The Best Private Schools in Sterlington, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sterlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Riverfield Academy
Independent
Riverfield Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the Sterlington and surrounding Ouachita Parish area. Established in 1972, this college preparatory school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Riverfield boasts modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent college preparation.
Programs:
St. Frederick Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Shreveport
St. Frederick Catholic High School is a premier private institution serving Sterlington families and the greater Monroe metropolitan area. Founded in 1961, this Catholic college preparatory school provides a rigorous academic program rooted in faith-based values. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, a chapel, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement, dedicated faculty, and successful college placement record. Students benefit from a supportive environment that emphasizes both academic achievement and character development.
Programs:
Ouachita Christian School
Independent Christian School
Ouachita Christian School is a highly-respected private Christian institution that serves Sterlington and the broader Ouachita Parish community. Established in 1975, OCS provides a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The school offers Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics programs, extensive fine arts opportunities, and robust extracurricular activities. Facilities include modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic complexes, and performing arts venues. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's challenging curriculum, dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong community values. The school maintains an excellent record of college acceptance and student success.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sterlington, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Sterlington, Louisiana, and are they located in town or do they require commuting?
While Sterlington itself is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby Monroe and West Monroe for the primary private school options. The most prominent schools serving Sterlington residents are Riverfield Academy in Rayville (about a 30-minute drive), St. Frederick Catholic High School in Monroe (about a 20-minute drive), and Ouachita Christian School in Monroe (about a 25-minute drive). There are no major private K-12 campuses physically located within Sterlington's town limits, so commuting is a standard expectation for private education in this area of Ouachita Parish.
How does the Louisiana School Choice Program, specifically the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program, affect the affordability of private schools for Sterlington families?
The Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program is a crucial financial consideration. It allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for donations to nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships to eligible students attending private schools. For Sterlington families considering schools like Ouachita Christian or St. Frederick, this can significantly reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. Eligibility is based on family income, with priority given to lower-income households. It's essential to contact the specific school's financial aid office to understand current scholarship availability and application procedures through this state-specific program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools near Sterlington that align with local industries or culture?
Private schools in the Monroe metro area, which serve Sterlington, often offer programs that reflect Northeast Louisiana's economic and cultural landscape. For instance, Riverfield Academy emphasizes agricultural science and FFA, connecting to the region's strong farming heritage. St. Frederick Catholic High School offers a robust theology curriculum and community service requirements, aligning with the area's faith-based values. Ouachita Christian School is known for its strong academic and athletic programs, frequently competing at a high state level. Many of these schools also integrate Louisiana history and environmental science focused on the nearby Ouachita River and bayous into their curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for the leading private schools serving Sterlington, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for schools like Ouachita Christian, St. Frederick, and Riverfield Academy typically begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment day. Due to their reputations and limited seats, these schools can have significant waitlists, especially for entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades. It is highly advisable for Sterlington parents to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Sibling and legacy applicant policies are common and can affect admission priority.
For a family in Sterlington, what are the key practical and philosophical differences between the local public school (Sterlington High School) and the nearby private school options?
The key differences involve class size, curriculum flexibility, religious education, and cost. Sterlington High School (public) offers a well-regarded, tuition-free education with strong athletics and newer facilities, serving the local community. The private options require tuition and commuting but typically offer smaller class sizes (e.g., 15-1 vs. 20-1 student-teacher ratios), more individualized attention, and distinct philosophical approaches—college-prep focus at Riverfield, faith-based education at St. Frederick and Ouachita Christian. Private schools also have more autonomy over curriculum and staffing. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for religious integration, specific learning environments, and their willingness to manage the financial investment and daily commute to Monroe/West Monroe.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities