The Best Private Schools in Diberville, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Diberville. 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-Gulfport metropolitan area, including Diberville families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM initiatives, and competitive athletic programs. With a 100% college acceptance rate and small class sizes averaging 15 students, the school provides personalized attention and strong community values. Facilities include modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development and service learning alongside academic excellence.
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St. James Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. James Elementary School is a highly-rated Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students from Gulfport and surrounding communities including Diberville. The school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating technology and faith formation. With dedicated faculty and small class sizes, students receive personalized attention and support. The curriculum includes STEM enrichment programs, music and art education, and comprehensive religious instruction. The school features updated facilities, secure campuses, and a strong sense of community with active parent involvement and numerous extracurricular opportunities.
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Resurrection Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Resurrection Catholic School provides a comprehensive K-12 education serving families across Jackson County and the broader Gulf Coast region, including Diberville residents. The school offers a strong college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local colleges and Advanced Placement courses. With a focus on faith-based education and academic rigor, the school maintains small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school community is known for its strong parent involvement and supportive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Diberville, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Diberville, Mississippi, and what grade levels do they serve?
Diberville is served by a cluster of Catholic schools that form the core of private education in the city. St. Patrick Catholic High School serves grades 9-12. Resurrection Catholic School typically covers grades Pre-K through 8, and St. James Elementary School serves the younger grades. It's important to note that while these schools have a Catholic affiliation, they often enroll students of various faiths. For families seeking non-religious private options, they may need to look at neighboring communities like Biloxi or Gulfport, which have a wider variety of independent and faith-based schools.
How does tuition for private schools in Diberville, MS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Diberville's private Catholic schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional costs in Mississippi. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition can range from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the grade level and parish membership status. A significant financial aid option unique to Mississippi is the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) tuition grant program, and many schools offer need-based scholarships. Additionally, all three Diberville schools participate in diocesan aid programs and may offer multi-child discounts, which is crucial for local families.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs do Diberville private schools offer that leverage the Gulf Coast location?
Diberville's private schools integrate the Gulf Coast environment into their programs in distinct ways. St. Patrick Catholic High School, for instance, may offer marine biology or environmental science courses that utilize local ecosystems for fieldwork. Extracurricularly, schools often have strong connections to the region's cultural and historical institutions, with field trips to the nearby NASA Stennis Space Center, the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, and volunteer projects focused on coastal conservation. Athletics, particularly sports like soccer and baseball, are prominent and compete within the Mississippi Gulf Coast league structure.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Diberville, and are there priorities for local parish members?
The enrollment process for Diberville's Catholic schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and often a pastoral recommendation for Catholic families. A key local consideration is priority enrollment: active members of the affiliated parishes (like St. James or St. Thomas the Apostle) often receive first consideration, followed by other Catholic families, and then the general community. It's highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office by early winter, as some grades, especially kindergarten and freshman year, can fill quickly.
For families considering both sectors, what are the notable differences between Diberville's public schools and its private school options?
The most notable difference is scale and specialization. Diberville High School (public) is part of the Harrison County School District, offering a large, comprehensive program with a wide array of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and extensive athletic facilities. The private schools in Diberville offer smaller class sizes, a values-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition, and a close-knit community atmosphere. Academically, the private schools may follow a different curriculum (often incorporating religious studies) and might emphasize college preparatory tracks differently. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a large, diverse public environment versus a smaller, faith-based private community, with tuition being a decisive financial factor.
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