The Best Private Schools in Dice, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Dice. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Hazard Christian School
Independent Christian School
Hazard Christian School serves students from Perry County and surrounding areas including Dice, offering a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school. The school features small class sizes, rigorous academic programs, and a strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates regularly attending competitive colleges and universities.
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The June Buchanan School
Independent College Preparatory School
Located approximately 30 minutes from Dice, The June Buchanan School provides a rigorous college preparatory education in a small, nurturing environment. The school partners with Alice Lloyd College to offer dual credit opportunities and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Programs include comprehensive STEM courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts education. The campus features modern academic facilities, technology integration, and personalized academic advising.
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Buckhorn School
Independent Residential and Day School
Serving students from throughout Eastern Kentucky including the Dice area, Buckhorn School offers both day and residential options with a focus on holistic education. The school combines rigorous academics with unique outdoor and experiential learning opportunities in the Appalachian setting. Features include small class sizes, individualized attention, comprehensive arts programs, and college counseling. The campus includes academic buildings, dormitories, athletic facilities, and extensive natural surroundings for outdoor education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Dice, Kentucky
What are the private school options for families living in or near Dice, Kentucky?
Dice itself is a very small community, so families typically look to nearby schools in Perry and surrounding counties. The primary options include Hazard Christian School in Hazard (K-12, non-denominational Christian), The June Buchanan School in Pippa Passes (K-12, college-preparatory with a focus on leadership and Appalachian values), and Buckhorn School in Buckhorn (K-12, with a historic campus and strong community focus). Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are a commute from Dice, but they serve as the central private educational institutions for the region.
How does tuition at private schools in the Dice, KY area compare, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-25 school year, Hazard Christian School's tuition is approximately $5,000-$6,000, while The June Buchanan School, as a more selective college-prep academy, is higher, often ranging from $8,000 to $10,000+. Buckhorn School typically falls within a similar range to Hazard Christian. Critically for Kentucky families, the state's Education Opportunity Account (EOA) program, a type of tax-credit scholarship, can provide financial assistance to eligible families enrolling in participating private schools. All three schools offer additional need-based financial aid and payment plans. It's essential to contact each school directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Dice offer that reflect the local culture and needs?
Schools in this Appalachian region often integrate local heritage and practical skills. The June Buchanan School, affiliated with Alice Lloyd College, emphasizes Appalachian leadership and offers a strong dual-credit program allowing students to earn significant college credit tuition-free. Buckhorn School, nestled in a rural setting, often emphasizes environmental science and outdoor education. Hazard Christian School integrates Christian worldview across its curriculum and may offer programs in music and ministry. All prioritize small class sizes and community service, addressing both college readiness and character development valued in Eastern Kentucky.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Dice, Kentucky residents?
The process generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. For schools like The June Buchanan School, which has a more competitive admissions process, applications are due by March, with entrance exams and interviews scheduled shortly after. Hazard Christian School and Buckhorn School also encourage early applications to secure placement. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Given limited seats, especially in specific grades, parents in the Dice area are advised to initiate contact with admissions offices by January to understand specific deadlines and required documentation.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Dice differ from the public Perry County Schools system?
The primary differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and specific mission. Perry County public schools offer a broad, state-regulated curriculum with diverse extracurriculars but often in larger class settings. The private options provide much smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 10:1 or 15:1), allowing for individualized attention. They operate with distinct missions: faith-based education at Hazard Christian, rigorous college-prep at JBS, and a close-knit community focus at Buckhorn. While public schools are tuition-free, private schools offer a tailored environment that may align more closely with specific family values or academic goals, albeit with a financial commitment and a commute from Dice.