The Best Private Schools in Barksdale Afb, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Barksdale Afb. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loyola College Prep
Independent Catholic School
Loyola College Prep is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school located approximately 15 minutes from Barksdale AFB in downtown Shreveport. Founded in 1977, the school serves grades 7-12 with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum featuring 21 Advanced Placement courses. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. Facilities include modern science labs, a performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school has strong academic credentials with students consistently scoring above state and national averages on standardized tests.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Mary's Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and is located about 10 minutes from Barksdale AFB. Established in 1952, the school offers a classical education rooted in Catholic tradition with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes comprehensive STEM programs, foreign language instruction, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a library, chapel, and athletic facilities. The school maintains high parent satisfaction with its dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere, making it a popular choice for military families.
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Calvary Baptist Academy
Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Academy is a comprehensive Christian school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, located approximately 15 minutes from Barksdale AFB. Founded in 1975, the academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical principles. The school features advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive athletic and fine arts programs. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong academic performance and has a track record of preparing students for top universities while maintaining a supportive Christian environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Barksdale Afb, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families stationed at Barksdale AFB, and how do their educational philosophies differ?
The primary private school options serving the Barksdale AFB community are located in nearby Shreveport, as the base itself does not host private schools. The top choices include Loyola College Prep (a Jesuit, co-educational college preparatory school), St. Mary's Catholic School (offering a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade), and Calvary Baptist Academy (a Christian school associated with Calvary Baptist Church). Their philosophies differ significantly: Loyola emphasizes rigorous academics and service in the Jesuit tradition, St. Mary's provides a structured Catholic education, and Calvary Baptist integrates Biblical principles throughout its curriculum. For military families, commute time to these Shreveport campuses (typically 15-25 minutes from base housing) is a key logistical consideration.
Are there any Louisiana state-specific or military-specific financial aid programs to help with private school tuition for Barksdale AFB families?
Yes, Louisiana offers unique programs that can benefit Barksdale AFB families. The Louisiana School Choice Program, often called the voucher program, provides state-funded assistance for eligible students to attend private schools. Eligibility is often based on family income, residency, and prior public school attendance. Additionally, while not specific to Louisiana, military families can explore the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant programs for supplemental educational support, though these are not direct tuition payments. It's crucial to contact each school's financial aid office directly, as schools like Loyola, St. Mary's, and Calvary Baptist may also offer their own need-based scholarships and multi-child discounts, which can be particularly helpful for military families.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Shreveport/Bossier private schools cater to the transient lifestyle of military children from Barksdale AFB?
Private schools in the Shreveport area are accustomed to serving military families from Barksdale AFB and have developed supportive structures. Academically, they often utilize standardized curricula and maintain detailed transcripts to ease transitions between schools nationally. Loyola College Prep, for instance, has a strong college counseling program that is adept at guiding students who may apply from out-of-state. Extracurricularly, schools offer robust athletic teams, clubs, and arts programs that allow new students to integrate quickly. Many also have active student ambassador programs to welcome newcomers. While specific "military student" programs are rare, the smaller class sizes and community focus common in these private schools can provide the stability and individual attention that benefit children during a PCS move.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Barksdale AFB, and how should military families planning a move to the base approach it?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Loyola, St. Mary's, and Calvary Baptist typically begin in January/February for the following fall, with application deadlines in the spring. However, for military families arriving on orders to Barksdale AFB, these schools are generally experienced with mid-year enrollment and will work with you. The critical first step is to contact the schools' admissions offices as soon as you have assignment orders. You will need to provide previous school records, standardized test scores, and possibly teacher recommendations. Many require an entrance assessment and a family interview. It is highly advisable to schedule a campus tour during a house-hunting trip if possible. Being proactive and communicating your military status and move timeline is key to securing a spot outside the standard cycle.
For families living on Barksdale AFB, how does the quality and environment of the on-base DoDEA school compare to the local private school options in Shreveport?
Barksdale AFB is home to a DoDEA school, Barkdale Elementary, which serves military dependents in grades K-6. It offers the advantage of extreme convenience, a community of exclusively military peers, and a curriculum aligned with national DoDEA standards. For grades 7-12, however, families must look off-base. The local private schools offer distinct advantages: typically smaller class sizes, specialized religious or college-prep curricula (like Loyola's AP and honors programs), and continuity through higher grade levels. The choice often comes down to priorities: the convenience and military-centric culture of the on-base school versus the specific academic, religious, or extracurricular offerings of the private institutions. Many families use the on-base elementary school and then transition to a private middle or high school for more specialized programs.
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