metros, they can occur for specific grades. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates (for religious schools), academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. Schools are usually happy to schedule shadow days for prospective students.
For a family deciding between Peru's public schools (like Peru Elementary or Peru Junior High) and private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
The decision often hinges on class size, religious education, and academic approach. Peru's private schools boast very small class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to the larger public school classrooms, allowing for highly individualized attention. The core differentiator is the integration of religious faith and values throughout the school day, which the public schools cannot provide. Academically, private schools follow Indiana state standards but may use different curricular materials and pacing. Public schools, like those in the Peru Community Schools district, offer a wider array of elective courses, advanced placement options in high school, and typically more extensive extracurricular and athletic facilities. Transportation can also be a factor; while public schools provide busing, private school families often must arrange their own transportation.