The Best Private Schools in Clifty, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clifty. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Shawe Memorial High School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Shawe Memorial High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school located just across the Ohio River from Clifty in Madison, Indiana. Serving students in grades 6-12, Shawe offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features modern STEM labs, comprehensive athletic facilities, and strong arts programs. With a focus on character development and community service, Shawe has educated generations of students from both Indiana and Kentucky. The school maintains high college acceptance rates and offers dual credit courses through Ivy Tech Community College.
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Pope John XXIII Elementary & Middle School
Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Pope John XXIII School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families from both sides of the Ohio River. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring modern classrooms, technology integration, and a comprehensive curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community. The school offers various extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic clubs, preparing students for success in high school and beyond. Many graduates continue to Shawe Memorial High School.
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Southwestern Schools - Hanover Campus
Southwestern Schools
Southwestern Schools Hanover Campus serves students from southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky, including the Clifty area. This public charter school offers personalized learning plans, small class sizes, and a comprehensive K-12 education program. The school features blended learning options, college preparatory courses, and career-focused pathways. With a focus on individual student success, Southwestern provides a supportive environment with dedicated teachers and modern facilities. The school maintains strong community partnerships and offers various extracurricular activities to enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clifty, Kentucky
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Clifty, Kentucky?
Clifty itself is a small community, so families typically look to nearby Madison, Indiana, for the closest private K-12 options. The most prominent local institutions are Shawe Memorial High School (grades 9-12) and Pope John XXIII Elementary & Middle School, both located just across the Ohio River in Madison. Additionally, Southwestern Schools - Hanover Campus in Hanover, Indiana, offers another nearby private option. These schools serve a regional student body, including many families from Kentucky, due to the proximity of the state line. There are no private schools physically within the Clifty, KY, boundaries, making these cross-state commutes the standard for private education.
How does tuition for private schools serving Clifty, KY, compare, and are there Kentucky-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the primary options (Shawe Memorial and Pope John XXIII) typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 per year, varying by grade level and parish membership. A key financial consideration for Kentucky residents is that they are not eligible for Indiana's state voucher program (Choice Scholarship). However, Kentucky families can utilize the **Kentucky Education Opportunity Account (EOA) Program**, a tax-credit scholarship for eligible students in counties with populations over 90,000. Since Carroll County (where Clifty is located) has a smaller population, local residents may not qualify, making school-based scholarships, parish subsidies, and payment plans crucial. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid packages for out-of-state families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Clifty offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the region emphasize a faith-based education integrated with college-prep academics. Shawe Memorial High School, for instance, offers a distinctive **Project-Based Learning (PBL)** curriculum and a strong emphasis on STEM. Given the area's rural character, these schools often provide more concentrated arts, athletics, and advanced placement opportunities than smaller public districts. A notable feature is the tight-knit, community-focused environment rooted in Catholic values, which appeals to many families seeking a structured setting. Furthermore, their location in Indiana allows them to participate in the Indiana Academic Standards and IHSAA athletics, providing a different competitive and academic framework than Kentucky public schools.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for schools like Shawe Memorial and Pope John XXIII for a family residing in Clifty, KY?
The enrollment process for these Indiana-based schools is open to Kentucky residents, but planning is key. Typically, open enrollment for the following academic year begins in January or February, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parishioners. Families from Clifty should contact the schools' admissions offices directly to schedule a tour and obtain application packets. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records from the current school, a pastor recommendation (for Catholic schools), and often a student interview or placement test. It's advisable to initiate the process early in the calendar year, as some grades may have waiting lists. Transportation across state lines is the family's responsibility, a crucial logistical factor to consider.
For a family in Clifty, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local Kentucky public school and a private school in Indiana?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. First is **commute and transportation**: Attending a private school requires a daily drive to Madison or Hanover, Indiana, crossing the Ohio River, whereas public school is locally based in Carroll County. Second is **cost**: Public school is tuition-free, while private school requires significant financial investment without access to Indiana vouchers. Third is **educational philosophy**: Carroll County public schools offer a standard Kentucky education, while the private options provide a faith-based environment and often smaller class sizes. Finally, consider **community and continuity**: Private schools offer a consistent peer group from K-12 (Pope John to Shawe), while public schooling follows the county's grade-level school transitions. Many Clifty families value the moral and disciplinary framework of the local Catholic schools enough to manage the commute and cost.
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