The Best Private Schools in Gordon, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gordon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Central Elementary School
Catholic Schools of Ashland
St. Joseph Central Elementary is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the broader Ashland region including Gordon. The school offers a comprehensive faith-based education with strong academic foundations in reading, mathematics, and science. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and dedicated spaces for music and art. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, serving students from preschool through 8th grade with a well-established reputation in the tri-state area.
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Holy Family School
Diocese of Lexington
Holy Family School provides a strong Catholic education to students in the Ashland metropolitan area, including families from Gordon. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with particular strength in mathematics and language arts, supported by technology integration across all grade levels. The campus includes modern facilities, a library media center, and spaces for physical education and artistic expression. Parent involvement is highly encouraged, and the school maintains a close-knit community atmosphere with a focus on developing well-rounded students.
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St. Mary School
Catholic Schools of Boyd County
St. Mary School in Russell serves students from throughout Boyd County and the surrounding region, including Gordon. This Catholic school offers a balanced educational approach combining strong academics with faith formation and character development. The curriculum includes advanced coursework in core subjects, integrated technology, and enrichment programs in music, art, and physical education. The school features well-maintained facilities, dedicated teachers with long tenure, and a supportive parent community that values the school's tradition of academic excellence and moral development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gordon, Kentucky
What are the private school options available specifically in Gordon, Kentucky, and are they all religiously affiliated?
Gordon, Kentucky, is served by a small number of private schools, all of which are Catholic-affiliated institutions. The primary options are St. Joseph Central Elementary School, Holy Family School, and St. Mary School. These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Given Gordon's size and rural setting in Johnson County, there are no secular private day schools or independent college-preparatory schools within the city itself. Families seeking non-religious or specialized private high school programs often need to look at boarding schools or day schools in larger regional hubs like Ashland or Pikeville.
How does tuition at Gordon's Catholic schools compare to the Kentucky state average for private elementary education, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Gordon's Catholic schools (St. Joseph, Holy Family, St. Mary) is generally below the state average for private K-8 education in Kentucky, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition at these schools typically ranged from $3,500 to $5,500 per student, compared to a state average that can exceed $7,000. Significant financial support is often available through the parish, with active parishioners frequently receiving a substantially reduced tuition rate. Additionally, all Kentucky families, regardless of income, can apply for the state's Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships funded by donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Schools themselves may also offer limited need-based aid and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Gordon's private schools offer that leverage the local Appalachian context?
The private schools in Gordon, KY, integrate the values and culture of Eastern Kentucky into their programs. Academically, this may include local history units on Appalachian heritage and the coal industry. Many emphasize community service projects that address local needs. Given their Catholic identity, strong sacramental preparation and faith formation are core programs. Extracurricular options are necessarily modest due to school size but often include academic teams, choir, and sports like basketball and volleyball through local Catholic leagues. Their small class sizes—often 15 students or fewer—allow for highly personalized instruction, which is a notable advantage in addressing individual learning needs in this close-knit community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for schools like St. Joseph or Holy Family School in Gordon?
The enrollment process for Gordon's private schools is relatively straightforward but requires early attention. Registration for the following academic year typically opens in January or February for current families and parishioners, with open registration for new families beginning in March. The process involves submitting a registration form, a copy of the birth certificate, baptismal certificate (if applicable), past academic records, and a registration fee. Most schools do not have rigorous entrance exams for elementary grades but may require a placement assessment or interview. Due to small class sizes, spots can fill quickly, especially in pre-K and kindergarten. It is highly recommended to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to schedule a tour and get on their communication list.
For a family in Gordon, what are the key practical and philosophical differences between sending a child to a local public school versus a Catholic private school?
The decision in Gordon often centers on community, class size, and curriculum philosophy. The public schools in Johnson County are part of a larger district, offering more extensive facilities, transportation, and potentially a wider array of elective courses in higher grades. Gordon's Catholic schools offer a faith-based education that integrates religious teachings throughout the day, with daily prayer and weekly Mass. The most pronounced practical difference is class size; private schools in Gordon often have a student-to-teacher ratio under 10:1, allowing for significant individual attention. Philosophically, the private schools emphasize character formation aligned with Catholic values within a close-knit community. A practical consideration is transportation, as public schools provide busing, while private school families must arrange their own.