The Best Private Schools in Evangeline, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Evangeline. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas More Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Lafayette
St. Thomas More Catholic High School, located in nearby Lafayette, is a premier private institution serving the broader Evangeline region. Founded in 1970, STM has established itself as one of Louisiana's top college preparatory schools with exceptional academic results and extensive program offerings. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including advanced science labs, performing arts centers, and championship-caliber athletic complexes. STM offers over 20 Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM academy, and nationally recognized fine arts programs. The school maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. With strong parent and alumni support, STM provides transportation options for students from surrounding communities including Evangeline.
Programs:
Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Evangeline area from its Opelousas campus. Founded in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. WCA maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and offers extensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, fine arts, and community service opportunities. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and consistently produces graduates who attend top universities.
Programs:
Opelousas Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Lafayette
Opelousas Catholic School has been serving families in the Evangeline region since 1959, providing a faith-based education grounded in Catholic tradition. The school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and strong arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and extensive athletic facilities. OCS emphasizes character formation and community service while maintaining high academic standards. The school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Parent satisfaction is high due to the school's nurturing environment and commitment to individual student success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Evangeline, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana, and what are their core affiliations?
While Evangeline Parish itself has a more limited number of private schools, families commonly consider several well-regarded institutions in the surrounding Acadiana region. The schools you mentioned, such as Opelousas Catholic School (in neighboring St. Landry Parish), are key options. Others include Westminster Christian Academy in Lafayette and St. Thomas More Catholic High School, also in Lafayette. These schools offer a faith-based education, with Opelousas Catholic serving grades Pre-K-12, and the Lafayette schools drawing many Evangeline Parish students. It's important for Evangeline parents to factor in commute times to Lafayette or Opelousas when evaluating these primary options.
How does tuition at private schools like Opelousas Catholic or Westminster Christian compare to the Louisiana state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for these schools typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000+ annually for K-12, which is generally at or slightly below the state average for private schools. A critical financial consideration specific to Louisiana is the Louisiana Scholarship Program (also known as the voucher program). This state-funded program provides eligible families, often based on income and the performance of their assigned public school, with tuition assistance to attend participating private schools. Both Opelousas Catholic and many schools in the Lafayette area participate in this program, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for qualifying Evangeline Parish residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Evangeline area offer that leverage Louisiana's local culture and economy?
Private schools in the Acadiana region, including those serving Evangeline Parish families, often integrate South Louisiana's rich cultural heritage into their programs. This can include robust French immersion or Francophone studies programs, reflecting the area's Cajun and Creole history. Furthermore, schools may offer specialized courses or clubs related to the local economy, such as agricultural science, business programs with a focus on hospitality and tourism, or even petroleum basics. Extracurriculars frequently emphasize performing arts like band and theater with a regional flair, and competitive sports, particularly football and baseball, are deeply embedded in the community culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Opelousas Catholic, and are there considerations for families transferring from Evangeline Parish public schools?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with application deadlines often in the spring. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and frequently a family interview. For families transferring from Evangeline Parish public schools, it's crucial to initiate the process early and ensure all records are requested promptly. Many private schools also require entrance exams (like the HSPT for high school). Siblings of current students and parishioners of affiliated churches often receive priority, so connecting with the school's admissions office nearly a year in advance is highly recommended.
For a family in Evangeline Parish, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and commuting to a private school in Opelousas or Lafayette?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, parents should compare the curriculum, student-to-teacher ratios, and standardized test scores of their zoned Evangeline Parish public school versus the private options. The daily commute to Lafayette (30-60+ minutes) is a major practical consideration, impacting family logistics and student participation in after-school activities. Culturally, private schools offer a specific faith-based environment, which may be a priority. Financially, the cost of tuition (potentially offset by the Louisiana Scholarship Program) and commuting expenses must be weighed against the perceived benefits. Many families find the combination of academic rigor, values-based education, and broader extracurricular opportunities worth the commute from Evangeline Parish.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities