The Best Private Schools in Plainfield, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plainfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Guerin Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Guerin Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Plainfield and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM Academy. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. Extracurricular offerings include over 40 clubs and 16 sports programs.
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The International School of Indiana
Independent
The International School of Indiana is a premier independent school offering a globally-focused education through the International Baccalaureate continuum. Serving students from Plainfield and the greater Indianapolis area, ISI provides full language immersion programs in French, Spanish, and Mandarin from preschool through high school. The school features a diverse international community with students from over 40 countries. Academic excellence is demonstrated through consistently high IB diploma scores and college placements at top universities worldwide. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, arts facilities, and athletic spaces.
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St. Malachy Catholic School
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Malachy Catholic School is a well-established parochial school serving Plainfield and surrounding Hendricks County communities. The school offers a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong academic foundation. Curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology and STEM education. The school features dedicated science labs, computer labs, and a comprehensive fine arts program. Students participate in various extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic competitions. The close-knit community and dedicated faculty provide a supportive learning environment with small class sizes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plainfield, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Plainfield, Indiana, and are there any located directly within the town?
While Plainfield itself has a limited number of private schools, families commonly look to neighboring communities for robust options. A prominent local choice is St. Malachy Catholic School in Brownsburg, which serves Pre-K through 8th grade and is part of the Diocese of Indianapolis. For high school, many Plainfield students attend Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, a college-preparatory school. Additionally, families seeking specialized curricula may consider The International School of Indiana in Indianapolis, which offers an International Baccalaureate program. It's important to note that none of these top-tier schools are physically located within Plainfield's town limits, so transportation is a key consideration for parents.
How does tuition for private schools serving Plainfield, IN, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available from Indiana?
Tuition varies significantly based on grade level and school type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Guerin Catholic High School tuition is approximately $15,000, while elementary schools like St. Malachy are generally between $6,000-$8,000. The International School of Indiana is the most expensive, with tuition exceeding $20,000. A critical financial resource for Indiana families is the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is based on household income and size, and it can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many schools also offer parish subsidies for Catholic families, merit scholarships, and need-based financial aid. It's essential to apply for financial aid directly through the school and the state simultaneously.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Plainfield offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the greater Plainfield area offer distinct specializations. Guerin Catholic emphasizes a faith-based, college-prep curriculum with strong STEM and arts programs, along with a wide array of competitive sports. St. Malachy provides a structured, values-centered elementary education with a focus on community service. The most distinctive option is The International School of Indiana, which offers a full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs from Primary Years through the Diploma Programme, with language immersion in French, Spanish, or Mandarin. This global focus is unique in the region and contrasts with Plainfield Community School Corporation's more traditional, though well-regarded, public offerings, which include notable athletics and career-technical programs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like Guerin Catholic that serve Plainfield students?
The enrollment process for sought-after private high schools in the Indianapolis metro area, including Guerin Catholic, is highly structured and begins early. For 9th-grade admission, the process typically starts in the fall of a student's 8th-grade year. Key steps include: attending an open house (often in September-October), submitting an application by a December or January deadline, taking a placement exam (like the HSPT), and providing records and recommendations. Admissions decisions are usually released in February. For families in Plainfield, planning for transportation—whether via carpool, school-provided shuttle services from designated areas, or independent driving for older students—is a crucial part of the decision process that should begin during the application phase.
For a family moving to Plainfield, what are the major considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Plainfield public schools and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several key factors specific to the Plainfield context. Plainfield Community Schools are consistently high-performing, tuition-free, and offer the convenience of neighborhood schooling with robust athletics and clubs. Choosing a private school often involves a commitment to a specific educational philosophy (e.g., Catholic, International Baccalaureate), smaller class sizes, and a distinct community identity. The major trade-offs for Plainfield parents are **cost** (tuition and potential transportation expenses) and **logistics** (a daily commute to Noblesville, Indianapolis, or Brownsburg). The decision may also be influenced by a desire for a particular faith-based environment or a globally-focused IB curriculum not available in the public district, balanced against the excellent, convenient, and free public option already available.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Kindergarten in Plainfield, Indiana for Your Child
As a parent in Plainfield, Indiana, the search for the right educational beginning for your child is both exciting and significant. When you type "private kindergarten near me" into your search bar, you're looking for more than just proximity; you're seeking a foundational experience that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique needs. In our community, this search often leads to a thoughtful consideration of the distinct pathways offered by local private institutions, each providing a different approach to those crucial early years.
While Plainfield itself is home to excellent public options, the private schools serving our area offer specialized environments that can be particularly appealing. For many families, a faith-based foundation is paramount. St. Malachy Catholic School, for instance, provides a classic parochial education where kindergarten integrates spiritual formation with academic readiness in a close-knit setting. This model emphasizes character development and community, values that resonate deeply with many in the Hendricks County area. It represents a traditional, structured choice for parents who want education and faith seamlessly woven together from the very start.
Your search might also lead you to consider schools with a broader, global perspective, even if it means a short commute. The International School of Indiana, for example, offers language immersion programs beginning in preschool and continuing through kindergarten. For a family in Plainfield looking to cultivate bilingual skills and a truly international mindset early on, this represents a unique and powerful investment. It’s a reminder that "near me" can encompass the greater Indianapolis region when a specific, rigorous pedagogical approach is the priority. These programs are designed to build cognitive flexibility and cultural awareness from the child's first formal school experience.
Furthermore, it's wise to look at the full educational journey. Guerin Catholic High School, while a secondary institution, exemplifies the end goal of many private educational paths: a prepared, well-rounded graduate. Choosing a kindergarten is the first step on a continuum. Parents often consider the feeder patterns and educational philosophies that culminate in schools like Guerin, seeking consistency in values and academic rigor over the long term. This forward-thinking approach is common among Plainfield families who value a coherent, mission-driven education from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Ultimately, your quest for a "private kindergarten near me" in Plainfield is about matching your child’s temperament and your family’s aspirations with the right environment. We encourage you to look beyond the search results page. Schedule visits, observe classrooms, and ask about daily routines. Notice how each school’s philosophy—whether faith-based, language-immersive, or classically academic—translates into the kindergarten classroom. Talk to other Plainfield parents about their experiences. The best choice is one where your child will be known, nurtured, and challenged to grow, setting a positive tone for all their learning years to come. This personal fit is the true hallmark of finding the right private kindergarten in our community.