The Best Private Schools in Gray, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gray. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School is a highly-regarded Pre-K through 12th grade institution serving the Gray area and greater Houma region. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on Catholic values and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and robust extracurricular programs including competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service initiatives. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently attending top universities nationwide.
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Vandebilt Catholic High School
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
Vandebilt Catholic High School is a premier private Catholic institution serving students in Gray and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous academic program with extensive Advanced Placement and honors courses, complemented by outstanding athletic programs and extracurricular activities. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Vandebilt emphasizes faith-based education while preparing students for college success, with a strong track record of graduates earning scholarships to prestigious universities.
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E.D. White Catholic High School
Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
E.D. White Catholic High School serves the Gray area from its Thibodaux campus, offering a comprehensive college-preparatory education rooted in Catholic tradition. The school features innovative academic programs including dual enrollment opportunities with local universities, a dedicated STEM academy, and extensive fine arts offerings. Students benefit from personalized attention with a low student-teacher ratio and numerous Advanced Placement courses. The campus includes modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and technology resources. E.D. White maintains strong community partnerships and has a reputation for developing well-rounded students prepared for higher education and leadership roles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gray, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Gray, Louisiana, and what grade levels do they serve?
Gray, LA, is served by several well-regarded Catholic schools, though it's important to note their specific locations and grade ranges. St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, located in Houma just south of Gray, typically serves Pre-K through 7th grade. For high school, families commonly consider Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma (grades 8-12) and E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux (grades 8-12), both within a reasonable commute from Gray. There are limited non-parochial private school options within Gray itself, making these Catholic institutions the primary choice for most local families seeking private education.
How does tuition at private schools like Vandebilt or E.D. White compare, and are there Louisiana-specific financial aid programs available to Gray residents?
Tuition for schools like Vandebilt Catholic and E.D. White Catholic typically ranges from approximately $7,000 to $9,000 per year for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. A significant financial aid resource unique to Louisiana is the Louisiana Scholarship Program (also known as the voucher program). This state-funded program allows eligible students from families with incomes below certain thresholds and attending low-performing public schools to receive a scholarship to attend a participating private school. Many of the Catholic schools in the Houma-Thibodaux diocese participate in this program. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active members.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at the private high schools accessible from Gray, such as Vandebilt and E.D. White?
Both Vandebilt Catholic and E.D. White Catholic High Schools offer robust college-preparatory curricula with notable specializations. Vandebilt has a strong STEM focus, with advanced placement courses in sciences and mathematics, and a respected band program. E.D. White is recognized for its academic achievement and often highlights its engineering pathway and dual enrollment opportunities with nearby Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. Extracurricularly, athletics are a major component at both schools, with intense local rivalries in sports like football, baseball, and swimming, which are deeply woven into the social fabric of Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Gray seeking to enter their child at a school like St. Francis de Sales?
The enrollment process for St. Francis de Sales and similar diocesan schools usually begins with an open house or registration period in the January-February timeframe for the following academic year. The process typically requires submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic families), sacramental records, previous school records, and often undergoing a placement screening for academic readiness. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students, active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches, and then the general community. Given the competitive nature for limited seats, especially in early grades, Gray families are advised to contact the school admissions office by early winter to ensure they meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Gray, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools (Terrebonne Parish) and the nearby private Catholic schools?
The decision often hinges on several Gray-specific factors. Terrebonne Parish public schools are tuition-free and offer proximity, but some parents seek private options for a consistent religious education integrated into the curriculum, smaller class sizes, and a perceived more structured environment. The Catholic schools provide a continuous Pre-K-12 pathway through the diocese, which can be appealing. Conversely, public schools in Terrebonne Parish may offer a wider variety of specialized public-funded programs, such as certain vocational tracks. Transportation is a practical consideration; while public schools provide busing within Gray, private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which means commuting to Houma or Thibodaux. The community aspect is also strong, as the private schools foster tight-knit networks that are prominent in the Bayou Region's social and professional circles.
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