The Best Private Schools in Harold, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harold. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mountain Arts Center Academy
Mountain Arts Center
The Mountain Arts Center Academy serves students throughout Eastern Kentucky, including Harold, with a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum enhanced by extensive arts education. Located just 15 miles from Harold in Prestonsburg, this highly-regarded private school combines rigorous academics with exceptional arts programming. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and access to professional-grade performance spaces and studios. The academy emphasizes character development and community engagement while preparing students for college success through advanced placement courses and dual-credit opportunities with local colleges.
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Pikeville Catholic Elementary School
Catholic Schools of Pikeville
Serving families throughout Eastern Kentucky, including the Harold area, Pikeville Catholic Elementary School provides a faith-based education focused on academic excellence and character formation. Located approximately 25 miles from Harold, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates Catholic values with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, along with robust extracurricular programs including music, art, and competitive sports. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community involvement.
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East Kentucky Science School
Independent
Located approximately 30 miles from Harold in Paintsville, East Kentucky Science School serves students from throughout the region with a specialized STEM-focused curriculum. This independent private school emphasizes hands-on learning, scientific inquiry, and technology integration across all grade levels. The school features state-of-the-art science laboratories, computer labs, and outdoor learning environments that support its environmental science and sustainability programs. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school provides personalized attention while preparing students for college STEM programs through advanced coursework, research opportunities, and partnerships with regional universities and industries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harold, Kentucky
What are the private school options specifically available for families residing in or near Harold, Kentucky?
Harold, Kentucky, is a small, rural community, so families typically look to nearby towns for private school options. The most accessible and notable schools include the Mountain Arts Center Academy in Prestonsburg, which emphasizes performing and visual arts, and Pikeville Catholic Elementary School in Pikeville, offering a faith-based education. The East Kentucky Science School, also in the region, focuses on STEM. Due to Harold's location in Floyd County, most private schooling requires a commute to Pikeville or Prestonsburg. There are no major private school campuses within Harold itself, so transportation planning is a key consideration for parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Harold, KY, area compare, and are there any Kentucky-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Harold area varies. Pikeville Catholic Elementary typically has structured tuition with parish subsidies for members. The Mountain Arts Center Academy and East Kentucky Science School may have different fee scales based on their specialized programs. Kentucky offers the Education Opportunity Account (EOA) program, a tax-credit scholarship for eligible families in counties with populations over 90,000; however, Floyd County (where Harold is located) does not currently meet this threshold, so this state aid is not available locally. Parents should inquire directly with each school about need-based scholarships, payment plans, and any local charitable foundations that may offer assistance.
What unique academic specializations or programs do private schools near Harold, Kentucky, offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools accessible from Harold offer distinct specializations not always available in the local public districts. The Mountain Arts Center Academy provides an intensive arts curriculum with professional-grade training. Pikeville Catholic Elementary integrates religious education and values into its core academic program. The East Kentucky Science School offers a rigorous, project-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focus, potentially with more advanced lab and technology resources. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, which can be a significant draw for families in the Harold area seeking tailored educational paths.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving the Harold, KY, community?
Enrollment processes for schools like Pikeville Catholic Elementary, Mountain Arts Center Academy, and East Kentucky Science School usually begin in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Key steps often include an application submission, possible entrance assessments or student interviews, and submission of past academic records. For faith-based schools, proof of baptism or parish registration may be required. Due to limited seats, especially in specialized programs, early application is strongly advised. Many families in Harold start researching and contacting schools a full year in advance. Open houses or virtual tours are typically held between January and March.
For a family in Harold, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several Harold-specific factors. The local public schools are part of the Floyd County School District, offering proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Pikeville or Prestonsburg involves a daily commute of 30-60 minutes each way on mountainous roads, impacting family logistics and costs. Parents must weigh the value of specialized programs (arts, faith, STEM) and smaller class sizes against commute time and tuition. Additionally, consider extracurricular participation, as longer travel can affect ability to stay for after-school activities. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is crucial to feel the community and academic environment difference firsthand.
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