The Best Private Schools in Crowley, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crowley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael School
Catholic Diocese of Lafayette
St. Michael School is Crowley's premier Catholic private school offering education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school provides a strong faith-based education combined with rigorous academics, including STEM programs and comprehensive athletic offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development and academic excellence. The campus features modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for arts and technology education.
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Episcopal School of Acadiana
Independent
Episcopal School of Acadiana is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Crowley and throughout Acadiana. Located in nearby Lafayette, ESA offers a challenging academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. ESA graduates consistently gain admission to top colleges and universities nationwide, with a strong emphasis on character development and leadership.
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Ascension Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana
Ascension Episcopal School is a respected Pre-K through 12th grade institution serving families from Crowley and the greater Acadiana region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With campuses in Lafayette, AES provides modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, and performing arts centers. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and emphasizes community service and character education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crowley, Louisiana
What are the main private school options available for families in Crowley, Louisiana, and how do they differ?
Crowley, LA, is served by a few notable private schools, though some are located in nearby communities. Within Crowley itself, St. Michael School is a prominent Catholic PK-8 option. Just outside Crowley, families often consider the Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) in Cade, which offers a college-preparatory day and boarding program for grades 6-12, and Ascension Episcopal School, which has a campus in nearby Rayne for PreK-5 and a Lafayette campus for higher grades. The key differences lie in religious affiliation (Catholic vs. Episcopal), grade ranges offered, and educational philosophy, with ESA known for its rigorous academics and honor code.
How does tuition for private schools in the Crowley, Louisiana, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Crowley area varies significantly. St. Michael School, as a parish school, typically has the most accessible tuition, often ranging between $4,000-$6,000 annually. Regional independent schools like Episcopal School of Acadiana and Ascension Episcopal School have higher tuitions, often ranging from $15,000 to $20,000+ per year. A critical financial consideration specific to Louisiana is the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program (LTDC), which allows donors to contribute to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) in return for state tax credits. These SGOs then provide need-based scholarships to eligible students attending private schools, which can substantially reduce the net cost for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Crowley, LA, region?
Private schools in the Acadiana region surrounding Crowley leverage local culture and resources for unique programs. Episcopal School of Acadiana (ESA) is renowned for its immersive Interim program, where students engage in week-long, off-campus experiential learning projects. Schools in the area often have strong French language programs reflecting Louisiana's heritage. Furthermore, given the region's ties to agriculture and energy, science programs frequently have relevant applied learning components. Athletics, particularly in sports like soccer, cross country, and swimming, are strong at schools like ESA and Ascension, which compete in the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in and around Crowley, Louisiana?
The process and timeline are school-specific but generally follow a similar pattern. For the fall semester, the admission cycle often opens in the prior September or October. Key steps include submitting an application (usually by January or February for priority consideration), providing academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student visit or assessment day. Schools like Episcopal School of Acadiana may also require the SSAT or ISEE entrance exam. Financial aid applications typically run concurrently with admissions applications. It's crucial to contact schools directly, as popular schools like St. Michael may have waiting lists for certain grades, and deadlines for feeder schools into ESA or Ascension can be early.
For a family in Crowley, what are the practical considerations regarding commuting to these private schools?
Location is a major practical factor. St. Michael School is conveniently located within Crowley. However, for the highly-regarded Episcopal School of Acadiana (in Cade) and the lower school campus of Ascension Episcopal (in Rayne), a daily commute is required. Cade is approximately a 20-25 minute drive from central Crowley, and Rayne is about 10-15 minutes away. Many families form carpools. ESA offers a boarding option for grades 9-12, which can be a solution for longer-term planning. When evaluating schools, parents should factor in commute time, transportation logistics, and the school's policy on before/after-care for younger students, as this impacts the family's daily schedule significantly.