The Best Private Schools in Forest Hill, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Forest Hill. 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
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
St. Mary's Catholic School is one of Central Louisiana's oldest and most respected private institutions, serving students from Forest Hill and surrounding communities. This comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local universities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic excellence, strong moral foundation, and exceptional teacher-student relationships, with many families having multiple generations of attendance.
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Holy Savior Menard Central High School
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
Holy Savior Menard Central High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Central Louisiana, including Forest Hill. With a strong academic reputation spanning over seven decades, Menard offers a comprehensive curriculum including 15+ Advanced Placement courses and a robust STEM program. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's dedicated faculty, strong community values, and excellent college placement record, with graduates regularly attending top universities nationwide.
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Northwood High School
Independent
Northwood High School is an established independent private school serving the Central Louisiana region, including Forest Hill students. Known for its strong academic programs and competitive athletics, Northwood offers a balanced education with both college preparatory tracks and career technical education pathways. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention, with many teachers holding advanced degrees. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and technology-integrated learning spaces. Parent reviews highlight the school's family-like atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and successful college and career placement outcomes for graduates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Forest Hill, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Forest Hill, Louisiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Forest Hill, LA, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. Holy Savior Menard Central High School in nearby Alexandria is a co-educational Catholic school serving grades 7-12. St. Mary's Catholic School, also in Alexandria, typically serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a continuous Catholic education. Northwood High School in Lena (just outside Forest Hill) is a public charter school, not a private school, which is an important distinction for parents to note. Due to Forest Hill's smaller size, many families look to these schools in the broader Rapides Parish area. Exploring schools in Alexandria is a common practice for Forest Hill residents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Forest Hill, Louisiana, area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Forest Hill/Alexandria area varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, schools like Holy Savior Menard and St. Mary's have tuition that can range from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually, with discounts often available for multiple children and active parishioners. A significant financial consideration specific to Louisiana is the Louisiana Scholarship Program (also known as the voucher program). This state-funded program provides eligible families, based on income and other criteria, with public funds to attend participating private schools, which can include Catholic schools like those serving Forest Hill families. It's crucial to check each school's participation status and application deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Forest Hill, LA, students?
The private schools accessible from Forest Hill offer programs that leverage their specific missions. Holy Savior Menard Central High School features a strong college-preparatory curriculum with notable programs in engineering, biomedical sciences, and a dedicated Campus Ministry. St. Mary's Catholic School provides a foundational education with an emphasis on faith integration, often featuring strong early literacy programs and sacramental preparation. While not private, the presence of Northwood High School's STEM-focused charter model in the area can influence private schools to highlight their own specialized offerings, such as advanced religion/theology courses, classical education elements, or competitive athletics that are hallmarks of the central Louisiana private school community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving the Forest Hill community?
The enrollment process for schools like Holy Savior Menard and St. Mary's Catholic School generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour (often held between January and March). 2) Submitting an application by a priority deadline, which can be as early as February for returning families and siblings. 3) Providing records, including transcripts, standardized test scores, and sometimes pastoral references. 4) For older students, an interview or placement test may be required. Given Forest Hill's location, transportation planning is a critical part of the process, and inquiring about bus routes or carpool networks from the area is highly recommended during the enrollment phase.
For a family in Forest Hill, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and the available private school options in Rapides Parish?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Forest Hill and Rapides Parish context. **Public Schools:** Forest Hill Elementary and Middle High School offer proximity, no tuition, and serve as community hubs. **Private Options:** Schools like Menard and St. Mary's offer a faith-based education, often with smaller average class sizes, and a consistent curriculum from a specific religious worldview. A major practical consideration is transportation, as commuting to Alexandria schools requires daily travel. Academically, parents should compare specific program offerings, such as AP/dual enrollment courses versus private school honors tracks. The potential use of the Louisiana Scholarship Program to offset private school tuition is a decisive financial factor for many eligible Louisiana families, making a cost comparison more nuanced than just the sticker price.
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