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.