The Best Private Schools in Walton, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Walton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Canterbury School
Independent School
Canterbury School is consistently ranked among Indiana's top private schools and serves families throughout northern Indiana, including Walton residents seeking elite educational opportunities. This independent day school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The 72-acre campus features advanced STEM laboratories, extensive arts facilities, and championship athletic complexes. With an average class size of 14 students and 80% of faculty holding advanced degrees, Canterbury maintains exceptional academic outcomes, including multiple National Merit Scholars annually. The school emphasizes global citizenship through international programs and comprehensive arts education.
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St. Boniface School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Boniface School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the greater Lafayette area, including Walton families. With over a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and strong STEM integration. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving students from Walton and surrounding communities. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers rigorous academic programs including IB Diploma, Advanced Placement, and specialized STEM pathways. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and 85% of faculty holding advanced degrees, the school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate. Notable programs include robotics, championship athletics, and extensive service learning opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Walton, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Walton, Indiana?
Walton itself is a small town, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options include St. Boniface School (PreK-8) in nearby Lafayette, which offers a Catholic education, and Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School (7-12), also in Lafayette, providing a continuation of Catholic secondary education. For families seeking a highly rigorous, independent college-preparatory experience, Canterbury School in Fort Wayne is a notable but longer commute. Many Walton families also consider private schools in the broader Kokomo and Logansport areas. It's important to visit each, as the commute will be a significant daily factor.
How does the tuition for private schools near Walton, IN, compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-25 school year, St. Boniface (elementary) tuition is approximately $5,000-$7,000 annually, while Central Catholic High School is around $9,000-$11,000. Canterbury School's tuition is substantially higher, reflecting its independent school status. Indiana offers powerful financial aid options that Walton families should leverage: the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) and the Tax Credit Scholarship (SGO) program. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and these can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs. Each school's admissions office can guide you through the application process for both institutional aid and these state programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Walton area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools near Walton emphasize specific value propositions. Central Catholic Junior-Senior High School offers a faith-based curriculum with strong STEM and arts programs, along with a distinctive House System for student mentorship and community. St. Boniface provides a small, familial K-8 environment with integrated religious education. While not a daily commute for most, Canterbury School offers an Ivy League-focused curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement and independent study options. A key differentiator for these schools is often smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention compared to larger regional public school districts serving Walton.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Central Catholic or St. Boniface that serve Walton families?
The enrollment process typically begins in the winter for the following fall. For schools like St. Boniface (PreK-8) and Central Catholic (7-12), open houses are held from October to January. Application deadlines are often in early spring (February/March), especially for priority consideration and financial aid. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For Catholic schools, baptismal records are required. It's crucial to apply for Indiana state voucher (Choice Scholarship) and SGO tax credit scholarship aid simultaneously, as those deadlines are also in the spring. Waiting lists can form for certain grades, so early inquiry is recommended.
For a family living in Walton, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between local public schools and a private school in Lafayette or Fort Wayne?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is the **commute**: attending a private school in Lafayette is a 25-30 minute drive, while Fort Wayne is over an hour, significantly impacting daily routines and extracurricular participation. Second is **cost**: even with Indiana vouchers, there will be out-of-pocket expenses for tuition, transportation, and activities not covered by aid. Third is **educational philosophy**: Walton's public schools are part of the Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation, offering a solid, tuition-free education. Private options offer a specific religious foundation (Catholic) or a highly competitive college-prep environment. Families must weigh the value of the specialized environment against the time and financial investment required for the commute.
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