The Best Private Schools in Start, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Start. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ouachita Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ouachita Christian School is a premier private Christian institution serving the Monroe metropolitan area and surrounding communities including Start. The school offers education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. OCS features a comprehensive college preparatory program with dual enrollment opportunities through local universities. The school is particularly known for its outstanding athletic programs that have won multiple state championships. Campus facilities include modern academic buildings, science labs, technology centers, extensive athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and high teacher retention rates.
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Riverfield Academy
Independent
Riverfield Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving northeastern Louisiana, including the Start community. Located approximately 15 miles from Start, the school offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade. The academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence. Their robust athletic program includes football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, while their fine arts department offers music, theater, and visual arts. The campus includes modern facilities with science labs, technology resources, and extensive athletic complexes.
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St. Frederick Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Frederick Catholic School provides a faith-based education to students from pre-K through 12th grade, serving families throughout northeastern Louisiana including the Start area. Located approximately 20 miles from Start in Monroe, the school combines rigorous academics with spiritual formation. The college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, and the school has strong STEM programs. Extracurricular activities include competitive athletics, clubs, and community service opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and athletic facilities including gymnasiums and sports fields.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Start, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Start, Louisiana?
While Start itself is a small community, families in the area are served by several well-regarded private schools in neighboring towns. The most prominent options include Riverfield Academy in Rayville (a PreK-12 non-denominational college-prep school), St. Frederick Catholic School in Monroe (a PreK-12 school with a religious foundation), and Ouachita Christian School in Monroe (a PreK-12 Christian school). These schools typically provide bus transportation or carpool networks that serve the Start area, making them accessible despite not being located within the town's immediate boundaries.
How does tuition at private schools near Start, LA, compare to state averages, and are there any Louisiana-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the schools serving Start generally ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 annually for elementary grades, with higher rates for high school. This is often below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for many Louisiana families. Critically, Louisiana offers the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program, a state-funded voucher program that can help eligible families cover tuition costs at participating private schools. Additionally, all the major schools near Start offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts, and some have active booster clubs that help subsidize costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Start, Louisiana, area?
Reflecting the regional culture and economy, private schools near Start often feature strong agricultural and vocational programs alongside college-prep curricula. For example, Riverfield Academy has a prominent FFA chapter and agriscience program, capitalizing on the area's rural character. Ouachita Christian School emphasizes a STEM-focused track and competitive athletics. St. Frederick Catholic School offers a distinctive classical education model within a faith-based environment and robust service-learning projects. All schools provide smaller class sizes than typical public districts, allowing for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Start, Louisiana families?
The enrollment process for schools like Riverfield, St. Frederick, and Ouachita Christian usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is highly recommended to attend open houses, which are often held in the fall. The process typically involves an application, submission of past academic records, standardized testing (for some grade levels), a family interview, and a placement assessment. Due to the limited seats and strong demand in the Northeast Louisiana region, applying early is crucial. Many schools give priority to siblings of current students and members of their affiliated churches.
For a family in Start, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Richland Parish School District) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. The public school option is Start Elementary, with students later attending Rayville schools for higher grades. Private schools offer an alternative with generally smaller class sizes, specific religious instruction (if desired), and often different curricular emphases like classical education or intensive agriculture. Transportation is a practical consideration, as private schools may require a longer daily commute to Monroe or Rayville. Financially, the cost of private tuition versus the potential use of Louisiana's voucher program must be weighed. Many families in the area also value the strong community and alumni networks associated with these longstanding private institutions.
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