The Best Private Schools in Clarence, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clarence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Alexandria
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from Clarence and surrounding communities. Founded in 1956, this parochial school offers comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, advanced STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Mary's maintains high academic standards while providing a faith-based education. The campus includes modern facilities, science labs, and athletic complexes. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has a long tradition of producing graduates who excel in higher education.
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St. Frederick Catholic High School
Diocese of Alexandria
St. Frederick Catholic High School serves students from across northeastern Louisiana, including Clarence residents. Established in 1961, this comprehensive high school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities through local universities. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Catholic faith community, featuring state-of-the-art science labs, technology integration, and comprehensive athletic programs. Student life includes competitive sports teams, performing arts programs, and extensive community service opportunities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and has earned recognition for academic achievement and student development.
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First Baptist Church School
First Baptist Church of Monroe
First Baptist Church School provides quality Christian education to students from Clarence and the broader Monroe metropolitan area. Founded in 1976, this institution offers education from Pre-K through 12th grade with a strong academic foundation integrated with biblical principles. The school features a comprehensive college preparatory program, advanced technology labs, competitive athletic teams, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, the school emphasizes individualized attention and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and maintains strong academic performance records.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clarence, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Clarence, Louisiana?
Clarence, LA, offers a limited but distinct set of private, faith-based schools. The primary options are St. Mary's Catholic School (typically serving elementary and middle grades), St. Frederick Catholic High School for secondary education, and First Baptist Church School. Given the rural nature of Concordia Parish, these schools serve not only Clarence but also families from surrounding communities like Ferriday and Monterey. It's important to note that these are the main established institutions, and parents may also consider private schools in nearby Vidalia or Natchez, Mississippi, for additional options.
How does tuition at Clarence, LA private schools compare to the Louisiana state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Clarence's private schools is generally below the state average for Louisiana private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at these faith-based schools often ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 annually. Louisiana offers specific financial aid programs that Clarence families can utilize, most notably the Louisiana School Choice Program (formerly the Louisiana Scholarship Program), which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible students to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many schools offer parishioner discounts, sibling discounts, and need-based financial aid directly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Clarence, LA, offer that leverage the local community and culture?
Private schools in Clarence deeply integrate Louisiana's unique cultural heritage into their programs. St. Mary's and St. Frederick often incorporate Louisiana history, particularly the influences of the Mississippi River, agriculture, and French colonial past, into their social studies curricula. Extracurriculars may include local history clubs, participation in regional events like the Concordia Parish Fair, and strong emphasis on community service within the parish. Furthermore, given the religious affiliation of these schools, character and faith education are core components, which many parents in this community specifically seek.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Clarence, Louisiana, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Clarence private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active church members of the affiliated parish or congregation. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, and it's not uncommon for certain grade levels to have waitlists, especially in the elementary grades at St. Mary's. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral recommendation (for Catholic schools), and a family interview. It is highly advisable to contact the school office directly by early winter to secure application materials and tour dates.
For families in Clarence, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school (Concordia Parish School Board) and a private school option?
The decision in Clarence often centers on class size, curriculum focus, and religious education. Concordia Parish public schools are larger and offer standardized state curricula. The private schools in Clarence provide much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a structured environment with mandatory uniforms, and daily religious instruction. Academically, private schools here may have more flexibility to accelerate students. Conversely, public schools may offer a wider array of extracurricular activities, specialized programs, and transportation. For many Clarence families, the choice is deeply tied to their desire for a faith-based education and a close-knit school community, which the local private institutions are specifically designed to provide.
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