The Best Private Schools in Ruston, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ruston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ouachita Christian School
Ouachita Christian School
Ouachita Christian School in Monroe is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving students from Ruston and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive education from elementary through high school with a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual development. OCS features advanced STEM programs, competitive athletics, fine arts opportunities, and a robust college preparatory curriculum. The school maintains modern facilities and small class sizes, with many graduates attending top-tier universities.
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Cedar Creek School
Cedar Creek School
Cedar Creek School is the premier private school in Ruston, offering comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and competitive athletic programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Cedar Creek emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities serving over 700 students.
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St. Frederick Catholic High School
Diocese of Shreveport
Located in nearby Monroe, St. Frederick Catholic High School serves families throughout North Louisiana including Ruston. This diocesan school offers a faith-based college preparatory education with strong academic programs including multiple AP courses. The school features modern facilities, competitive sports teams, and extensive extracurricular activities. With a focus on spiritual formation and academic achievement, St. Frederick maintains a reputation for preparing students for college success while fostering community values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ruston, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Ruston, Louisiana, and what are their core affiliations?
Ruston, LA, offers a few primary private school options, each with distinct characteristics. Cedar Creek School is a prominent independent, co-educational college-preparatory school serving Pre-K through 12th grade, known for its strong academic and athletic programs. St. Frederick Catholic High School provides a faith-based education for grades 7-12 under the Diocese of Shreveport. While Ouachita Christian School is located in Monroe, it is a common consideration for Ruston families seeking a Protestant Christian environment, though it involves a significant commute. The limited number of in-town options means many Ruston families also consider schools in nearby Monroe or West Monroe.
How does tuition at Ruston-area private schools compare to the Louisiana state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Ruston's private schools is generally competitive with or slightly below the Louisiana private school average, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Cedar Creek School's tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 for lower school to $10,000 for upper school. St. Frederick Catholic High School's tuition is typically around $8,500. Both schools, along with many in Louisiana, participate in the Louisiana Scholarship Program (voucher program) for eligible families, and they offer need-based financial aid and multi-child discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly about specific application processes and deadlines for these programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ruston private schools offer that leverage the local environment or partnerships with Louisiana Tech University?
Ruston private schools, particularly Cedar Creek School due to its proximity, often leverage partnerships with Louisiana Tech University. This can include dual enrollment courses for high school students, access to university science labs or engineering workshops, and mentorship programs. Furthermore, schools may emphasize programs in agricultural science or forestry, reflecting North Louisiana's landscape, and robust competitive athletics within the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA). St. Frederick integrates its Catholic identity with service learning projects focused on local community needs in Lincoln Parish.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ruston, and are there waiting lists for certain grades?
The enrollment process for Ruston private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Cedar Creek and St. Frederick typically require an application, student transcripts, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority. Due to the limited seats, especially in popular entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, waiting lists are common. It is highly advisable for Ruston parents to initiate inquiries by early fall to ensure they meet all deadlines and tour the campuses.
For a family moving to Ruston, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Ruston City public school district and the available private schools?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Ruston City public schools, like Ruston High School, are larger and offer a different set of extracurriculars and advanced placement courses. Private schools in Ruston provide significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a more structured environment, and a specific value-based foundation (independent college-prep or Catholic). The decision may also hinge on logistics—private schools require tuition and transportation, while public schools are tuition-free. Many families value the close-knit community feel of Ruston's private schools, which can be a defining factor in a city of this size.
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