The Best Private Schools in Livonia, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Livonia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Catherine of Siena Academy
Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist
St. Catherine of Siena Academy is a highly-regarded all-girls Catholic high school offering a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Located in nearby Wixom, it serves students from Livonia and the surrounding areas. The school emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual formation, and leadership development, with a strong focus on STEM and humanities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community that fosters personal growth and academic achievement.
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Detroit Cristo Rey High School
Cristo Rey Network
Detroit Cristo Rey High School is part of the nationally recognized Cristo Rey Network, offering a unique college preparatory education combined with a corporate work-study program. Serving a diverse student body from Detroit and suburbs including Livonia, the school focuses on academic rigor, professional development, and ethical leadership. Students gain real-world experience through internships with corporate partners, and the school boasts high college acceptance rates. Facilities support a collaborative learning environment with technology integration, and parent reviews highlight the transformative impact on student success and career readiness.
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Livonia Christian School
Independent Christian School
Livonia Christian School provides a Christ-centered education from kindergarten through 12th grade, with a long-standing reputation in the community. It offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with biblical teachings, focusing on college readiness and character development. The school features updated facilities, including technology labs, sports complexes, and performing arts spaces. Extracurricular activities encompass music, drama, and various sports teams, contributing to high parent satisfaction and a nurturing environment for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Livonia, Michigan
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Livonia, Michigan?
Livonia, Michigan, offers a diverse range of private school options catering to different educational philosophies and religious affiliations. The city is home to prominent faith-based institutions like St. Catherine of Siena Academy (all-girls Catholic high school) and Livonia Christian School (interdenominational K-12). Additionally, nearby schools like Detroit Cristo Rey High School provide a unique corporate work-study model for a college-prep education. While Livonia itself has a strong Catholic school presence, families in the area also have access to a variety of independent, Lutheran, and other Christian schools within a short commute in neighboring Wayne and Oakland counties.
How does tuition for private schools in Livonia, MI, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Livonia area generally aligns with or slightly exceeds Michigan's statewide private school averages, with K-8 schools often ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 annually and high schools like St. Catherine of Siena Academy typically between $12,000 and $15,000. A significant financial consideration for Michigan parents is the state's tax-advantaged 529 plan (MESP), which can now be used for K-12 private school tuition. Additionally, most Livonia-area private schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for affiliated Catholic families, and merit scholarships. Schools like Detroit Cristo Rey utilize a innovative model where student earnings from corporate partnerships offset a substantial portion of tuition costs.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are notable at private schools in the Livonia area?
Private schools in and around Livonia distinguish themselves with specialized programs. St. Catherine of Siena Academy emphasizes STEM and leadership through its "Branches" program for young women. Livonia Christian School offers a comprehensive fine arts program and competitive athletics. A standout in the region is Detroit Cristo Rey High School, whose unique college-prep curriculum is integrated with a professional work-study program, placing students in corporate jobs one day per week. Many schools also offer robust dual-enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) courses through partnerships with local colleges like Schoolcraft College, providing a head start on college credits.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Livonia, Michigan?
The enrollment process for Livonia private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses held from September through January for the following academic year. Key deadlines for applications and financial aid (like FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment) often fall between January and March. Most schools require entrance exams (e.g., HSPT for Catholic high schools), student interviews, and submission of past academic records. Due to limited seats, especially in popular schools like St. Catherine of Siena Academy, early application is strongly encouraged. Many schools also host shadow days for prospective students, which are best scheduled during the fall semester.
For families considering both, what are key distinctions between Livonia Public Schools and the private school options in the area?
The key distinction lies in educational approach, scale, and religious integration. Livonia Public Schools (LPS) is a large, highly-rated district offering diverse programs, extensive resources, and no tuition. Private schools in Livonia offer smaller class sizes, a specific value-based or religious education (e.g., Catholic or Christian worldview), and often a more tailored community feel. Academically, LPS provides a broad spectrum of AP and elective courses due to its size, while private schools may offer more focused college-prep or specialized models. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a faith-based environment and specific pedagogical approach versus the comprehensive, tax-funded offerings of the large public district. Transportation is another factor, as LPS does not provide busing for private school students.
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