The Best Private Schools in Collinsville, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Collinsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Presbyterian Christian School
Independent Christian School
Presbyterian Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving the Collinsville area and greater Hattiesburg region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, competitive academic teams, and extensive community service opportunities.
Programs:
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School provides exceptional private education to families in Collinsville and the surrounding communities. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, the school offers a faith-based education combined with rigorous academic standards. The curriculum includes honors courses, advanced mathematics and science programs, comprehensive language arts, and religious education. The campus features modern technology integration, dedicated science laboratories, a full library, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded student development through academics, arts, and athletics.
Programs:
Laurel Christian School
Independent Christian School
Laurel Christian School serves students from Collinsville and throughout the Laurel metropolitan area with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with college preparatory courses, advanced placement options, and dual enrollment opportunities. The biblical integration throughout all subjects provides a distinctive faith-based learning environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, science laboratories, a full gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains strong athletic programs, competitive academic teams, and extensive fine arts opportunities including music, drama, and visual arts.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Collinsville, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Collinsville, Mississippi?
While Collinsville itself is a small community, families typically look to nearby cities for private school options. The most prominent schools serving the Collinsville area are Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg (about a 30-minute drive), Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg, and Laurel Christian School in Laurel (about a 25-minute drive). There are no major private school campuses physically located within Collinsville's town limits, so commuting is a standard expectation for private education in this region of Mississippi.
How does tuition for private schools near Collinsville, MS, compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Collinsville is generally below the national average but aligns with regional Mississippi costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 per year for K-12, with high school often at the higher end. Mississippi has two key financial aid programs: the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for students with a dyslexia diagnosis and the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs (ESA) program, which can provide funds for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools like Presbyterian Christian and Sacred Heart offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Collinsville offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this area often emphasize faith-based education and smaller class sizes as key differentiators. Specifically, Presbyterian Christian School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a notable fine arts program. Sacred Heart Catholic School provides a structured, values-based education with Spanish instruction beginning in elementary grades. Laurel Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview integration across all subjects and often has robust athletics programs for its size. These schools can offer more specialized attention and specific philosophical approaches than the rural public school districts surrounding Collinsville.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Collinsville, Mississippi families?
The process is centralized at each school, with key timelines being similar. Most schools begin accepting applications for the next school year in January or February, with priority deadlines often in March. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and paying a fee. Many also require a family interview and student assessment or shadow day. It's crucial to apply early, especially for sought-after grades like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, as spaces can fill quickly. Waiting lists are common. We recommend contacting the admissions office of your target school (e.g., PCS, Sacred Heart) by the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For a family in Collinsville, what are the main practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a commuting private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is the daily commute of 25-45 minutes each way to Hattiesburg or Laurel, which impacts family logistics and fuel costs. Second, consider the educational philosophy: rural public schools in the Collinsville area provide a community-centered, no-tuition option, while private schools offer a specific religious foundation and often more resources per student. Third, evaluate extracurricular opportunities; private schools may have more consistent funding for arts and sports, but public schools offer the context of Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) competition. Finally, assess the long-term plan: if college preparation is a top priority, the structured environment and college counseling at schools like Presbyterian Christian may be a significant draw despite the commute.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities