The Best Private Schools in Boyce, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boyce. 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 a highly-regarded independent school serving Central Louisiana, including Boyce residents. Founded in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with small class sizes and individualized attention. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong focus on academic excellence and community involvement.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Alexandria
St. Mary's Catholic School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade and draws families from Boyce and throughout Rapides Parish. Founded in 1956, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum integrates technology, hands-on learning, and character education. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a library, and athletic fields. St. Mary's emphasizes community involvement and prepares students for success in high school and beyond through a well-rounded educational experience.
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Holy Savior Menard Central High School
Diocese of Alexandria
Holy Savior Menard Central is a Catholic college preparatory high school serving students throughout Central Louisiana, including Boyce. Established in 1949, the school provides a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in Catholic values and traditions. The campus features modern academic facilities, athletic complexes, and technology resources. Menard offers a comprehensive extracurricular program including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong college placement records and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boyce, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Boyce, Louisiana, and how accessible are they?
While Boyce itself is a small town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Rapides Parish area. The most prominent options include Alexandria Country Day School (PreK-8, located in Alexandria), Holy Savior Menard Central High School (9-12, in Alexandria), and St. Mary's Catholic School (PreK-8, in Alexandria). These schools are all within a 15-25 minute commute from Boyce via LA-1 or US-71. For younger students, there may also be smaller local church-affiliated preschools. Given Boyce's rural setting, private education typically requires a daily commute to neighboring Alexandria.
How does tuition at private schools near Boyce, LA, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs for Louisiana residents?
Tuition varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range of approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ annually. St. Mary's Catholic School and Holy Savior Menard, as diocesan schools, often have slightly lower tuition for parishioners. A critical financial consideration for Louisiana residents is the Louisiana Scholarship Program (also known as the voucher program), which allows eligible students from certain income brackets or attending low-performing public schools to receive state-funded scholarships to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Boyce community offer that leverage the local culture or environment?
Schools in this Central Louisiana region often incorporate unique local elements. Holy Savior Menard, for instance, has strong ties to the local Catholic community and may offer theology or service programs connected to regional parishes. Alexandria Country Day School emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum with smaller class sizes, a benefit for students coming from a quieter town like Boyce. Furthermore, given Louisiana's rich history and natural environment, many schools integrate state history, French language elements, and ecological studies of the nearby Red River or Kisatchie National Forest into their curricula, providing a education grounded in the local context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Alexandria area that serve Boyce families?
The enrollment process for schools like Alexandria Country Day, Menard, and St. Mary's usually begins in January or February for the following fall. It's crucial for Boyce families to start early due to limited seats and potential waitlists. The process typically involves: 1) Submitting an application with fees, 2) Providing academic records and teacher recommendations from the child's current school (which may be a public school in Boyce or the Pineville area), 3) A student assessment or shadow day, and 4) A family interview. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Given the commute, inquiring about transportation options or carpool networks with other Boyce families is also a key step.
For a family in Boyce, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Rapides Parish public schools and a private school in Alexandria?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Boyce is zoned for Rapides Parish public schools, which may involve a bus ride to a school in a neighboring town. The primary advantages of private schools in Alexandria include smaller class sizes, specialized academic or religious instruction, and often more extensive extracurricular offerings. However, this comes with the cost of tuition and a daily commute. For high school, the choice might be between the public Pineville High School (a longer commute) and Holy Savior Menard. Families should consider their child's specific needs, the value of a faith-based education if applicable, and whether the Louisiana Scholarship Program can offset costs. Visiting both local public and private options is essential to feel the difference in environment.