The Best Private Schools in Simsboro, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Simsboro. 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 premier private, coeducational institution serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located just 15 minutes from Simsboro in Ruston, this established school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Known for its strong academic reputation, Cedar Creek emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school boasts competitive athletic teams and extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, theater, and community service programs.
Programs:
St. Frederick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Frederick Catholic School offers a comprehensive education from Pre-K through 12th grade, serving families throughout northeastern Louisiana including the Simsboro area. Located approximately 30 minutes from Simsboro in Monroe, this long-established institution provides a faith-based education within the Catholic tradition. The school features a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and classical education components. Campus facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, athletic fields, and chapel. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on service learning and character development alongside academic achievement.
Programs:
New Living Word School
New Living Word Church
New Living Word School provides a comprehensive Christian education for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Located in Ruston, approximately 15 minutes from Simsboro, the school combines academic rigor with spiritual development. The curriculum emphasizes college preparation with a strong foundation in core subjects enhanced by technology integration. The school features modern classrooms, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Notable for its successful basketball program and strong community involvement, New Living Word offers a supportive environment with individualized attention and character education rooted in Christian values.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Simsboro, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Simsboro, Louisiana?
While Simsboro itself is a small village, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in nearby communities. The most prominent options include Cedar Creek School in Ruston (a PreK-12 college-preparatory school), New Living Word School in Ruston (a Christian school offering K-12 education), and St. Frederick Catholic School in Monroe (a PreK-12 school with a religious foundation). For Simsboro residents, these schools typically involve a commute, making transportation an important local consideration. It's also worth exploring smaller church-affiliated academies in Lincoln Parish for younger grades.
How does the Louisiana School Choice Program, specifically the Louisiana Scholarship Program, impact tuition affordability for Simsboro families considering private schools?
The Louisiana Scholarship Program is a critical financial consideration for eligible Simsboro families. This state-funded program allows students from certain public schools or with household incomes below a set threshold to receive vouchers to attend participating private schools. Among local options, New Living Word School and St. Frederick Catholic School are participating providers. Cedar Creek School does not participate in the voucher program. Eligibility is based on income and prior public school attendance, so Simsboro parents should check the Louisiana Department of Education's annual guidelines and apply during the designated window, as funding is limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Simsboro, LA area that leverage local culture or industry?
Private schools in the region often integrate programs connected to North Louisiana's strengths. Cedar Creek School, for instance, has a strong STEM curriculum that aligns with the engineering and tech sectors associated with Louisiana Tech University in nearby Ruston. Many schools, including New Living Word, emphasize agricultural science and FFA, reflecting the rural character of Simsboro and Lincoln Parish. Furthermore, given the proximity to I-20 and the I-20 Cyber Corridor initiative, some schools are beginning to incorporate introductory computer science and cybersecurity concepts. Athletics, particularly football, baseball, and hunting/shooting sports teams, are also deeply embedded in the local private school culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Cedar Creek that serve Simsboro students, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for top-tier schools like Cedar Creek School often begins nearly a year in advance. Open houses and application periods typically start in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. The process usually involves an application, student assessment/testing, records review, and family interview. Due to their reputations and limited seats, these schools can have significant waitlists, especially for entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade. For Simsboro families, applying early is crucial. St. Frederick and New Living Word may have more flexible timelines but still encourage early application. Sibling and legacy preferences are common factors in admissions decisions.
For a family in Simsboro, what are the key practical differences between sending a child to a Lincoln Parish public school versus a private school in Ruston or Monroe?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Simsboro students are zoned for Lincoln Parish public schools, which may offer very small class sizes locally but fewer specialized academic tracks. Commuting is a major factor: a private school in Ruston is a 15-20 minute drive, while one in Monroe is 45+ minutes, impacting daily schedules and extracurricular participation. Academically, private options often offer a more consistent college-prep trajectory, smaller class sizes, and religious instruction if desired. However, Lincoln Parish public schools provide free transportation, no tuition, and may offer more diverse peer groups. For high school, public school students can access Louisiana Tech's early start programs, while private schools offer their own advanced placement and dual-enrollment pathways.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities