The Best Private Schools in Plain Dealing, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Plain Dealing. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Loyola College Prep
Loyola College Prep
Loyola College Prep is one of the most prestigious private schools in Northwest Louisiana, serving families from Plain Dealing and surrounding communities. Founded in 1902, this Catholic college-preparatory school offers rigorous academics with extensive honors and advanced placement courses. The school features outstanding fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. Loyola's historic campus includes modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, high college acceptance rates, and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Evangel Christian Academy
Evangel Christian Academy
Evangel Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving Northwest Louisiana, including the Plain Dealing area. Established in 1979, ECA offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, ECA maintains high academic standards while emphasizing character development and spiritual growth. The school serves students from multiple parishes and has a strong track record of college acceptances.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
St. Mary's Catholic School
St. Mary's Catholic School provides exceptional private education for students from Plain Dealing and the broader Northwest Louisiana region. Founded in 1949, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from Montessori early childhood through 8th grade. St. Mary's combines strong academic foundations with Catholic values and character education. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated science labs, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular programs including sports, music, and arts. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, St. Mary's prepares students for success in high school and beyond while fostering spiritual development and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Plain Dealing, Louisiana
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, given that the top-named schools are in other cities?
While Plain Dealing itself has limited private school campuses, families commonly consider schools in nearby Bossier City and Shreveport, which are within a reasonable commuting distance. The schools often referenced, like Evangel Christian Academy and Loyola College Prep, are located in Shreveport, approximately 40-50 minutes away. St. Mary's Catholic School is in Minden, about a 30-minute drive. For Plain Dealing residents, the decision heavily involves evaluating the commute. Some families also explore smaller, local church-affiliated academies or homeschooling cooperatives in the immediate area. Transportation logistics are a key factor in the Plain Dealing private school search.
How does Louisiana's School Choice Program, like the Louisiana Scholarship Program, affect tuition affordability for Plain Dealing families seeking private schools?
Louisiana's School Choice Program can be a significant financial aid resource for eligible Plain Dealing families. The Louisiana Scholarship Program allows students from certain public schools or with family incomes below 250% of the federal poverty line to attend participating private schools at state expense. While the participating schools (like Evangel Christian Academy) are in Shreveport, Plain Dealing residents can apply. It's crucial to check annual eligibility requirements, application deadlines (typically in early spring), and seat availability for commuting students. This program can make private education feasible for qualifying families who are willing to manage the daily drive.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Plain Dealing students that differ from Bossier Parish public schools?
The private schools in the Shreveport/Bossier area accessible to Plain Dealing families often offer specialized programs not as readily available in the rural public district. For example, Loyola College Prep offers a robust college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a strong arts program. Evangel Christian Academy provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and competitive athletics. These schools may offer smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specific religious education—contrasting with the broader, state-standard-focused offerings of Bossier Parish public schools. The trade-off is the commitment to a substantial daily commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for families in Plain Dealing applying to schools like Evangel or Loyola, and are there considerations for out-of-parish applicants?
The enrollment timeline for major Shreveport private schools typically begins in January for the following fall, with priority deadlines by March. For Plain Dealing families, the process is identical to in-parish applicants but requires extra planning. You'll need to attend open houses (a drive into the city), secure transcripts from your child's current school in Bossier Parish, and schedule entrance exams/interviews. It's advisable to apply early, as some schools may give preference to siblings or parishioners. Crucially, you must solidify transportation plans, as these schools do not provide bus service from Plain Dealing. Proactive communication about your commuting situation with the admissions office is recommended.
Beyond academics, what are the notable community or values-based aspects of the private schools available to Plain Dealing residents?
For many Plain Dealing families, the choice to commute is driven by a desire for a specific community environment. Schools like Evangel Christian Academy and St. Mary's offer a faith-based education that permeates the school day, aligning with families seeking religious instruction. Loyola College Prep, while Jesuit, emphasizes service learning and character formation. These communities can provide a close-knit network, which is appealing but geographically dispersed for your family. It's important to consider how this affects social connections, extracurricular participation (like late practices or events), and your family's integration into a school community based 30-50 minutes from home. The values alignment often justifies the logistical challenges for committed families.