The Best Private Schools in Lockport, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lockport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The New School Montessori
Independent Montessori School
The New School Montessori is a highly-regarded independent Montessori school serving families throughout northern Kentucky, including Lockport. The school offers authentic Montessori education from toddler through middle school years, emphasizing individualized learning, hands-on exploration, and development of the whole child. The campus features specialized Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, art studios, and science labs. With low student-teacher ratios and certified Montessori guides, the school fosters independence, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Graduates consistently excel at top private and public high schools in the region.
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St. Henry District High School
Catholic Schools of Northern Kentucky
St. Henry District High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory school serving northern Kentucky communities including Lockport. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a comprehensive STEM curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong emphasis on character formation. The campus features modern science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and fine arts spaces. With a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous National Merit Scholars, St. Henry consistently ranks among Kentucky's top private high schools.
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Covington Latin School
Diocese of Covington
Covington Latin School is a distinguished independent Catholic school known for its accelerated classical education model that serves academically gifted students from throughout northern Kentucky. The school accepts qualified students beginning in 7th grade and offers an intensive curriculum that includes four years of Latin, advanced mathematics and sciences, and comprehensive humanities. Unique features include the ability for students to complete high school in three years and begin college coursework. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates regularly attending Ivy League and top-tier universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lockport, Kentucky
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lockport, Kentucky, and are they located within the city limits?
Lockport, Kentucky, is a small, rural community, and most private school options are located in neighboring cities within Boone and Kenton Counties. The schools you mentioned, like St. Henry District High School and Covington Latin School, are in Covington, while The New School Montessori is in Cincinnati, Ohio. Families in Lockport typically commute to these schools, which are approximately a 30-45 minute drive. Other notable options in the broader Northern Kentucky region include Villa Madonna Academy (Covington), Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills), and a variety of Catholic elementary schools. It's important for Lockport parents to consider commute times and transportation logistics when evaluating these private institutions.
How does Kentucky's tax credit scholarship program, like the Education Opportunity Account (EOA) program, impact tuition affordability for Lockport families considering private schools?
Kentucky's Education Opportunity Account Act provides tax credits for donations to account-granting organizations, which then fund scholarships for eligible students. For Lockport families, this can significantly reduce the financial burden of private school tuition at participating schools in Northern Kentucky. Eligibility is primarily based on household income (up to 175% of the federal reduced-price lunch level) and student residency in a county with a population over 90,000 (Boone County qualifies). Parents should check with specific schools, such as St. Henry, to confirm their participation in the EOA program. This state-specific aid is a crucial financial consideration that differs from many other states and can make private education more accessible for qualifying Lockport residents.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools in the Northern Kentucky region accessible to Lockport students?
Private schools accessible from Lockport offer distinct programs that leverage their regional identities. Covington Latin School specializes in a accelerated, classics-based curriculum where students can complete grades 7-12 in as few as five years. St. Henry District High School offers strong STEM pathways and a renowned arts program, including extensive music and theater. While not in Kentucky, The New School Montessori in Cincinnati provides a unique, child-led Montessori education through 8th grade. Furthermore, many Northern Kentucky Catholic high schools have partnerships with local industries and colleges for dual-credit courses, providing a head start on college credits—a notable advantage for Lockport students seeking rigorous academic preparation beyond the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools like St. Henry in Covington, and how should Lockport families prepare given potential waitlists?
The enrollment process for sought-after private high schools in Northern Kentucky, such as St. Henry District High School, often begins a full year in advance. The typical timeline starts with open houses in the fall (September-October) for 8th graders, followed by entrance exam dates (like the High School Placement Test) in November or December. Applications are usually due in early winter, with acceptance notifications sent by February. For Lockport families, it's critical to initiate this process early in your child's 8th-grade year. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially for non-feeder parish students, waitlists are common. Proactive steps include attending open houses, scheduling shadow days, and ensuring all application materials are submitted promptly. Some schools also prioritize siblings of current students and children of alumni.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools in the Northern Kentucky area compare to the public schools available in Lockport?
Lockport is served by the Boone County Public Schools district, which includes large, comprehensive high schools. In contrast, the private schools accessible to Lockport families offer significantly smaller class sizes and a distinct community feel. For example, St. Henry has an average class size of 20 students, and Covington Latin's classes are often even smaller, fostering more individualized attention. The community environment in these schools is often tightly knit, with a strong emphasis on shared values (particularly in faith-based schools) and extensive extracurricular participation. While Boone County public schools offer diverse programs and resources due to their scale, Lockport parents seeking a close-knit, personalized educational atmosphere with a specific moral or pedagogical focus often find the commute to Northern Kentucky private schools worthwhile. The trade-off involves commute time versus daily educational environment.
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