The Best Private Schools in Williamsport, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Williamsport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Family School
Diocese of Lexington Catholic Schools
Holy Family School in Ashland is a top-rated Catholic school known for its rigorous academics and nurturing environment. It offers a balanced curriculum with emphasis on STEM, arts, and faith formation, supported by modern facilities and dedicated staff. The school boasts high parent satisfaction, strong student outcomes, and a variety of extracurricular programs, making it a popular choice for families in the broader region, including Williamsport.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Lexington Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic institution serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. It emphasizes academic rigor within a faith-based environment, with small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong focus on character development. The school offers a well-rounded curriculum including STEM subjects, arts, and sports, and is known for its family-oriented community and high parent satisfaction. Its location in nearby Paintsville makes it accessible for families in Williamsport.
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Paintsville Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Paintsville Christian Academy provides a comprehensive education from kindergarten to high school, focusing on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. It features experienced faculty, individualized attention, and a range of extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs. The school is praised for its safe environment, strong community involvement, and preparation of students for higher education, serving the Williamsport area with a commitment to holistic development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Williamsport, Kentucky
What are the private school options for families living in or near Williamsport, Kentucky?
Williamsport, KY, is a small community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns within Johnson and surrounding counties. The primary institutions include St. Mary's School (a Catholic K-8 school in Paintsville), Paintsville Christian Academy (a private Christian school), and Holy Family School (also in Paintsville). Due to Williamsport's rural setting, parents should anticipate a commute, typically 20-30 minutes to Paintsville, for private education. These schools offer a faith-based alternative to the local public school system, with smaller class sizes being a significant draw for families in the area.
How does tuition at private schools near Williamsport, KY, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the Williamsport region, such as St. Mary's or Paintsville Christian Academy, is generally below the national private school average but must be evaluated relative to local household incomes. Annual tuition typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 for elementary grades. Kentucky offers the Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which can provide need-based scholarships for students attending participating private schools. Additionally, individual schools often have parish subsidies (for Catholic schools), sibling discounts, and limited need-based financial aid. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly to discuss specific financial planning.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Williamsport, KY, area provide?
Private schools near Williamsport emphasize a core curriculum enhanced by faith-based values and character education. For example, St. Mary's School integrates Catholic teachings across subjects and may offer sacramental preparation. Paintsville Christian Academy likely provides a Bible-based curriculum and may have programs in music or art rooted in Christian tradition. Given the schools' smaller sizes, extracurricular offerings like sports or academic clubs may be more limited than in large urban private schools but often feature strong community involvement. Some may participate in local or diocesan academic competitions, spelling bees, and science fairs.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Williamsport, Kentucky families?
The enrollment process for schools like Holy Family or Paintsville Christian Academy usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour, 2) Submitting an application with a fee, 3) Providing academic records and possibly standardized test scores, 4) A family or student interview (more common for upper grades), and 5) For Catholic schools, proof of baptism and parish registration may be required. Due to limited seats, especially in specific grades, applying early is advisable. Some schools may have rolling admission if spaces remain.
For a family in rural Williamsport, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. The Johnson County public school system provides proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school like those in Paintsville adds a daily commute but offers smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and a specific religious or moral educational framework. Academically, private schools in this region often have strong foundational programs but may have fewer advanced placement or specialized elective options than the larger public high schools. Parents should consider the value of the community environment, the importance of faith-based education, and the logistics and cost of transportation when making this choice for their Williamsport family.