The Best Private Schools in Benton, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Benton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Evangel Christian Academy
Evangel Christian Academy
Evangel Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Benton and greater Shreveport area. Established in 1977, ECA offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features strong academic programs with advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and a robust STEM curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular offerings include competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and various clubs.
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Loyola College Prep
Loyola College Prep
Loyola College Prep is one of Louisiana's oldest and most prestigious private schools, serving students from Benton and throughout the Shreveport metropolitan area. Founded in 1900, this Catholic college-preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program including International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. The school features a historic campus with modern academic facilities, including state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. Loyola emphasizes holistic education with strong programs in fine arts, community service, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its strong alumni network and academic tradition.
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St. Joseph's Catholic School
Diocese of Shreveport
St. Joseph's Catholic School provides exceptional private education to students from Benton and the broader Shreveport community. Established in 1954, this parochial school offers education from pre-K through 8th grade with a strong foundation in Catholic values and academic excellence. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, science, and religious education. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library, chapel, and playground areas. St. Joseph's maintains small class sizes and offers enrichment programs in music, art, physical education, and technology. The school is known for its strong community involvement and preparation of students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Benton, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Benton, Louisiana, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Benton itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Shreveport-Bossier metropolitan area. The most prominent options include Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport (a non-denominational Christian school offering K-12), Loyola College Prep in Shreveport (a Jesuit, Catholic college preparatory high school), and St. Joseph's Catholic School in Shreveport (serving Pre-K through 8th grade). It's important to note that there are no major private school campuses physically located within the Benton city limits; most require a commute into Shreveport. Many Benton families utilize these schools, and carpooling is common.
How does Louisiana's School Choice program, like the Louisiana Scholarship Program, affect tuition for Benton families considering private schools?
Louisiana's unique School Choice programs can significantly impact affordability. The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) allows eligible students from families with incomes below certain thresholds to attend participating private schools, like Evangel Christian Academy or St. Joseph's, with state-funded tuition assistance. Eligibility is primarily based on income and prior public school attendance. For Benton families, this means exploring whether your chosen school participates in the LSP and if your child meets the specific criteria. It's a crucial financial consideration that differentiates Louisiana from many other states.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private schools accessible from Benton, LA?
Schools in the area offer distinct specializations. **Loyola College Prep** is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, extensive AP course offerings, and signature programs in robotics and debate. **Evangel Christian Academy** emphasizes a Biblical worldview across its curriculum and features strong athletic programs (football, basketball) and fine arts. **St. Joseph's Catholic School** provides a foundational Catholic education with a focus on character development and often feeds into Loyola. For Benton students interested in specific tracks like STEM, competitive athletics, or faith-based learning, these program differences are key deciding factors.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Loyola or Evangel for a family moving to Benton?
Enrollment timelines for these sought-after schools are critical and often earlier than public school registration. Loyola College Prep (grades 9-12) typically has an application deadline in the early winter (January/February) for the following academic year, requiring entrance exams, transcripts, and recommendations. Evangel Christian Academy and St. Joseph's often begin accepting applications in January for the fall, with rolling admission until classes are full. For Benton families, planning 6-12 months in advance is strongly advised. Contacting the admissions office directly is essential, as some schools may have waiting lists for certain grades.
How do the class sizes and community environments of Shreveport-area private schools compare to the public schools in the Bossier Parish (Benton) system?
This is a primary differentiator. Bossier Parish public schools, including those serving Benton, are generally well-regarded but have larger average class sizes. Private schools like Evangel, Loyola, and St. Joseph's typically offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 15:1 or lower), allowing for more individualized attention. The community environment is also distinct: the private schools foster close-knit, values-based communities centered on specific religious affiliations (Christian or Catholic) or a college-prep mission. For Benton parents seeking a specific educational philosophy and intimate setting, this contrast is a major consideration versus the broader, geographic-based community of public schools.
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