The Best Private Schools in East Lansing, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in East Lansing. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lansing Christian School
Christian Schools International
Lansing Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1949, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, and graduates consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and college acceptance rates. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities.
Programs:
St. Gerard Catholic School
Diocese of Lansing Catholic Schools
Located just minutes from East Lansing in neighboring Lansing, St. Gerard Catholic School serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a reputation for academic excellence and strong community values. Founded in 1964, the school offers a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive literacy programs, and science education enhanced by hands-on learning. The school features modern facilities including computer labs, a dedicated music room, and gymnasium. Parents consistently praise the school's committed teachers, safe learning environment, and the strong foundation students receive for high school success. The school serves many families from the Greater Lansing area including East Lansing residents.
Programs:
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School
Diocese of Lansing Catholic Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School is a Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade. Established in 1959, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science with laboratory components, and Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten. The school features updated classroom technology, a dedicated STEM lab, and extensive library resources. Parent satisfaction is high with particular praise for the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and well-rounded education that prepares students for competitive high school programs.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in East Lansing, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in East Lansing, Michigan, and how do they differ in educational approach?
The primary private school options serving the East Lansing, Michigan area are faith-based institutions, reflecting the community's strong affiliations. Lansing Christian School (located in nearby Lansing) offers a Protestant, Reformed Christian education from preschool through 12th grade with a college-preparatory focus. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School and St. Gerard Catholic School are both Catholic elementary schools (K-8) operated by local parishes, providing sacramental preparation and traditional academics. A key difference is that Lansing Christian offers a continuous pathway to high school, while the Catholic elementary schools typically feed into Lansing Catholic High School. There are no secular, independent private day schools within East Lansing proper, which is an important consideration for families.
How does tuition at East Lansing area private schools compare, and are there Michigan-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Gerard Catholic Schools typically have parish-subsidized tuition rates for registered, contributing parishioners, which can be significantly lower than the non-parishioner rate. Lansing Christian School's tuition is generally higher, reflecting its extended grade range and different funding model. All schools offer need-based financial aid. Critically for Michigan residents, the state does **not** have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program. However, families can utilize the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP), a 529 plan, for K-12 tuition expenses. Some schools also participate in diocesan or denominational aid networks.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the East Lansing area offer, particularly those leveraging proximity to Michigan State University (MSU)?
Proximity to Michigan State University (MSU) is a distinctive asset for East Lansing private schools. Lansing Christian School, for instance, may facilitate advanced STEM opportunities or guest lectures leveraging MSU's resources. The Catholic schools often emphasize strong foundational literacy and math programs, with St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Gerard incorporating faith formation into all subjects. Extracurriculars tend to be robust in the context of their size, with offerings like athletics, music, and academic clubs. However, unlike large public districts, private schools here may have more limited specialized programs (e.g., extensive world language choices or AP course catalogs), often focusing instead on a well-rounded, values-based education within a close-knit community.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in East Lansing, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for East Lansing area private schools usually begins in the winter for the following fall. Lansing Christian School and the Catholic parish schools often host open houses from October to January. Application deadlines can be as early as February for priority consideration. The Catholic schools typically give priority to siblings and active parish members, after which openings are offered to the general community. Admission is generally not intensely competitive compared to major metropolitan private schools, but popular grades (especially kindergarten) can fill quickly. Requirements usually include application forms, student records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. Early inquiry is strongly recommended, particularly for non-parishioners at the Catholic schools.
For families considering East Lansing Public Schools (ELPS) versus private options, what are the key trade-offs specific to this community?
The key trade-off in East Lansing is between the diverse, comprehensive offerings of a top-rated public school district and the specific mission-driven environment of private schools. ELPS is renowned for its high academic achievement, extensive AP/IB courses, and diverse student body, all supported by significant taxpayer funding. In contrast, private schools offer smaller class sizes, explicit religious instruction, and a consistent values-based community. A practical consideration is that ELPS operates on a schools-of-choice model for in-district families, which can add variability. For families living in East Lansing, choosing a private school often means forgoing the ELPS reputation and taxpayer-funded resources in exchange for a specific religious education and environment, alongside paying tuition for services their taxes already support.