The Best Private Schools in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pleasant Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Montessori School of Shreveport
Independent Montessori
The Montessori School of Shreveport offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 18 months to 12 years, attracting families from Pleasant Hill and surrounding regions. The school is acclaimed for its child-centered approach, fostering independence, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Academics are enhanced by specialized materials, outdoor classrooms, and enrichment programs in Spanish, music, and art. Facilities include spacious, well-equipped classrooms and natural play areas. High parent satisfaction stems from individualized attention, experienced guides, and a peaceful, inclusive community atmosphere.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Mary's Catholic School provides a faith-based education for students in pre-K through 8th grade, serving the DeSoto Parish area including Pleasant Hill. The school boasts a strong academic record with standardized test scores above state averages, supported by experienced teachers and a low student-teacher ratio. Facilities feature technology-enhanced classrooms, a library, and playgrounds. Programs include sacramental preparation, music, art, and sports like basketball and volleyball. Parents praise the nurturing environment, community involvement, and emphasis on moral development.
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Evangel Christian Academy
Private Christian School
Evangel Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum aligned with state standards, the school emphasizes college preparation with Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment options. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields. Extracurriculars span sports teams, choir, drama, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a focus on spiritual development integrated into daily learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Pleasant Hill, Louisiana?
Pleasant Hill itself is a small village, so families typically look to nearby communities for private education. The most prominent options in the broader Sabine Parish/Northwest Louisiana region include Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport (about an hour's drive), which offers a comprehensive K-12 program with a Christian worldview. Closer options might include St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Many, LA, providing a faith-based education, and The Montessori School of Shreveport for those seeking an alternative pedagogical approach. It's important for Pleasant Hill parents to consider commute times and potential transportation arrangements when evaluating these schools.
How does tuition at private schools serving Pleasant Hill, LA, compare to state averages, and are there any Louisiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Evangel Christian Academy or The Montessori School of Shreveport typically ranges from $6,000 to $10,000+ annually, which is generally in line with or slightly below the Louisiana private school average. A key financial consideration specific to Louisiana is the Louisiana Scholarship Program (also known as the voucher program). This state-funded program allows eligible students from public schools rated C, D, or F to attend participating private schools, potentially covering full tuition. Eligibility is based on income and the assigned public school's rating. Additionally, many schools offer their own need-based scholarships and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Pleasant Hill area offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the region differentiate themselves with specialized programs. For example, Evangel Christian Academy offers a strong college-prep curriculum with dual-enrollment opportunities and extensive athletic programs. St. Mary's Catholic School integrates religious education and character formation throughout its curriculum. The Montessori School of Shreveport provides hands-on, individualized learning for younger children. For Pleasant Hill families, these schools may offer more consistent access to certain arts, advanced STEM courses, or specialized sports (like competitive football at Evangel) that can be limited in smaller, rural public school districts in Sabine Parish.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Pleasant Hill, Louisiana?
The enrollment process for schools like Evangel Christian Academy or St. Mary's usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour (often virtual or in-person), 2) Submitting an application by their deadline (often between January and March), 3) Providing academic records and standardized test scores, 4) Completing an entrance assessment or interview, and 5) For faith-based schools, possibly providing a pastor's reference. Due to the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in higher grades, Pleasant Hill parents are advised to initiate the process early. Some schools have rolling admission if spaces remain.
For a family in Pleasant Hill, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local Sabine Parish public schools and a private school a significant drive away?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Pleasant Hill is served by Sabine Parish public schools, which offer the convenience of proximity and no tuition. However, families may consider a private school commute (30-60 minutes to Shreveport) for reasons such as seeking a specific religious education, desiring smaller class sizes, or accessing more consistent advanced placement or extracurricular offerings that can be impacted by funding in a rural public district. The daily commute time, fuel costs, and coordination for after-school activities become major practical considerations. It's also worth comparing standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college matriculation data between the specific Sabine Parish school and the private options.
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