The Best Private Schools in Rising Sun, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rising Sun. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Lawrence School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Lawrence School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students in Pre-K through 8th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Rising Sun in Lawrenceburg, this school offers a comprehensive academic program with strong emphasis on faith-based education, character development, and academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including updated classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for art and music. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, St. Lawrence provides individualized attention and has consistently strong parent satisfaction ratings. The curriculum includes advanced math and reading programs, Spanish language instruction, and robust extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic clubs.
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St. John Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. John Lutheran School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is conveniently located in Lawrenceburg, approximately 12 miles from Rising Sun. This accredited private school offers a Christ-centered education with strong academic foundations in core subjects. The school is known for its rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and science programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, computer lab, and music room. The school maintains small class sizes with a low student-to-teacher ratio and offers extensive extracurricular programs including basketball, volleyball, choir, and various academic competitions. Parent reviews consistently praise the caring faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Mary's School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Mary's School in Aurora serves students from preschool through 8th grade and is located approximately 8 miles from Rising Sun. This well-established Catholic school offers a balanced education focusing on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. The school features updated technology integration across all grade levels, dedicated science and computer labs, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The curriculum includes advanced placement opportunities in mathematics and reading, foreign language instruction, and specialized art and music programs. With strong parent involvement and high satisfaction ratings, St. Mary's provides transportation options for students from surrounding communities including Rising Sun. The school is particularly noted for its strong community spirit and successful alumni network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rising Sun, Indiana
What are the private school options for families in Rising Sun, Indiana, and what are their core affiliations?
Rising Sun, Indiana, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, all with religious affiliations. The primary options are St. Lawrence School (Catholic, Pre-K through 8th grade), St. John Lutheran School (Lutheran, Pre-K through 8th grade), and St. Mary's School (Catholic, Pre-K through 6th grade). Given the city's size, there are no secular private or independent day schools within the city limits. Families often also consider options in nearby larger communities like Lawrenceburg, Indiana, or across the Ohio River in Ohio for a broader range of choices, including non-religious private education.
How does tuition at Rising Sun's private schools compare to the Indiana state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Rising Sun's private schools is typically below the state average for private education, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, tuition ranges approximately from $4,000 to $6,500 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Indiana offers significant financial assistance through the School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Eligibility is based on income thresholds and can cover a substantial portion of tuition for qualifying families at state-approved schools like those in Rising Sun. Additionally, all three local schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Rising Sun's private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Rising Sun's private schools integrate the local river town and rural environment into their programs. St. Lawrence and St. Mary's schools often participate in community events like the Rising Sun Regatta and Ohio County Historical Society projects. Given the proximity to the Ohio River, science curricula may include local ecology and conservation studies. Furthermore, the small size of these schools allows for strong partnerships with local businesses and farms for educational outings. A notable common feature is an emphasis on character education rooted in their religious traditions, which aligns with the close-knit nature of the Rising Sun community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Rising Sun, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Rising Sun's private schools typically begins with open houses in January or February for the following academic year. Priority registration for existing families and parish members usually runs through March, with open enrollment for new families beginning in April. Due to the small class sizes (often 15-20 students per grade), popular grades can fill quickly, leading to waitlists, especially in the early elementary years. The process involves submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and often a family interview. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly by early winter to express interest.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Rising Sun-Ohio County public schools and the local private school options?
The key differences center on scale, curriculum, and environment. The Rising Sun-Ohio County public school system consolidates students into a single elementary, middle, and high school (Rising Sun High School), offering a wider range of elective courses and sports at the secondary level. The local private schools offer a Pre-K through 8th grade education with much smaller class sizes, a religiously integrated curriculum, and a singular campus for all grades. For high school, private school families must then transition to the public high school, seek a boarding school, or commute to a private high school in a neighboring county. The choice often comes down to a desire for a faith-based, community-focused elementary/middle education versus a continuous K-12 public pathway with more extensive extracurricular resources.