The Best Private Schools in Somerville, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lebanon Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lebanon Christian Academy serves students from multiple counties including the Somerville area, offering a comprehensive Christian education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features strong academic programs with college preparatory focus, modern facilities including science labs and technology integration, and diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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Sugar Creek Montessori School
American Montessori Society
Located in nearby Crawfordsville, Sugar Creek Montessori serves families throughout the region including Somerville with authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. The school features specially designed Montessori classrooms, certified Montessori teachers, and a child-centered approach that fosters independence and lifelong learning. The program includes practical life skills, sensorial education, language arts, mathematics, cultural studies, and outdoor education. Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Catholic School System
As the regional Catholic high school serving multiple counties including the Somerville area, Central Catholic offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum within a faith-based environment. The school features advanced placement courses, modern science and technology labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including theater, music, and community service. With a strong tradition of academic excellence and character formation, the school maintains high college acceptance rates and active alumni network.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerville, Indiana
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Somerville, Indiana, given that the top-named schools are in neighboring towns?
As Somerville is a very small community, there are no private schools physically located within its boundaries. Families typically look to schools in nearby Boone County towns. The most accessible options include Lebanon Christian Academy (in Lebanon, about a 15-minute drive), Sugar Creek Montessori School (in Thorntown, roughly 20 minutes away), and Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School (in Lafayette, a 30-35 minute commute). Your choice will largely depend on the age of your child, your educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori vs. faith-based), and your willingness to commute. Many families in rural Indiana like Somerville form carpools to manage transportation.
How does Indiana's school choice voucher program affect tuition costs for Somerville families considering private schools?
Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs for eligible families, making schools like Lebanon Christian Academy and Central Catholic more accessible. Eligibility is based on household income and size, with multiple pathways to qualify. For the 2024-25 school year, a family of four with an income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for some level of voucher. It's crucial to contact the specific schools' financial aid offices, as they will help you navigate the application process with the state. This state-specific benefit is a major financial consideration for Indiana parents exploring private education.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Somerville offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The schools serving Somerville offer distinct specialized programs. Central Catholic in Lafayette provides a comprehensive college-prep curriculum with robust STEM and athletics programs at the junior-senior high level. Sugar Creek Montessori offers an authentic, child-led Montessori education from preschool through elementary, focusing on hands-on learning, which is a rare find in the region. Lebanon Christian Academy emphasizes a Biblically-integrated curriculum and smaller class sizes for personalized attention. These specialized approaches contrast with the broader, standardized offerings of the small public school districts in the area, providing targeted alternatives.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lebanon Christian Academy that serve the Somerville area?
Enrollment timelines for these schools often begin in the winter for the following fall semester. For instance, Lebanon Christian Academy typically opens enrollment for current families in January and for new families in February. Central Catholic and Sugar Creek Montessori have similar early-year timelines. The process usually involves a campus tour, submission of an application, student assessment or shadow day (for older grades), and a review of records. Due to limited seats, especially in lower grades and popular programs like Montessori, it is highly recommended to initiate contact by December or January. Waiting lists are common, so early action is key for Somerville residents.
For a Somerville resident, what are the practical considerations when comparing the commute to a private school versus attending the local public school?
The primary consideration is daily transportation. Attending a public school within your district (likely Western Boone County or North Montgomery) involves minimal bus transportation. Opting for a private school means parents are responsible for the commute to Lebanon, Thorntown, or Lafayette, which can add 30-70 minutes of driving per day. You must factor in fuel costs, vehicle wear, and time. However, many families find the trade-off worthwhile for the specific educational environment. It's advisable to do a test drive during typical school drop-off times to gauge traffic. Additionally, inquire if the private school has a carpool network with other families from the Somerville or adjacent rural areas.
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