The Best Private Schools in Woodworth, Louisiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Woodworth. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Residential Training School
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
St. Mary's is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving central Louisiana, including Woodworth families. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence and character development. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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St. Frances Cabrini School
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
St. Frances Cabrini School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade, providing a strong foundational education for Woodworth area families. The school features a comprehensive curriculum with emphasis on core academics, technology integration, and faith formation. With modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities, Cabrini offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong community involvement and consistent academic results.
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Holy Savior Menard Central High School
Catholic Diocese of Alexandria
Menard Central is a well-established Catholic high school providing comprehensive college preparatory education to students from Woodworth and surrounding communities. The school offers a challenging academic program with honors courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and extensive extracurricular activities. Known for its strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, Menard emphasizes both academic achievement and personal growth through service learning and leadership development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Woodworth, Louisiana
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Woodworth, Louisiana?
Woodworth itself is a small town, so the immediate private school options within the town are limited. However, families in the Woodworth area typically look to nearby Alexandria for a broader selection. The most prominent local options include St. Frances Cabrini School (Pre-K through 8th grade) in Alexandria and Holy Savior Menard Central High School (9th-12th) in Alexandria. St. Mary's Residential Training School, also in Alexandria, is a unique state-funded residential school for students with special needs, requiring a specific application and eligibility process. For Woodworth residents, these schools involve a commute but represent the core of private, faith-based education in the immediate region.
How does tuition for private schools in the Woodworth/Alexandria area compare to the Louisiana state average, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for schools like Holy Savior Menard and St. Frances Cabrini is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for Central Louisiana families. For the 2023-2024 year, tuition at these schools typically ranged from approximately $5,000 to $8,000 annually, not including fees, uniforms, and other expenses. Louisiana offers the Louisiana School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities, which can provide funding for eligible students to attend approved private schools. More broadly, many Louisiana private schools participate in the Louisiana Tuition Donation Rebate Program, which funds need-based scholarships through donations from businesses that receive tax credits. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's financial aid office about parish-specific scholarships, diocesan aid, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving the Woodworth community?
Private schools in the Alexandria area that Woodworth students attend often emphasize a combination of faith-based values and college preparatory rigor. Holy Savior Menard Central High School, for example, offers a distinguished Engineering Academy, a robust athletics program competing in LHSAA, and dual enrollment courses through local colleges. St. Frances Cabrini School provides a strong foundational program with an emphasis on STEM initiatives and character education. A unique aspect of the region is the proximity to the Louisiana State University (LSU) system and Fort Polk, which influences some program offerings and student demographics. These schools often provide a smaller, more disciplined environment compared to the larger public zoned schools in Rapides Parish.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Menard or Cabrini for a family moving to Woodworth?
Enrollment for the following academic year at these popular Alexandria-area schools often begins as early as January or February, with priority frequently given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. For families moving to Woodworth mid-year or over the summer, it is essential to contact the school's admissions office immediately, as spaces may open up due to attrition. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, a pastoral recommendation (for Catholic schools), and participating in a family interview or student assessment. Given Woodworth's location, securing transportation should be a key part of the planning process once enrollment is confirmed.
For a family in Woodworth, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public schools in Rapides Parish and the private schools in Alexandria?
The decision hinges on several Woodworth-specific factors. Rapides Parish public schools, like Woodworth Elementary/Middle, offer proximity, no tuition, and standardized programs. The private school option in Alexandria requires a daily commute of 20-30 minutes but provides a distinct environment: typically smaller class sizes, a mandatory uniform policy, integrated religious education (if choosing a faith-based school), and often a different extracurricular focus. Academically, parents should compare standardized test scores and college acceptance records. For many Woodworth families, the choice reflects a desire for a specific moral or disciplinary framework not guaranteed in the public system, balanced against the practicalities of cost and transportation. Visiting both the local public school and the private options is highly recommended to gauge the community and culture firsthand.
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