The Best Private Schools in Frankfort, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frankfort. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Greenspire School
The Greenspire School
The Greenspire School is a highly-regarded environmental charter school serving the Frankfort area with a unique project-based learning approach. Located in nearby Traverse City, this school emphasizes hands-on environmental education while maintaining strong academic standards. The school serves grades 6-12 and features small class sizes, personalized learning plans, and extensive outdoor education opportunities. Their curriculum integrates environmental stewardship with rigorous college preparatory coursework, and they maintain strong partnerships with local environmental organizations and colleges. The school is known for its innovative teaching methods and high parent satisfaction ratings.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Gaylord
St. Mary's Catholic School is a well-established private school serving the Frankfort and Leelanau County area with a comprehensive PreK-8 education program. Founded in 1954, this Catholic school provides a strong academic foundation rooted in faith-based values. The school features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, technology integration, and extensive athletic programs. Their curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while offering robust STEM programs, fine arts, and foreign language instruction. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Mary's maintains high academic standards and strong community involvement, making it a popular choice for families throughout the region.
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Grand Traverse Academy
Grand Traverse Academy
Grand Traverse Academy is a comprehensive K-12 charter school serving the greater Traverse City region, including Frankfort families. Established in 1999, this academy offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with specialized programs including STEM Academy, International Baccalaureate candidate programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With a focus on individualized learning and academic excellence, Grand Traverse Academy maintains strong college acceptance rates and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school is particularly noted for its strong athletics programs and comprehensive student support services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frankfort, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families in Frankfort, Michigan, and what are their educational approaches?
Frankfort, MI, and the surrounding Benzie County area offer a few distinct private school options, though many families also consider schools in nearby Traverse City. Within the immediate region, St. Mary's Catholic School in Lake Leelanau (a short drive away) provides a faith-based, K-8 education. The Greenspire School, with a campus in Traverse City, is a notable nearby option emphasizing project-based learning and environmental stewardship for grades 6-12. Grand Traverse Academy, a public school academy (charter school) in Traverse City, is also a common consideration. Due to the rural nature of Frankfort, private school choice often involves commuting, making transportation and school culture fit key considerations for local families.
How does tuition at private schools near Frankfort, MI, compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly among schools serving Frankfort families. St. Mary's Catholic School typically has a lower tuition rate, often ranging from $4,000-$6,000 annually, with parish subsidies available. The Greenspire School's tuition is higher, reflecting its specialized programming. Importantly, Michigan has the "Tuition Incentive Program" (TIP) for lower-income families and the "Michigan Education Savings Program" (MESP) tax-advantaged accounts. While not specific to private schools, Michigan also allows tax deductions for contributions to certain scholarship-granting organizations. However, unlike some states, Michigan does not have a broad-based voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so most funding comes from family resources, scholarships from the schools themselves, and local fundraising.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Frankfort, MI, area offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the region uniquely integrate Northern Michigan's natural resources into their curricula. The Greenspire School is exemplary, with a core focus on sustainability and place-based education; students might engage in studies of the Betsie River watershed, coastal ecology of Lake Michigan, or sustainable agriculture. St. Mary's incorporates its rural and lakeside setting into science and outdoor activities. While not a private school, the proximity to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Crystal Mountain influences outdoor education and athletic programs at area schools. This environmental emphasis is a defining characteristic that distinguishes these schools from more urban private institutions.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Frankfort, Michigan, given the smaller community size?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. Mary's and The Greenspire School often begin in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with rolling admission thereafter if spaces remain. Due to the smaller size of these schools, especially in the younger grades, spaces can fill quickly. The process usually involves an application, student records review, family interview, and sometimes a student visit or assessment. For Frankfort families, a critical early step is attending an open house or scheduling a visit, which may require a trip to Traverse City or Lake Leelanau. It's also advisable to inquire about transportation or carpool options, as the district does not provide busing to private schools outside its boundaries.
For a family in Frankfort, what are the key considerations when choosing between Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools (public) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and commute. Frankfort-Elberta Area Schools offer the convenience of a local K-12 community school with no tuition. Private options like The Greenspire School offer a distinct, hands-on learning model with potentially smaller class sizes, but require a 30-45 minute commute to Traverse City. St. Mary's offers a faith-based community and smaller environment but ends at 8th grade, necessitating a high school decision later. Parents should consider the value of a specific pedagogical approach (e.g., project-based, faith-based) against the daily logistics of transportation and the strong community ties inherent in the local public school system. The unique outdoor and environmental programs of the private schools are a major draw for families deeply connected to the Northern Michigan lifestyle.