The Best Private Schools in Sun, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sun. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's School
Independent Catholic School
St. Paul's School is a premier independent Catholic school serving the Northshore region including Sun. Founded by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes. The campus features state-of-the-art STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and comprehensive fine arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Paul's maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers numerous AP courses, honor societies, and championship athletic programs.
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St. Scholastica Academy
Independent Catholic School
St. Scholastica Academy is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic school serving the Northshore region including Sun. The school provides an exceptional college preparatory education with strong emphasis on leadership development, STEM education, and women's empowerment. The Benedictine-sponsored institution features advanced science laboratories, innovative technology integration, competitive athletic programs, and comprehensive arts education. With a tradition of academic excellence spanning over a century, SSA graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities and demonstrate strong leadership in their communities.
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Northlake Christian School
Independent Christian School
Northlake Christian School provides comprehensive Christian education to students throughout St. Tammany Parish, including the Sun area. The school offers a challenging academic program integrated with biblical worldview education, featuring Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and comprehensive college counseling. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence with strong community involvement and parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sun, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Sun, Louisiana, and what are their key characteristics?
While Sun itself is a small community, families typically look to nearby Covington and the surrounding Northshore region for private education. The most prominent options include St. Paul's School (all-boys, Catholic, grades 5-12) in Covington, Northlake Christian School (co-ed, interdenominational Christian, PreK-12) in Covington, and St. Scholastica Academy (all-girls, Catholic, grades 8-12) also in Covington. These schools are all within a reasonable commute from Sun and offer strong college-preparatory curricula, faith-based education, and extensive extracurricular programs. For younger grades, several private academies in the area serve PreK through elementary.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools near Sun, Louisiana, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the major private schools serving the Sun area generally ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 per year for elementary grades and can exceed $15,000 annually for high school. A significant financial consideration specific to Louisiana is the Louisiana School Choice Program, which includes the Louisiana Tuition Donation Credit Program. This allows donors to receive state tax credits for contributions to nonprofit organizations that provide tuition grants, potentially making private school more accessible for eligible families. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Northshore private schools, like St. Paul's and St. Scholastica, cater to different student interests?
Schools in the Covington area, which serve Sun residents, offer robust and distinctive programs. St. Paul's School emphasizes leadership and STEM, with a renowned robotics program and engineering pathway. St. Scholastica Academy offers a strong focus on women in leadership, science, and the arts, including a comprehensive fine arts curriculum. Northlake Christian School provides a well-rounded Christian education with competitive athletics and arts. All three schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and have high college matriculation rates. Their proximity to New Orleans also allows for unique cultural and service-learning opportunities.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for competitive private schools like St. Scholastica Academy for families from Sun, LA?
The enrollment process for top schools on the Northshore is competitive and requires early planning. For schools like St. Scholastica Academy (SSA) or St. Paul's, the process typically begins a full year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses in the fall (September-October), submitting applications by December or January for the following academic year, completing entrance exams (such as the HSPT), and providing records and teacher recommendations. Admissions decisions are often communicated in early spring. It is highly advisable for Sun families to connect with admissions offices by the start of their child's 7th-grade year for high school placement.
For a family in Sun, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public schools in St. Tammany Parish and a private school on the Northshore?
Families in Sun are zoned for the highly-regarded St. Tammany Parish Public School system, which includes excellent schools like Mandeville High. The choice often comes down to specific values and logistics. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, a specific religious or moral framework (Catholic or Christian), and often a more traditional college-prep focus. The trade-off includes tuition costs and a daily commute to Covington (15-25 minutes). Public schools provide a tuition-free education, diverse peer groups, and robust state-funded programs. Many Sun families value the community aspect of their local public school, while others seek the specialized mission and environment of a Northshore private institution.