The Best Private Schools in Saint Paul, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Saint Paul. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School serves students from Shelby County and surrounding areas including Saint Paul. This highly-rated Catholic school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced math and reading programs, STEM labs, music, art, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community involvement, and excellent preparation for high school.
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St. Louis Catholic School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Located in nearby Batesville, St. Louis Catholic School serves families throughout southeastern Indiana including the Saint Paul area. This established institution provides education from preschool to 8th grade with a classical curriculum rooted in Catholic tradition. The school boasts small class sizes, individualized attention, and a comprehensive academic program that includes advanced technology integration, foreign language instruction, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The school community is known for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and consistently high academic achievement scores that exceed state and national averages.
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St. Mary's School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
St. Mary's School in Greensburg serves Decatur County and surrounding communities including Saint Paul. This well-established Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on developing the whole child spiritually, academically, and socially. The school features innovative project-based learning approaches, comprehensive STEM programs, modern technology resources, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including music, art, and competitive sports. With highly qualified teachers and a strong track record of student success, St. Mary's provides a supportive learning environment that prepares students for academic excellence in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Saint Paul, Indiana
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Saint Paul, Indiana, and how do they differ?
Saint Paul, Indiana, is served by three primary private, faith-based schools, all offering a Catholic education. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (Pre-K-8), St. Louis Catholic School (K-8), and St. Mary's School (K-8) provide the core private options. There are no private high schools physically located within Saint Paul itself, so families typically look at Catholic high schools in nearby larger communities like Batesville or Greensburg for 9-12 education. The differences between the three local schools are often subtle, relating to specific parish affiliations, extracurricular offerings, and school culture, making in-person visits and conversations with current parents essential for choosing the best fit.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools in Saint Paul, IN, and are there financial aid options specific to Indiana?
Tuition for the Catholic elementary/middle schools in Saint Paul typically ranges from approximately $4,000 to $6,500 per student per year, with significant discounts for active parish members and families with multiple children. A key financial consideration specific to Indiana is the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program. Families meeting certain income thresholds may qualify for state-funded vouchers to help cover tuition at participating private schools, which all three Saint Paul schools are almost certainly enrolled in. Additionally, many schools offer local parish-supported aid and flexible payment plans.
How does the enrollment process and timeline work for private schools in Saint Paul, Indiana?
Enrollment for the upcoming school year in Saint Paul's private schools typically opens in January or February for current families and parishioners, with open enrollment for new families beginning in early spring. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent academic records, and often a registration fee. Due to the small size of these schools, some grades may have limited seats, so early application is encouraged. Many schools also host open houses in the winter. It's highly recommended to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to get on their communication list.
Beyond religious education, what unique academic or extracurricular programs do Saint Paul, IN private schools offer?
While providing a strong foundation in core academics and faith, Saint Paul's private schools leverage their small size and community focus to offer unique programs. Common strengths include robust STEM initiatives, one-to-one technology programs (like Chromebooks or iPads), and specialized art and music instruction that might be reduced in larger public districts. Given the rural setting, many schools emphasize agricultural science and outdoor education. Extracurriculars often include academic competitions (like Spell Bowl), sports teams that may co-op with other small schools, and community service projects deeply tied to local parishes and organizations, fostering a strong sense of local civic engagement.
For a family new to the area, what are the primary considerations when choosing between Saint Paul's public school (South Decatur) and its private schools?
The primary considerations involve educational philosophy, class size, and cost. The public option, South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School and its elementary feeders, offers a comprehensive K-12 pathway in one district, a wider array of elective courses and sports at the high school level, and no tuition. Saint Paul's private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a values-based education integrated throughout the curriculum, and a close-knit community atmosphere. For many families, the decision hinges on whether they seek a specific religious foundation and personalized environment, and if the tuition cost (potentially offset by Indiana vouchers) is feasible. Transportation can also be a factor, as public school busing is not typically provided for private school students in this rural area.