The Best Private Schools in Kentwood, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kentwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Holy Ghost Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge
Holy Ghost Catholic School provides exceptional PreK-8 education for families in Kentwood and the Hammond area. The school offers a strong academic foundation with accelerated learning programs, technology integration, and faith-based character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, library, and playground areas. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes individualized attention, with many students transitioning successfully to top regional high schools. Parent satisfaction is notably high with consistent praise for teacher quality and community atmosphere.
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Northlake Christian School
Independent Christian School
Northlake Christian School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 Christian school serving the Northshore region including Kentwood. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains small class sizes for personalized attention.
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St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge
St. Thomas Aquinas is a premier Catholic high school serving students from Kentwood and surrounding communities. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on faith formation and academic excellence, the school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school has a strong track record of college acceptance and student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kentwood, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Kentwood, Louisiana?
Kentwood itself is a smaller community, so most private school options are located in the surrounding Tangipahoa Parish and Northshore region. The most prominent local options include Northlake Christian School in Covington (Pre-K through 12th grade), St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School in Hammond (9-12), and Holy Ghost Catholic School in Hammond (Pre-K through 8th). Families in Kentwood often consider these schools due to their proximity and established reputations. Transportation or carpooling is a common consideration for Kentwood residents attending these schools.
How does tuition at private schools in the Kentwood, LA area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly by grade level and school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Northlake Christian School's tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 for elementary to over $10,000 for high school. Holy Ghost Catholic School's elementary tuition is typically lower, often around $5,000-$6,000. A key Louisiana-specific benefit is the Louisiana School Choice Program, which includes the Louisiana Scholarship Program (vouchers for eligible families) and the Tuition Donation Credit Program. These can make private school more accessible for qualifying families in the Kentwood area. Each school's financial aid office can provide specific guidance on eligibility and application.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kentwood, LA, offer that reflect the local culture or economy?
Schools in this region often incorporate programs tied to Southeast Louisiana's unique environment and industries. Northlake Christian School, for example, has strong STEM programs and agriculture/FFA offerings that connect to the parish's rural and agricultural character. St. Thomas Aquinas emphasizes its college-preparatory classical curriculum alongside robust athletics and arts. Given the area's strong faith community, all these schools integrate religious education, with Catholic schools offering sacramental preparation. Some also have service learning projects focused on local community needs in Tangipahoa Parish.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kentwood, Louisiana families?
The process is centralized and competitive for the top schools. Critical deadlines usually fall between January and March for the following academic year. Northlake Christian School and Holy Ghost Catholic School typically require an application, entrance assessment (for certain grades), records review, family interview, and registration fee. St. Thomas Aquinas as a high school has its own assessment and shadow day process. Siblings of current students and parishioners at affiliated Catholic churches often receive priority. Given the limited seats, Kentwood families are advised to begin inquiries a full year in advance, especially for transitional grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th.
For a Kentwood resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school system and a private school in the area?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Tangipahoa Parish Public Schools serve Kentwood directly, offering proximity and no tuition. Choosing a private school like Northlake Christian or St. Thomas Aquinas involves a commute of 20-45 minutes to Covington or Hammond, plus tuition costs. However, parents often consider private schools for smaller class sizes, a specific religious education, and perceived consistency in academic programming. For high school, some seek the broader athletic and academic opportunities at private institutions. The Louisiana Scholarship Program can be a decisive factor, potentially covering tuition at a participating private school if the local public school is rated C, D, or F by the state.
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