The Best Private Schools in Leonard, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Leonard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Archdiocese of Detroit
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located just 15 minutes from Leonard. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program rooted in Catholic values. The curriculum emphasizes strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while incorporating STEM education, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, and extensive athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community spirit, with many families commuting from Leonard and surrounding communities for the quality education.
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St. Mary's Preparatory
Orchard Lake Schools
St. Mary's Preparatory is an acclaimed all-boys Catholic high school located approximately 20 minutes from Leonard. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Known for its strong academic tradition and competitive athletics, St. Mary's features state-of-the-art science labs, extensive athletic facilities, and a comprehensive fine arts program. The school serves students from across Oakland County, including many from Leonard, and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Parents highlight the school's strong community values, excellent faculty, and outstanding college preparation.
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Oakland Christian School
Independent Christian School
Oakland Christian School is a respected independent Christian school located just 12 minutes from Leonard. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, the school offers a comprehensive Christ-centered education with strong academic programs. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, advanced placement options, and extensive fine arts and athletic programs. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and athletic facilities. The school is known for its small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community, making it a popular choice for families in Leonard and surrounding areas seeking quality private education with Christian values.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Leonard, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Leonard, Michigan?
Leonard itself is a small village, so families typically look at well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Oakland County area. The top options include St. Joseph School in Lake Orion (a Catholic K-8), St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake Village (a prestigious all-boys Catholic high school), and Oakland Christian School in Auburn Hills (a interdenominational Christian PreK-12 school). For Leonard residents, these schools are all within a 15-20 minute commute, offering a range of religious affiliations and grade-level continuums.
How does tuition at private schools near Leonard, MI, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the schools serving Leonard varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 year, St. Joseph School (K-8) has parish-subsidized tuition around $5,000-$7,000, while St. Mary's Prep high school tuition is approximately $16,000. Oakland Christian School's tuition ranges from around $10,000 for elementary to $13,000 for high school. These are generally in line with or slightly above Michigan's private school averages. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Michigan residents should also explore the state's "Tuition Incentive Program" and education savings accounts (ESAs) for eligible families, though these have specific requirements.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Leonard area offer that leverage their local setting?
Schools near Leonard utilize their Oakland County location for distinctive programs. St. Mary's Prep boasts a renowned Engineering & Robotics program and a comprehensive rowing team that trains on nearby Orchard Lake. Oakland Christian School emphasizes STEM with partnerships in the Auburn Hills tech corridor and offers competitive athletics in the MIAC league. St. Joseph School integrates its Catholic identity with a strong focus on community service within the Lake Orion/Leonard area. The semi-rural setting of Leonard also allows these schools to offer outdoor education and environmental science opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Leonard, Michigan families?
The process is school-specific but follows a general pattern. For schools like St. Joseph and Oakland Christian, applications for the following academic year often open in September/October, with priority deadlines in January or February for returning families and siblings. St. Mary's Prep, as a selective high school, has an application deadline typically in early February for freshman admission. All require application forms, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance exam (for high school) and family interview. Given the competitive nature, especially for St. Mary's Prep, starting the process a full year in advance is highly recommended for Leonard residents.
For a family in Leonard, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Oxford public school district and a private school?
The decision hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. Oxford Community Schools is a highly-rated public district. Choosing a private school like those near Leonard often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Catholic or Christian), smaller class sizes, and a particular academic focus (e.g., classical or college-prep). The trade-off is the direct tuition cost versus taxpayer-funded public education. Transportation is also a key factor; while Oxford provides busing, private schools may require carpooling for the commute to Lake Orion, Orchard Lake, or Auburn Hills. Many families value the close-knit, values-based community of the private options as a defining reason for their choice.