The Best Private Schools in Lake George, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lake George. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart Academy
Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo
Sacred Heart Academy is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Lake George, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. The academy features modern STEM labs, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a strong focus on character development and community service, Sacred Heart maintains high academic standards and has a track record of graduates attending top colleges and universities.
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St. Louis the King School
Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
St. Louis the King School is a well-established Catholic school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located about 20 miles from Lake George. The school provides a comprehensive faith-based education with strong emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. Features include updated technology integration across all grade levels, advanced mathematics curriculum, and an acclaimed music program. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and high parent satisfaction, with many graduates successfully transitioning to competitive high school programs.
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St. Joseph School
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Saginaw
St. Joseph School offers a classical education model for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the region including Lake George area. The school emphasizes strong language arts foundation, critical thinking skills, and character development within a Catholic educational framework. With comprehensive athletic programs, extensive extracurricular activities, and a focus on community service, St. Joseph provides a well-rounded education. The school maintains small class sizes and has a reputation for preparing students academically and spiritually for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lake George, Michigan
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Lake George, Michigan, and what are their religious affiliations?
Lake George, Michigan, is served by three primary private schools, all with Catholic affiliations. Sacred Heart Academy, St. Louis the King School, and St. Joseph School provide education from preschool through 8th grade. It is important for parents to note that there are no private high schools physically located within the village of Lake George itself. For secondary education, families typically look at Catholic or independent high schools in larger nearby communities like Clare, Mt. Pleasant, or Midland, or consider the local public high school, Harrison High School, which serves the community. The close-knit, faith-based environment of the local elementary/middle schools is a hallmark of private education in this area.
How does tuition at Lake George, MI private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Lake George's private Catholic schools is generally below the statewide average for private schools in Michigan, reflecting the rural nature of the community. For the 2024-2025 school year, annual tuition for parishioners typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per child, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Michigan offers several unique financial aid options that Lake George families can utilize, most notably the Michigan Tuition Tax Credit, which allows a deduction for tuition and other educational expenses. Additionally, individual schools often have parish-subsidized rates, multi-child discounts, and limited need-based scholarship funds. The Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) 529 plan can also be used for K-12 private school tuition.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Lake George private schools offer that differ from the local public school?
While Harrison Community Schools provide a solid public education, the private schools in Lake George emphasize a core curriculum integrated with Catholic values and character education. Specializations often include daily religion classes, sacramental preparation (First Communion, Confirmation), and school-wide service projects that connect to the local community. Due to their smaller size, these schools offer a highly personalized learning environment with low student-to-teacher ratios. Extracurriculars may be more limited than a larger public school but often focus on community-based activities, local academic competitions like the Diocese of Saginaw's Science Fair, and partnerships with parish youth groups. The intimate setting allows for strong parent-teacher partnerships.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for securing a spot at a private school like Sacred Heart Academy or St. Joseph School in Lake George?
Enrollment for the following academic year at Lake George's private schools typically opens in January or February for current families and parish members, with open enrollment for new families beginning in March. Given the small class sizes, spots can be limited, especially in popular grades like kindergarten. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), recent academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the winter. A key local consideration is parish boundaries; priority is often given to active members of the supporting parish. We recommend contacting the school office directly by early winter to express interest and get on their mailing list.
For families new to the area, what are the key considerations when choosing between the private schools in Lake George and the public schools in the Harrison district?
The decision hinges on several Lake George-specific factors. Academically, Harrison Public Schools offer a wider range of elective courses, advanced placement options at the high school level, and typically more extensive sports and arts programs. The private schools offer a faith-based education in a smaller, community-focused environment, which can be a major draw for families seeking that foundation. Logistically, the private schools are centrally located within the village, while some public school attendance may involve bussing to other parts of the Harrison district. Financially, you must weigh the cost of private tuition against the "free" public option, considering available aid. Culturally, the private school community is deeply intertwined with the local Catholic parishes, offering a tight-knit social network. Many families in the area choose private for elementary grades and then transition to the public high school for its broader offerings.