The Best Private Schools in Biloxi, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Biloxi. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Patrick Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the Biloxi area with a comprehensive academic program. The school features a rigorous curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and competitive athletic programs. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, the school provides a well-rounded education grounded in Catholic values. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and strong college acceptance rates.
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St. Stanislaus College Preparatory
Brothers of the Sacred Heart
Located just west of Biloxi in Bay St. Louis, St. Stanislaus is one of Mississippi's premier private schools serving the entire Gulf Coast region. This all-boys college preparatory school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college prep courses. The school is renowned for its marine science program with direct beach access, strong engineering curriculum, and comprehensive athletic facilities. With both day and boarding options, St. Stanislaus attracts students from throughout the Biloxi area seeking rigorous academic preparation and character development.
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Resurrection Catholic Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Serving families throughout the Biloxi-Gulfport metropolitan area, Resurrection Catholic Elementary School provides exceptional elementary education with a strong academic foundation. The school features modern classrooms with technology integration, dedicated specialty teachers for art, music, and physical education, and comprehensive after-school programs. Located in nearby Pascagoula, the school serves multiple coastal communities with a reputation for academic excellence and strong community involvement. Parent satisfaction reflects the school's commitment to individual student attention and comprehensive educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Biloxi, Mississippi
What are the primary types of private schools available in Biloxi, Mississippi, and how do they differ?
Biloxi's private school landscape is predominantly composed of faith-based institutions, particularly Catholic schools, which form a strong network on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The top schools, like St. Patrick Catholic High School, St. Stanislaus College Preparatory (an all-boys school in nearby Bay St. Louis), and Resurrection Catholic Elementary School, offer a college-preparatory education integrated with religious values. There are also a few independent Christian academies in the area. The key difference lies in their educational approach: the Catholic schools often follow a traditional, structured curriculum with an emphasis on service, while independent academies may offer more curricular flexibility. Notably, Biloxi lacks a significant presence of secular independent or boarding schools, which is an important consideration for families seeking a non-religious private education.
How does tuition for private schools in Biloxi, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Biloxi-area private schools is generally at or slightly below the Mississippi state average for private education, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, annual tuition at schools like St. Patrick Catholic High School often ranges from $8,000 to $11,000. Most Biloxi private schools actively offer financial aid through need-based scholarships, parish subsidies for active Catholic families, and sibling discounts. Additionally, Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program is a critical local resource. This state-funded program provides eligible families with public funds that can be used for tuition at participating private schools, including many in Biloxi, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Biloxi private schools offer that leverage the Gulf Coast location?
Private schools in Biloxi capitalize on their coastal environment through specialized programs. Many integrate marine science and environmental studies into their curriculum, with potential for field studies on the Gulf. St. Stanislaus College Preparatory, with its waterfront campus, has a renowned Sea Camp and robust sailing program. Schools like St. Patrick often have strong connections to the local tourism, hospitality, and casino industries for business education partnerships and internships. Furthermore, the rich cultural and historical fabric of the Gulf Coast—from its French and Vietnamese heritage to its music scene—is woven into history, art, and language courses, providing an education deeply connected to the region's identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Biloxi, and are there specific deadlines for local families?
The enrollment process for Biloxi private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with priority application deadlines often set by early March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and frequently a family interview or student assessment. A key local consideration is that many Biloxi-area Catholic schools give priority to active members of supporting parishes and to siblings of current students. It is highly advisable to contact the school's admissions office by January to schedule a tour and obtain specific dates, as spaces, particularly in popular elementary grades like Kindergarten, can fill quickly within this tight-knit community.
For families considering both options, what are the perceived advantages of private versus public schools in Biloxi, Mississippi?
The decision often centers on academic focus, environment, and values. Biloxi Public Schools offer a no-cost education with diverse programs, but private schools in the area typically boast smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and a strong college-prep focus with near-100% college acceptance rates. The private school environment is often cited as being more disciplined and values-oriented, with mandatory uniforms and structured behavior codes. A significant advantage for Biloxi private schools is their continuity; many offer a seamless education from elementary through high school (like the St. Patrick/Resurrection system), whereas public schooling may involve transitions between different campuses. However, public schools in Biloxi provide broader special education services and a more socioeconomically diverse student body, which are important factors for some families.
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