The Best Private Schools in Duncan, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Duncan. 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 school serving the Duncan area and greater Hattiesburg region. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, fine arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and offers numerous Advanced Placement courses. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, and various student organizations.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School provides a faith-based education serving families in Duncan and the surrounding communities. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, the school offers a classical education model integrated with modern teaching methods. The campus features well-equipped classrooms, science laboratories, library, and athletic facilities. Academic programs include strong STEM offerings, foreign languages, and comprehensive fine arts. The school emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining high academic standards with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio.
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Laurel Christian School
Independent Christian School
Laurel Christian School serves students from Duncan and the surrounding Jones County area with a comprehensive Christian education program. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with college preparatory curriculum and offers dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Facilities include modern academic buildings, science labs, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school provides a well-rounded education with emphasis on spiritual growth, academic achievement, and extracurricular participation including competitive sports teams and fine arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Duncan, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Duncan, Mississippi?
While Duncan itself is a small community, families typically look to nearby Hattiesburg and Laurel for private school options. The most prominent schools serving the area are Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg (about a 20-minute drive), Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg, and Laurel Christian School in Laurel (about a 25-minute drive). These schools provide the main private education alternatives to the public Lamar County School District for Duncan residents, with most offering transportation zones that may include the Duncan area.
How does tuition at private schools near Duncan, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the primary private schools near Duncan is generally below the national private school 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 lower rates for younger grades. Mississippi has limited state-level voucher or tax credit programs compared to some states, but each school offers need-based financial aid and parish subsidies (for Sacred Heart). Additionally, many families utilize the Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) program, which can be used for K-12 private tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Duncan area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Presbyterian Christian School offer a strong college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a focus on Christian worldview integration. Sacred Heart Catholic School provides a faith-based education with Spanish instruction beginning in elementary grades. Laurel Christian School emphasizes smaller class sizes and a structured environment. A key differentiator for these schools is the ability to offer specialized programs like competitive athletics, fine arts, and mission trips that are sometimes more limited in the rural public schools of the Duncan area, all within a distinct faith-based framework.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Duncan, Mississippi families?
The enrollment process for schools like Presbyterian Christian, Sacred Heart, and Laurel Christian usually begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to re-enrolling students, siblings of current students, and church members (for parish schools). The process typically involves an application, submission of past academic records, a family interview, and placement testing for some grades. Given the limited seats, especially in popular elementary grades, Duncan-area families are advised to initiate inquiries early in the calendar year. Many schools host open houses in the fall.
For a family in Duncan, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Lamar County public schools and a private school in Hattiesburg or Laurel?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. The public schools in the Lamar County District (like Oak Grove) are highly rated and offer proximity. Choosing a private school like PCS or Laurel Christian involves a daily commute but provides a specific religious education, often smaller average class sizes, and alternative curricular approaches. For Duncan families, transportation logistics are a major practical factor. Additionally, parents seeking a consistent faith-based environment from elementary through high school may prefer the private K-12 continuum, whereas public schools in the area are separated by level.
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