The Best Private Schools in Union, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lake Michigan Catholic Middle-High School
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Lake Michigan Catholic provides a comprehensive Catholic education serving students from multiple surrounding communities including Union. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, LMC focuses on character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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Immaculate Conception School
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Immaculate Conception School serves students from Union and surrounding St. Joseph County with a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence with strong foundational skills in reading, mathematics, and science. Technology integration includes 1:1 device programs and interactive learning. The close-knit community provides individualized attention and comprehensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service programs.
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Kalamazoo Christian Elementary School
Kalamazoo Christian School Association
Kalamazoo Christian Elementary provides Christ-centered education serving families throughout southwest Michigan, including Union area residents. The school offers a comprehensive elementary program with strong emphasis on literacy development, mathematics, and biblical integration across all subjects. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and playground areas. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially through various enrichment programs and activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families in Union, Michigan, and what grade levels do they serve?
Union, Michigan, is served by a few key private institutions, primarily with a religious affiliation. Lake Michigan Catholic Middle-High School in nearby St. Joseph serves grades 6-12. Immaculate Conception School, a Catholic K-8 school, is located directly in Three Rivers, which is part of the Union area community. For younger students, Kalamazoo Christian Elementary School (part of the Kalamazoo Christian School Association) is a popular choice for Pre-K through 5th grade, though it requires a commute to Kalamazoo. The options reflect the rural character of Union, meaning families often consider schools in neighboring townships and cities.
How does tuition at private schools in the Union, Michigan area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Immaculate Conception School's tuition is approximately $4,500-$5,500 for parishioners, while Lake Michigan Catholic High School tuition is around $9,000-$10,000. Michigan offers several financial aid options that Union families can utilize. The most significant is the Michigan Tuition Grant for private K-12 schools, which is need-based. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies for church members, multi-child discounts, and merit-based scholarships. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school's chosen platform (like FACTS) as early as possible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Union, MI residents?
Schools serving the Union community often provide programs that leverage their religious identity and smaller class sizes. Lake Michigan Catholic Middle-High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with dual-enrollment opportunities through Lake Michigan College and distinctive programs like Theology and campus ministry. Immaculate Conception School emphasizes faith-based learning integrated into all subjects. For a broader selection, families commuting to Kalamazoo Christian Elementary can access specialized programs in STEM and Spanish language instruction. Given Union's proximity to agricultural areas, some schools may also incorporate environmental science or nature studies into their curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Union, Michigan region?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region generally begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to existing families, siblings, and parish members. For example, Immaculate Conception School typically opens registration to its parish community in early winter. Lake Michigan Catholic has rolling admissions but encourages applications by March for best consideration. The process almost always includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a placement assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in the lower grades, Union families are advised to initiate inquiries a full year in advance.
How do private schools in the Union area differ from the local public school options, like Colon Community Schools or Three Rivers Community Schools?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum focus, and community environment. Private schools like Immaculate Conception and Lake Michigan Catholic offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) compared to the public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. The curriculum is explicitly faith-based, integrating religious education throughout the day, which is not offered in public schools. Public schools in Colon or Three Rivers provide a broader range of elective courses, sports teams, and specialized programs due to larger student populations and public funding. For Union families, the choice often centers on whether they prioritize a specific religious education and intimate setting over the wider extracurricular and programmatic offerings of the public system.