The Best Private Schools in Ellisville, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellisville. 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 offers a robust academic environment with a Christian worldview, serving families in Ellisville and the broader region. It provides Advanced Placement courses, a strong STEM program, and extensive athletic and fine arts offerings. The school is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, experienced teachers, and high parent satisfaction, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares students for college and beyond.
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Laurel Christian School
Independent Christian School
Laurel Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving the Ellisville area with a comprehensive K-12 education. It emphasizes academic rigor through a college-prep curriculum, integrated spiritual development, and a wide array of extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, music, and art programs. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a dedicated faculty, contributing to high parent satisfaction and strong student outcomes.
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Oak Grove Christian School
Independent Christian School
Oak Grove Christian School delivers a balanced education focusing on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement for students in the Ellisville area. It features dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, a vibrant music program, and competitive sports teams. With a commitment to small class sizes and a supportive learning environment, the school has built a reputation for strong parent involvement and student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellisville, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options for families living in Ellisville, Mississippi, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Ellisville itself is a smaller city, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate Jones County area. The most prominent options include Laurel Christian School and Oak Grove Christian School, both located in nearby Laurel, MS, approximately 10-15 minutes from Ellisville. Presbyterian Christian School is located in Hattiesburg, about a 30-minute drive south. There are no major private school campuses physically located within Ellisville city limits, so commuting to neighboring communities is the standard for private education. Many Ellisville families form carpools for this purpose.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Ellisville, MS, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Ellisville is generally below the national private school average but aligned with Mississippi's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, K-12 tuition at these schools typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 annually. Mississippi offers the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, a state-funded initiative that can provide over $6,000 per student to eligible families for use at participating private schools, including those in the Ellisville area. Additionally, most local schools like Laurel Christian and Presbyterian Christian offer their own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Ellisville, MS, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Ellisville area strongly emphasize college preparatory curricula with a Christian foundation. A key differentiator is the integration of faith-based learning across all subjects. Many offer distinctive programs such as robust competitive athletics (often in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools), fine arts programs with annual productions, and specific academic tracks. For example, Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg is known for its strong arts and advanced placement offerings, while Laurel Christian provides a structured, classical Christian education model. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention than the larger public school districts in Jones County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Ellisville, Mississippi, and when should parents apply?
The enrollment process for area private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools, like Laurel Christian and Oak Grove Christian, open applications for the following school year in January or February. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and children of alumni. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and a student assessment. Admission decisions are typically communicated by March or April. Given the limited seats and competitive nature for certain grades, especially kindergarten and middle school entry points, parents in Ellisville are advised to begin inquiries and campus tours the fall prior to the desired enrollment year.
For an Ellisville resident, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school in a neighboring city?
Choosing a private school outside Ellisville requires careful logistical planning. None of the major private schools provide bus transportation to/from Ellisville, so parents must commit to daily driving or organizing a private carpool. The commute to Laurel schools is relatively short (10-20 minutes), while Hattiesburg schools are a 30+ minute drive each way. This impacts after-school activity participation. On the community side, your child's primary social and extracurricular network will be based in the school's city (Laurel or Hattiesburg), which can sometimes feel disconnected from the local Ellisville community. However, many families find the shared commute fosters strong bonds among Ellisville-based students attending the same school.
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