The Best Private Schools in Worthington, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Worthington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick School
Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary school serving the Worthington community with a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith-based education. The school offers comprehensive education from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating Catholic values, with strong programs in mathematics, reading, and religious education. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Diocese of Evansville Catholic Schools
Located approximately 30 minutes from Worthington in Bloomington, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School serves students from surrounding communities including Worthington. The school provides a rigorous academic program within a faith-based environment for students in pre-K through 8th grade. Known for its strong academic performance and dedicated faculty, the school offers advanced mathematics programs, comprehensive language arts, and integrated technology throughout the curriculum. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, a library, and athletic fields. Parent involvement is highly encouraged, contributing to the school's strong community reputation and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Lighthouse Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lighthouse Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located in Bloomington that serves families throughout the region, including Worthington. The academy offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with rigorous academics, featuring advanced placement courses, dual credit opportunities, and comprehensive STEM programs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with numerous extracurricular options including competitive sports, fine arts, and community outreach programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Worthington, Indiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Worthington, Indiana, and what are their core affiliations?
Worthington, Indiana, offers a small but distinct set of private school choices, primarily with religious affiliations. The top options include St. Patrick School (Catholic, Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School (Catholic, also Pre-K through 8th, located in nearby Bloomfield but serving the regional Catholic community), and Lighthouse Christian Academy (Christian, typically non-denominational Protestant, often serving grades K-12). Given Worthington's size, these schools provide essential alternatives to the public North Daviess Community Schools system, with a focus on faith-based education and often smaller class sizes.
How does tuition at Worthington-area private schools compare, and are there Indiana-specific financial aid programs available to help families?
Tuition for the private schools serving Worthington varies. St. Patrick and St. Charles Borromeo, as parish schools, often have lower tuition rates for active parish members, with higher rates for non-members. Lighthouse Christian Academy typically sets its own independent tuition. For the 2024-25 year, expect a range from approximately $3,500 to $6,500 annually for elementary grades, with discounts for multiple children. Critically, Indiana residents can leverage the state's School Choice Scholarship (voucher) program and the Tax Credit Scholarship (SGO) program. Eligibility is based on income and other factors, and these can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, making private school in Worthington more accessible than many parents initially assume.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Worthington area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Worthington area leverage their size and mission to offer specialized programs. St. Patrick School integrates Catholic teachings across all subjects and emphasizes sacramental preparation. Lighthouse Christian Academy often provides a Bible-based curriculum and may offer flexible or individualized learning plans. A key differentiator in this rural area is often the student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention. While public schools like North Daviess may have broader athletic and extracurricular offerings due to larger enrollment, Worthington's private schools often foster a tight-knit community environment and character education that is central to their identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Patrick or Lighthouse Christian Academy in Worthington, IN?
Enrollment timelines for Worthington's private schools generally begin in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority often given to re-enrolling students and siblings. For St. Patrick School, registration is typically managed through the parish, and Catholic families may need to provide baptismal records. Lighthouse Christian Academy usually has an application process that may include a family interview and student assessment. Given the limited seats in these small schools, it is highly advisable for Worthington parents to initiate contact by December or January. Open houses or tours are less formal than in urban areas; a direct phone call to the school office is often the best first step.
For families in Worthington, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (North Daviess) and a private school option?
The decision in Worthington hinges on several local factors. **North Daviess Community Schools** offer a comprehensive K-12 pathway, likely more extensive sports, band, and vocational programs (like through the Davies County Career Center), and no tuition. The private options (St. Patrick, Lighthouse Christian) offer a specific faith-based environment, potentially smaller class sizes, and a curriculum integrated with religious values. Transportation is a practical consideration; while North Daviess provides busing, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a significant factor in rural Greene/Daviess counties. Ultimately, Worthington families must weigh the importance of religious education and community against the program breadth and convenience of the public system.
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