The Best Private Schools in Escatawpa, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Escatawpa. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School
Diocese of Biloxi Catholic Schools
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School is a highly-regarded Pre-K through 8th grade institution serving the Pascagoula/Escatawpa area. The school offers a comprehensive Catholic liberal arts education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, advanced STEM curriculum, robust fine arts programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school maintains a 4.8/5 rating with parents praising the nurturing environment, strong community feel, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Resurrection Catholic School
Diocese of Biloxi Catholic Schools
Resurrection Catholic School serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade and is one of the top-rated private schools in Jackson County. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement opportunities, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive athletics. With small student-teacher ratios and dedicated faculty, Resurrection provides individualized attention and academic support. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its academic rigor, safe environment, and strong community values.
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Magnolia Bay Academy
Independent Private School
Magnolia Bay Academy is an innovative private school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Pascagoula/Escatawpa area. The school specializes in project-based learning and individualized instruction, allowing students to progress at their own pace while developing critical thinking skills. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, technology integration, and real-world applications. With a focus on preparing students for college and careers, Magnolia Bay offers dual enrollment opportunities, advanced coursework, and comprehensive college counseling. The school receives high marks from parents for its engaging educational approach, supportive teachers, and positive learning environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Escatawpa, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Escatawpa, Mississippi?
While Escatawpa itself is a small community, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the immediate area and neighboring cities. The top options include St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School in nearby Pascagoula, Resurrection Catholic School in Pascagoula, and Magnolia Bay Academy, a private Christian school. Many Escatawpa residents also consider schools in Moss Point and the broader Jackson County region. Given the limited number of schools within Escatawpa's exact boundaries, transportation or carpooling to these nearby institutions is a common consideration for local parents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Escatawpa, MS area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Escatawpa/Pascagoula area is generally below the national average but aligns with regional costs in Mississippi. For the 2024-2025 school year, local Catholic schools like St. Peter the Apostle and Resurrection typically have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Magnolia Bay Academy and other Christian academies may have comparable fees. Most schools offer multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid is available, though more limited than in larger cities. Mississippi also has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit scholarship program, so aid is primarily through the schools themselves or local parish support for Catholic institutions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Escatawpa offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Escatawpa area often emphasize smaller class sizes, religious education, and specific pedagogical approaches. For example, St. Peter the Apostle and Resurrection Catholic Schools integrate faith-based learning with standard curricula and may offer stronger arts or music programs relative to some public schools. Magnolia Bay Academy provides a Christian environment with an emphasis on individualized learning. A key differentiator is stability and continuity; these schools are less subject to the redistricting or funding fluctuations that can affect Mississippi public schools. However, they may have fewer resources for specialized special education services compared to the larger public districts in Jackson County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Escatawpa, Mississippi families?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Peter the Apostle, Resurrection, and Magnolia Bay Academy usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parish members for the Catholic schools. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, a birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic schools), and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited seats, especially in younger grades, early application is strongly advised. Many families in Escatawpa initiate inquiries in the fall before their desired enrollment year to ensure they meet all deadlines and requirements.
For an Escatawpa resident, what are the key logistical considerations when choosing a private school, particularly regarding transportation and community?
Transportation is a primary logistical factor, as most private schools in the area do not provide extensive bus service. Escatawpa families typically must arrange for carpooling or personal transportation to schools in Pascagoula or Moss Point, which can be a 15-25 minute commute. This fosters tight-knit carpool communities among parents. Furthermore, choosing a school often means aligning with a specific religious community (Catholic or Protestant) which becomes a central part of family life. The community aspect is significant; these schools serve as hubs for families from across Jackson County, offering a consistent social network that can be especially valuable in a smaller community like Escatawpa.
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