The Best Private Schools in Como, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Como. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oxford University School
Independent
Oxford University School serves the broader northern Mississippi region including Como families seeking exceptional private education. Established in 1979, the school provides a challenging college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and specialized STEM programs. The school features modern academic facilities, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic amenities. Known for its strong faculty-student relationships and individualized attention, Oxford University School maintains an excellent college acceptance record and offers diverse extracurricular opportunities including competitive athletics, visual and performing arts, and academic enrichment programs.
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North Delta School
Independent
North Delta School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the Como area and surrounding communities. Established in 1976, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a strong athletic tradition with multiple state championships and offers diverse extracurricular activities including fine arts, drama, and academic competitions. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's family atmosphere and commitment to academic excellence.
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Magnolia Heights School
Independent
Magnolia Heights School is a premier private institution located in nearby Senatobia that serves students from Como and the surrounding region. Founded in 1970, the school offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive college counseling. The 75-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including championship athletic programs, fine arts, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Como, Mississippi
What are the main private school options available for families living in or near Como, Mississippi?
Families in Como, MS, have several well-regarded private school options, though many are located in nearby towns due to Como's small size. The most prominent include North Delta School in nearby Batesville, Magnolia Heights School in Senatobia, and Oxford University School in Oxford. These schools serve the broader North Mississippi region, including Panola and Tate counties. Transportation or carpooling is a common consideration for Como residents, as these schools are typically a 20-45 minute drive away. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically located within the Como town limits.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Como, MS, area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Como, MS, such as North Delta School and Magnolia Heights School, generally ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 per year for elementary grades, potentially higher for high school. This is somewhat below the national private school average but is a significant investment relative to local median incomes in Panola County. Most schools offer need-based financial aid, and Mississippi's "Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs" ESA program can provide state-funded accounts for eligible students to use at private schools, which is a key financial consideration for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Como, MS, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Como area often emphasize college preparatory curricula, smaller class sizes, and strong discipline. For example, Magnolia Heights is known for its comprehensive athletic programs competing in the MAIS (Mississippi Association of Independent Schools), while North Delta School offers a traditional liberal arts education with a focus on character development. A notable differentiator is the availability of specific programs like advanced STEM tracks, fine arts conservatories, or more robust foreign language instruction that may be limited in the local public school districts due to funding or size constraints.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Como, Mississippi families?
The enrollment process for schools like North Delta, Magnolia Heights, and Oxford University School typically begins in the winter or early spring (January-March) for the following fall semester. It is crucial to apply early, as spaces, particularly in lower grades, can be limited. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and often a family interview and student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Como residents should also inquire about transportation logistics during the application process, as bus service may be limited or unavailable from their specific location.
For a family in Como, what are the key factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (North Panola School District) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Key considerations include: **Commute** (daily drive time to a private school vs. local busing to public school), **Cost** (tuition vs. free public education), **Educational Approach** (smaller, potentially more religious or traditional private school environments vs. the larger, more diverse public school setting), and **Program Offerings** (comparing specific academic, athletic, or arts programs). The North Panola School District faces many of the challenges common to rural public districts, so parents often look to private schools for perceived academic rigor, safety, and extracurricular opportunities, but must weigh this against the financial and logistical burden.
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