The Best Private Schools in De Kalb, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in De Kalb. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lamar School
Independent
Lamar School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving East Central Mississippi, including the De Kalb area. Established in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-K through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence with numerous Advanced Placement courses, robust arts programs including visual and performing arts, and competitive athletic teams. The 40-acre campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Lamar maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and strong college placement records.
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East Central Day School
Independent
East Central Day School serves students from De Kalb and surrounding areas with a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1979, the school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence with a particular emphasis on STEM education and college preparation. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive language arts, and extensive fine arts programs. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic complexes. East Central Day School maintains small class sizes and offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, academic clubs, and community outreach programs.
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Kemper Academy
Independent
Kemper Academy is a local independent school serving De Kalb and surrounding communities since 1972. The school provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on both academic achievement and character development. The curriculum includes college preparatory courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and career technical education pathways. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Kemper Academy is known for its family-like atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including athletics, clubs, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in De Kalb, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in De Kalb, Mississippi, and what grade levels do they serve?
In De Kalb, Mississippi, families have a few established private school options. The most prominent is Lamar School, a private, co-educational institution serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade. For families in the broader Kemper County area, Kemper Academy, located in nearby De Kalb, offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Additionally, East Central Day School provides an option for younger students. It's important to note that private school availability in a small town like De Kalb is more limited than in larger Mississippi cities, making early research and application crucial.
How does tuition for private schools in De Kalb, MS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at private schools in De Kalb is generally lower than the state average for Mississippi private schools, reflecting the rural economic context. For example, annual tuition at local schools often ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, compared to higher figures in metropolitan areas like Jackson or the Gulf Coast. Most schools, including Lamar School, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes multi-child discounts. Mississippi also has the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs (EOSSN) program, which provides state-funded Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) that eligible families can use for private school tuition, a key financial consideration for De Kalb residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do De Kalb private schools offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in De Kalb often emphasize a close-knit community feel and strong college preparatory foundations. Lamar School, for instance, features a robust athletics program competing in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), which is a significant part of the local culture. Academically, these schools may offer dual-enrollment opportunities with nearby East Mississippi Community College or Mississippi State University, allowing high school students to earn college credit—a valuable resource in a rural setting. Agricultural science and FFA programs are also common and relevant, connecting education to the region's heritage and economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in De Kalb, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for De Kalb private schools like Lamar School typically begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, providing academic records, and often a student interview or assessment. Due to the small size of these schools, available spots, particularly in specific grade levels, can fill quickly. While large-scale waitlists are less common than in urban areas, popular entry grades (like Kindergarten or 6th grade) may have limited space. We strongly recommend contacting the school's admissions office by January or February to request information and secure application materials.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between public schools in the De Kalb area and the available private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum flexibility, and funding structure. De Kalb public schools are part of the Kemper County School District, funded by state and local taxes, offering a standardized Mississippi curriculum. Private schools like Lamar School operate independently, often with much smaller class sizes (sometimes 15:1 student-teacher ratios or lower), which allows for more individualized attention. They are not bound by all state regulations, which can mean a more focused college-prep curriculum, mandatory uniforms, and different extracurricular emphases. Transportation is a major practical difference; while public schools provide bus services, private schools in De Kalb typically require parents to arrange transportation, a significant consideration in this rural area.
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