The Best Private Schools in Harrison Township, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrison Township. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Leelanau School
Independent
While located further north, The Leelanau School serves students from throughout Michigan including the Harrison Township area, particularly for families seeking a boarding school option with exceptional individualized attention. This coeducational boarding and day school emphasizes experiential learning and small class sizes (6:1 student-teacher ratio). The school specializes in supporting diverse learners while maintaining high academic standards, with beautiful campus facilities on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Known for its supportive community and innovative approach to education.
Programs:
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
Notre Dame Preparatory is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from preschool through high school. Located approximately 20 miles from Harrison Township, it serves families throughout Macomb County and the broader Metro Detroit area. The school features rigorous academic programs with 100% college acceptance rate, state-of-the-art facilities including science labs and performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic programs. Notable for its strong community values and emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence.
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Macomb Montessori Academy
Choice Schools Associates
Located just minutes from Harrison Township in Mount Clemens, Macomb Montessori Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive Montessori-based education. The school features individualized learning plans, hands-on Montessori materials, and a strong focus on developing independent, lifelong learners. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character education alongside academic achievement, making it a popular choice for families in the Harrison Township area seeking alternative educational approaches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrison Township, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available to families residing in Harrison Township, Michigan, and what are their key characteristics?
Harrison Township itself has a limited number of private schools within its immediate borders, but it is part of the broader Macomb County area with several notable options nearby. The most prominent local institutions include **Macomb Montessori Academy**, a public charter school with a private-school-like Montessori approach, located in nearby Clinton Township. For traditional private education, many Harrison Township families consider **Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy** in Pontiac (Oakland County), which offers a Catholic, college-preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade. **The Leelanau School** in Glen Arbor is a boarding/day school specializing in experiential learning for students who learn differently, but it is a significant distance away (approx. 4 hours). Therefore, Harrison Township parents often look at private schools in neighboring communities like Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, and Rochester.
How does tuition for private schools in the Harrison Township, Michigan area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid options?
Tuition in the Harrison Township area varies widely based on the school's affiliation and grade levels. For example, Notre Dame Preparatory high school tuition exceeds $15,000 annually, while elementary levels are lower. Michigan offers several financial mechanisms to assist families. The most significant is the **Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP)**, a 529 plan where contributions grow tax-free for qualified education expenses. Additionally, many private schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's important to note that Michigan does not have a broad-based voucher or tax-credit scholarship program for K-12 private education, so most aid is directly from the institutions or through private scholarship organizations like the **Archdiocese of Detroit** for Catholic schools.
What unique academic or specialized programs are offered by private schools accessible from Harrison Township, MI?
The private schools serving the Harrison Township community offer distinct educational models. **Macomb Montessori Academy** provides a child-centered, hands-on Montessori curriculum from kindergarten through 8th grade, emphasizing individualized learning. **Notre Dame Preparatory** offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a strong emphasis on STEM, arts, and character formation within a Catholic framework, including extensive AP and honors courses. For students with unique learning needs, **The Leelanau School**, though farther, specializes in project-based learning and small class sizes for students who may not thrive in traditional settings, often focusing on those with ADHD or dyslexia. This variety allows Harrison Township parents to choose a pedagogical approach that best fits their child's learning style.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Harrison Township, Michigan region?
The process and timeline are school-specific but generally follow a similar pattern. For schools like Notre Dame Preparatory, the application process for the following academic year often opens in the early fall (September-October), with priority deadlines in late fall or winter. Steps typically include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and attending a shadow day or interview. Entrance exams may be required for middle and high school levels. **Macomb Montessori Academy**, as a public school academy, holds an open enrollment period typically in the spring, with a lottery if applications exceed available spots. For all schools, we strongly recommend initiating inquiries and campus tours 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten and 9th grade.
How do private school options for Harrison Township residents compare to the local public schools, particularly Lake Shore Public Schools?
Harrison Township is primarily served by **Lake Shore Public Schools**, a well-regarded district. The choice between private and public often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific programs. Private options like Notre Dame Prep offer a faith-based environment and a consistently rigorous college-prep track with smaller average class sizes. Montessori Academy provides an alternative, self-directed learning model not typically found in traditional public schools. Public schools like Lake Shore offer no-cost education, extensive extracurriculars, and specialized programs. A key consideration for Harrison Township parents is transportation; while public schools provide busing, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a significant factor given the township's suburban layout and proximity to schools in other districts.
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