The Best Private Schools in Jonesboro, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jonesboro. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cedar Creek School
Independent
Cedar Creek School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Jonesboro in Ruston, this school offers a rigorous academic program with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a strong focus on college preparation. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a proven track record of graduates attending top colleges and universities nationwide. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, and various clubs.
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St. Frederick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Frederick Catholic School provides a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, serving families throughout northeastern Louisiana including Jonesboro. The school combines strong academic preparation with faith-based education, offering a college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards. St. Frederick has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and student achievement in the region.
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Riverfield Academy
Independent
Riverfield Academy is an independent college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, located approximately 25 minutes from Jonesboro in Rayville. The school offers a balanced educational approach with strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and career technical education pathways. Riverfield features a comprehensive athletic program, fine arts opportunities, and various student organizations. The school maintains small class sizes and personalized attention while providing modern facilities and technology resources. With a focus on developing well-rounded students, Riverfield has established itself as a quality educational option for families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jonesboro, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families in Jonesboro, Louisiana, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Jonesboro, LA, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. **Cedar Creek School** offers a comprehensive college-preparatory program from Pre-K through 12th grade, emphasizing academic rigor and extracurricular involvement. **St. Frederick Catholic School**, part of the Diocese of Shreveport, provides a faith-based education integrating Catholic values with a strong academic curriculum for grades PK-12. **Riverfield Academy** is an independent school known for its smaller class sizes and a traditional approach to education, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade. These schools represent the main private choices, with philosophies ranging from secular college-prep to religious-based education.
How does tuition at Jonesboro's private schools compare, and are there Louisiana-specific financial aid programs available to help families?
Tuition in Jonesboro varies by school and grade level. Generally, you can expect a range, with elementary grades often being less expensive than high school. For the most accurate figures, contact each school directly. Importantly, Louisiana offers the **Louisiana Scholarship Program** (also known as the voucher program), which can provide state-funded assistance for eligible students to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based financial aid, scholarships, and sibling discounts. St. Frederick Catholic School may also have parish subsidy options for active church members.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Jonesboro, LA, offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Jonesboro's private schools offer programs that reflect both local culture and broader opportunities. **Cedar Creek School** has a strong emphasis on STEM and consistently competitive athletics and academic teams that participate in Louisiana state competitions. **St. Frederick Catholic School** integrates community service as a core component, connecting students with local parishes and organizations in Jackson Parish. **Riverfield Academy**, with its rural campus setting, may offer programs in agriculture or outdoor education. All schools typically provide robust sports programs, with football, basketball, and baseball being particularly prominent in the local community culture.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Jonesboro, and are there important deadlines specific to this area?
The process generally involves an application, records review, possible entrance testing, and a family interview. Timelines are crucial. Most Jonesboro private schools begin accepting applications for the next academic year in **January or February**, with priority deadlines often in **March or early April**. Open houses typically occur in the winter. For the **Louisiana Scholarship Program**, the application window is usually in the spring, and deadlines are strict, so planning ahead is essential. It's highly recommended to contact schools by the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to tour and receive specific materials.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between the public schools in Jackson Parish (which serves Jonesboro) and the local private school options?
The key differences involve class size, curriculum flexibility, and cost. **Jackson Parish Public Schools** are tuition-free and offer a standardized Louisiana curriculum. The local private schools typically feature **significantly smaller class sizes**, allowing for more individualized attention. They also have more autonomy in their curriculum, enabling accelerated tracks, specific religious education (at St. Frederick), or a particular pedagogical focus. Private schools require tuition but may offer a different disciplinary environment and community feel. Transportation is another factor; public schools provide bus services, while private schools in Jonesboro usually require parents to arrange transportation.