The Best Private Schools in Carencro, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carencro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lafayette Christian Academy
Lafayette Christian Academy
Lafayette Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Lafayette area, including Carencro. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade with strong academic programs in STEM, fine arts, and athletics. LCA features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its rigorous academics, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student development approach.
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Ascension Episcopal School
Ascension Episcopal School
Ascension Episcopal School is a premier independent Episcopal school serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade across the Acadiana region, including Carencro families. The school offers a challenging academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With a 60-year history, Ascension has established a reputation for academic excellence and character development. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention, resulting in high parent satisfaction and strong college placement records.
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St. Thomas More Catholic High School
Diocese of Lafayette
St. Thomas More Catholic High School is a highly-respected diocesan school serving the Catholic community throughout Lafayette Parish, including Carencro. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement offerings, robust STEM programs, and nationally recognized athletic teams. Founded in 1970, STM has built a strong tradition of academic excellence and faith formation. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, fine arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. The school is known for its strong community spirit, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement, with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carencro, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options serving families in Carencro, Louisiana, and are they located within the city limits?
While Carencro itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to highly-regarded institutions in the greater Lafayette area. The top schools include Lafayette Christian Academy (in Lafayette), Ascension Episcopal School (with campuses in Lafayette and Youngsville), and St. Thomas More Catholic High School (in Lafayette). These schools actively draw students from Carencro and the surrounding parishes. For younger grades, some local church-affiliated preschools and academies operate within Carencro. Transportation to the Lafayette-area schools is a key consideration for Carencro residents, with many families forming carpools.
How does the Louisiana School Choice Program, like the Louisiana Scholarship Program, affect private school tuition for Carencro residents?
Louisiana's unique school choice landscape can significantly impact affordability. The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) allows eligible students from low- to moderate-income families attending public schools rated C, D, or F to use state-funded scholarships for participating private schools. Many of the major schools serving Carencro, like St. Thomas More and Lafayette Christian, are approved LSP providers. Eligibility is based on income and prior public school attendance. Additionally, the state's Tuition Donation Rebate Program offers tax credits for donations to organizations that provide private school scholarships. It's crucial for Carencro parents to inquire directly with each school about their participation in these state programs and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by the private schools accessible to Carencro students?
Schools in this region often highlight programs tied to Louisiana's culture and strong community identity. Lafayette Christian Academy offers a notable STEM program and competitive athletics. Ascension Episcopal School emphasizes a college-preparatory curriculum with a renowned arts program and outdoor education. St. Thomas More Catholic High School is recognized for its academic rigor, extensive campus ministry, and dominant athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball, which are central to local culture. Many schools also integrate Cajun and Creole cultural studies, French language immersion options, and community service projects specific to Acadiana, providing a deeply regional educational experience for Carencro students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Lafayette area that serve Carencro, and are there waitlists?
The timeline is critical and requires early planning. Most prestigious private schools like Ascension Episcopal and St. Thomas More have application deadlines in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with admissions testing and family interviews occurring shortly after. Lafayette Christian Academy also follows a similar competitive timeline. Notification of acceptance is often made in March or April. Due to high demand and limited seats, especially in entry-grade levels, these schools frequently have waitlists. Siblings of current students and parishioners (for Catholic schools) often receive priority. Carencro families are advised to begin research and attend open houses in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment.
For a Carencro family, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public schools (Lafayette Parish) to the leading private school options?
The decision often hinges on curriculum focus, class size, religious education, and cost. Lafayette Parish public schools are tuition-free and offer diverse programs, but some parents seek the smaller class sizes and specialized attention of private institutions. A major differentiator is religious formation; schools like St. Thomas More and Lafayette Christian provide faith-based education integrated into the daily curriculum. Academically, the private schools often boast higher standardized test scores and near-100% college acceptance rates. However, families must weigh the significant financial investment against the free public option, considering commute times to Lafayette and potential state scholarship aid. The vibrant sports and cultural communities in both settings are strong, but the private school networks can feel more tightly-knit for families in the Carencro area.
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