The Best Private Schools in Saint John, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint John. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Chabad Hebrew Academy
Independent
Chabad Hebrew Academy provides a dual curriculum that combines rigorous general studies with comprehensive Judaic education, serving families throughout Northwest Indiana including Saint John. The school offers small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a nurturing environment. Programs include advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science exploration, and technology integration. The school is recognized for its strong community values and excellent teacher-student ratios that ensure personalized attention for each child.
Programs:
St. Mary Catholic Community School
Diocese of Gary
St. Mary Catholic Community School serves students from preschool through 8th grade and draws families from Saint John and surrounding communities. The school features a comprehensive STEM program, modern technology integration, and strong emphasis on faith-based education. Facilities include dedicated science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic programs. The school is known for its strong parent community and high academic standards that prepare students for top high schools in the region.
Programs:
Andrean High School
Diocese of Gary
Andrean High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Northwest Indiana, including Saint John families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a 100% college acceptance rate. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint John, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Saint John, Indiana, and what educational levels do they serve?
Saint John, Indiana, offers a few well-regarded private schools, primarily with a Catholic affiliation, reflecting the community's character. The top options include **Andrean High School** (grades 9-12), a co-ed college-preparatory institution; **St. Mary Catholic Community School** (pre-K through 8th grade), which provides a continuous faith-based education; and **Chabad Hebrew Academy** (preschool and elementary), offering a Jewish educational perspective. For families seeking non-religious private options, they often look to neighboring communities in Northwest Indiana like Crown Point or Schererville, or consider Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) to access a wider range of participating schools in the region.
How does Indiana's school voucher program impact tuition affordability for private schools in Saint John?
Indiana's **Choice Scholarship Program** is a significant financial consideration for Saint John families. This state-funded voucher program allows eligible families to use public funds toward tuition at participating private schools, substantially reducing out-of-pocket costs. Both Andrean High School and St. Mary Catholic Community School are participants in this program. Eligibility is based on household income, with multiple pathways (income, special education, sibling, etc.). For the 2023-24 school year, a family of four with an income up to ~$154,000 may qualify for a partial award. It's crucial to contact the schools' financial aid offices directly for application details and deadlines, as this program can make private education in Saint John much more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Saint John that leverage the local community?
Saint John's private schools offer distinctive programs that connect students to the region's strengths. **Andrean High School** features a robust **STEM program** and partnerships with local industries in the nearby manufacturing and logistics corridor, along with a celebrated athletics program competing in the Northwest Crossroads Conference. **St. Mary Catholic Community School** emphasizes servant leadership with local outreach projects tied to its parish and community. Given Saint John's proximity to Chicago, schools often incorporate educational field trips to the city's museums, cultural institutions, and universities into their curricula, providing unique enrichment opportunities not always available in more rural Indiana districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Saint John, Indiana?
Enrollment timelines in Saint John are school-specific but generally follow an annual cycle. For **St. Mary Catholic Community School** and **Chabad Hebrew Academy** (preschool/elementary), the main enrollment period for the following academic year often opens in January or February, with priority given to parish members or current families. **Andrean High School** typically holds its placement exam for incoming 9th graders in the fall (October/November) of the 8th-grade year, with application deadlines in early winter. Given the limited number of seats, especially in the lower grades, early inquiry and application are strongly recommended. All schools require application forms, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an interview or placement test. Open houses are usually held in the fall and winter.
How do the class sizes and academic environments of Saint John private schools compare to the local public schools (Lake Central School Corporation)?
The most notable difference is **class size**. Private schools in Saint John, like St. Mary's, typically offer smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 15:1 to 20:1) compared to the larger class sizes in the highly-regarded but populous Lake Central schools. Academically, private schools offer a **specialized environment**: a college-prep focus with mandatory religion/theology classes at Andrean and St. Mary's, or a dual Hebrew/English curriculum at Chabad. Public schools in the Lake Central district offer a wider array of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and extensive extracurricular activities due to their larger scale. The choice often hinges on a family's preference for a close-knit, values-based community versus the comprehensive program diversity of a large public system.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities