The Best Private Schools in Bentley, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bentley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Alexandria Country Day School
Independent
Alexandria Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. Founded in 1970, the school emphasizes academic excellence through a challenging curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive science programs, and foreign language instruction beginning in pre-kindergarten. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. ACDS is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong community atmosphere. The school prepares students for success in competitive high school programs and beyond, with a focus on developing critical thinking skills and lifelong learning habits.
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Holy Savior Menard Central High School
Diocese of Alexandria
Holy Savior Menard Central High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school serving Central Louisiana, including the Bentley area. Established in 1947, the school offers a comprehensive academic program with 14 Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic traditions, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 14:1, Menard provides personalized attention while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and character formation, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's Residential Treatment Center School
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
St. Mary's Residential Treatment Center School provides specialized educational services for students with emotional and behavioral challenges, serving the Bentley region and throughout Louisiana. Established in 1954, the school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with therapeutic support services. The campus includes specialized classrooms, vocational training facilities, recreational areas, and residential accommodations. With highly trained special education teachers and clinical staff, St. Mary's provides individualized education plans tailored to each student's needs. The school maintains small class sizes and utilizes evidence-based instructional methods to help students achieve academic success while developing essential life skills and coping strategies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bentley, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Bentley, Louisiana?
Bentley itself is a very small community, so most private school options are located in the nearby Alexandria area. The most prominent include Holy Savior Menard Central High School (a Catholic, co-ed 7-12 grade school), Alexandria Country Day School (a private, co-ed Pre-K through 8th grade school with a college-prep focus), and St. Mary's Residential Treatment Center School (which serves students with specific therapeutic and educational needs). For Bentley residents, attending these schools requires a commute, making transportation a key consideration. It's also advisable to explore smaller parochial schools in neighboring towns like Pineville.
How does tuition for private schools in the Bentley/Alexandria area compare to the Louisiana state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Bentley/Alexandria area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Louisiana costs. For the 2023-2024 year, area schools like Menard and Alexandria Country Day have tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $9,000 annually. Louisiana offers the Louisiana Scholarship Program (a voucher program for eligible families whose income does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty line and who are zoned for a public school with a C, D, or F rating). Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish-supported tuition rates for members of affiliated Catholic churches.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Bentley, LA community?
Schools in this region often emphasize programs that reflect Central Louisiana's culture and needs. Holy Savior Menard Central High School offers a strong engineering pathway and a renowned athletics program, particularly in football and baseball. Alexandria Country Day School focuses on a rigorous core curriculum with character education and smaller class sizes. Given the area's ties to agriculture and forestry, some schools incorporate environmental science and local ecology into their science curricula. Unlike larger metropolitan private schools, programs here often foster a close-knit, community-oriented student experience.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Menard or Alexandria Country Day for a family from Bentley?
The process typically begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. For Alexandria Country Day School (Pre-K-8), applications open in October, with priority deadlines often in February. Holy Savior Menard (7-12) usually has open enrollment periods starting in January. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or placement assessment. For Bentley families, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options early, as neither school provides bus service from Bentley specifically. Siblings of current students and Catholic parishioners (for Menard) often receive priority.
For a family in Bentley, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Rapides Parish Public Schools) and a private school in Alexandria?
The decision hinges on several Bentley-specific factors. The local public school is likely a smaller, rural school, which can offer personalized attention but may have fewer advanced course offerings or extracurriculars. Choosing a private school in Alexandria involves a daily commute of 20-30 minutes but provides access to specialized academic programs, religious education (if desired), and often smaller class sizes. Financially, families must weigh tuition costs against the free public option, exploring Louisiana state aid programs. Additionally, consider the social and community aspect—a private school may connect your child to a broader regional network, while the local public school keeps them within the immediate Bentley community.
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