The Best Private Schools in Union City, Michigan
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union City. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School
Diocese of Kalamazoo
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School serves students from Union City and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside rigorous academics, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes strong STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. The school maintains a family-oriented environment with active parent involvement and has been serving the region for over six decades with consistent academic excellence.
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St. Philip Catholic Central
Diocese of Kalamazoo
St. Philip Catholic Central is a highly-regarded private high school serving students from Union City and throughout Calhoun County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and strong moral formation. The school has a proven track record of preparing graduates for top colleges and universities while fostering community service and leadership development.
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Marshall Academy
Independent
Marshall Academy is an independent private school serving students from Union City and surrounding communities in Calhoun and Branch counties. The school offers innovative, project-based learning for grades K-8 with a strong emphasis on STEM education and arts integration. Their character education program develops responsible citizens while maintaining high academic standards. The school features modern facilities, technology-rich classrooms, and a supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and creativity. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to individualized student growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union City, Michigan
What are the primary private school options available for families in Union City, Michigan, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Union City, MI, is served by a few key private institutions, each with a distinct focus. St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School offers a faith-based, K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. St. Philip Catholic Central, located in nearby Battle Creek but serving the region, provides a Catholic college-preparatory experience for grades 9-12. Marshall Academy, also a short commute away in Marshall, is an independent, non-denominational school offering preschool through 12th grade with a traditional academic emphasis. For Union City residents, these schools represent the main private choices, with the Catholic schools offering a continuous pathway from elementary to high school.
How does tuition for private schools in the Union City, Michigan, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 year, St. Charles Borromeo typically has lower elementary tuition, often around $4,000-$5,000 annually, while high school tuition at St. Philip Catholic Central can exceed $8,000. Marshall Academy's tuition is generally competitive within the independent school market. Critically for Michigan families, the state does **not** have a private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program. However, all these schools offer internal financial aid, scholarships, and parish subsidies for active members. Additionally, Michigan's "Dual Enrollment" and "Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act" programs allow eligible high school students at these schools to take college courses at state expense.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Union City, Michigan, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Union City region provide specialized programs that may not be as available in smaller public districts. St. Philip Catholic Central offers robust theology courses, college counseling, and often smaller class sizes for advanced STEM and humanities tracks. Marshall Academy emphasizes character education and may offer more individualized learning plans. A key differentiator is the consistent religious education and faith formation integrated throughout the curriculum at the Catholic schools. Furthermore, these private schools often have strong partnerships with community organizations in Battle Creek and Marshall for arts and athletics, giving students access to a broader network despite the schools' smaller sizes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Charles Borromeo in Union City, and are there considerations for transferring from Union City's public schools?
The enrollment process for Union City's St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School typically begins in January-February for the following fall, with priority often given to parish members and siblings of current students. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, and usually a family interview. For families considering a transfer from Union City Community Schools, mid-year enrollment is often possible depending on space, but starting at a natural break (like the beginning of a semester) is encouraged. It's important to note that these private schools have rolling admissions until classes are full, so early inquiry is recommended. They will also require transcripts and may conduct placement assessments to ensure proper grade-level alignment.
For a family living in Union City, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community involvement when choosing a local private school?
Transportation is a significant logistical factor. Union City does not provide public school busing to private schools. Families are responsible for transporting their children to St. Charles Borromeo, or to the schools in Battle Creek or Marshall, which can be a 20-30 minute commute. Carpooling with other local families is common. Regarding community, St. Charles Borromeo is deeply integrated into the local Union City and Catholic parish community, offering strong neighborhood ties. Choosing St. Philip or Marshall Academy, however, integrates your child into a broader regional community from various towns, which can expand social networks but may require more effort to engage in school events due to the distance. Involvement in booster clubs or parent groups often requires planning for travel.
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