The Best Private Schools in Gilbert, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilbert. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cedar Creek School
Independent private school
Cedar Creek School is a top-rated private institution serving the broader region, including Gilbert, with a reputation for academic rigor and extensive extracurricular offerings. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including technology labs, performing arts centers, and sports complexes. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education with strong STEM and arts programs, college preparatory courses, and athletic teams. High parent satisfaction stems from its dedicated staff, innovative curricula, and a focus on preparing students for future success.
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Riverfield Academy
Independent private school
Riverfield Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving Northeast Louisiana, including Gilbert, with a strong college preparatory curriculum. It features modern facilities such as science laboratories, athletic fields, and art studios. Known for small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a focus on academic excellence, the school offers programs from pre-K through 12th grade, including AP courses, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive community and emphasis on character development.
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Franklin Academy
Independent private school
Franklin Academy provides a comprehensive education for students in the Gilbert area, with a focus on individualized learning and academic achievement. The school offers a range of programs, including advanced placement courses, competitive sports, and community service initiatives. Facilities include well-equipped classrooms, libraries, and athletic complexes. With a history of strong teacher-student relationships and a commitment to holistic development, it serves grades K-12 and maintains high parent satisfaction through its engaging and supportive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilbert, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Gilbert, Louisiana?
Gilbert itself is a small village, so families typically look to private schools in the surrounding parishes. The most prominent options include Riverfield Academy in Rayville (about 30 minutes away), which serves Pre-K through 12th grade, Franklin Academy in Winnsboro (roughly 25 minutes away), and Cedar Creek School in Ruston (approximately a 45-minute drive). These schools provide the main independent alternatives to the local public school systems in Franklin and Richland Parishes. Transportation is a key consideration, as most will require a daily commute.
How does tuition at private schools like Riverfield or Cedar Creek compare, and are there Louisiana-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for day students at these schools typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ per year, varying by grade level and specific institution. A significant Louisiana-specific benefit is the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program. This allows individuals and businesses to receive a state tax credit for donations to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships, making private education more accessible for eligible families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans. It's essential to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their current tuition and aid application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Gilbert area offer that differ from local public schools?
Schools like Cedar Creek and Riverfield Academy often offer distinctive programs such as robust college-prep tracks, smaller class sizes (often 15:1 student-teacher ratios or lower), and specialized courses like AP or dual-enrollment options through local colleges. Extracurricularly, they may provide unique opportunities in agriculture (FFA), competitive athletics from a young age, and fine arts programs that are more comprehensive than those in smaller public districts. For example, Riverfield has a strong focus on individual student development within a rural community setting, which can be a notable draw for Gilbert-area families seeking a structured, values-based environment.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Gilbert, LA community?
The enrollment process for schools like Franklin Academy and Cedar Creek usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application (often with a fee), providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and completing a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Due to limited seats, especially in entry-grade levels, applying early is strongly advised. Some schools may have rolling admissions if space allows, but waiting lists are common. It's crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as policies can differ between institutions.
For a family in Gilbert, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public schools and a private school like Riverfield Academy?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Gilbert's public schools are part of the Franklin Parish system, which offers proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school involves a commute but typically provides smaller class sizes, a potentially wider range of advanced coursework, and different disciplinary or religious environments (some are secular like Cedar Creek, while others may have a Christian foundation). Families should consider the daily travel logistics to Rayville, Winnsboro, or Ruston, the financial investment, and the specific educational philosophy they seek. Many local families value the close-knit community and college-focused preparation that the private options emphasize, viewing it as a worthwhile investment for their child's future.