The Best Private Schools in Goodman, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Goodman. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson Preparatory School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from across central Mississippi, including the Goodman area. Founded in 1970, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. The 52-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Jackson Prep consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a premier independent school offering the International Baccalaureate program to students from preschool through 12th grade. The school serves families throughout central Mississippi, including the Goodman community, with a commitment to academic excellence and character development. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. St. Andrew's emphasizes global education, community service, and developing well-rounded students prepared for college and beyond.
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Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy is a respected private school serving students from across the Jackson metropolitan area, including Goodman residents. Founded in 1965, MRA offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced coursework, championship athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts studios, and athletic complexes. MRA maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with graduates consistently accepted to competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Goodman, Mississippi
Are there any private schools actually located in Goodman, Mississippi, or will we need to commute to a nearby city?
There are no major private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Goodman itself. Families in Goodman typically commute to private schools in the larger Jackson metropolitan area, approximately 60 miles southwest. The top-regarded options, such as Jackson Preparatory School, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, and Madison-Ridgeland Academy, are all located in the Jackson suburbs. This commute is a significant daily consideration for Goodman residents, involving travel on Interstate 55.
What is the average annual tuition for the top private schools accessible from Goodman, MS, and are there financial aid options for Mississippi residents?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at the leading Jackson-area private schools ranges from approximately $12,000 to over $20,000 per year for middle and upper school students. These schools offer need-based financial aid, and some, like St. Andrew's, have substantial endowment funds dedicated to assistance. Additionally, Mississippi offers the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs (EOSS) Program, an Education Savings Account (ESA) that can provide funding for eligible students with an IEP to attend a private school, which can be a crucial financial resource for qualifying Goodman families.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Jackson-area private schools cater to students from a smaller town like Goodman?
Schools like Jackson Prep, St. Andrew's, and Madison-Ridgeland Academy offer a breadth of advanced academic tracks (AP, IB at St. Andrew's) and extracurriculars (competitive athletics, fine arts, robotics) that may not be available in Goodman's public school district. For a student commuting from Goodman, this access comes with the trade-off of a longer school day and potentially limited ability to participate in after-school activities due to travel time. However, these schools often have structured study halls and on-campus resources to support commuting students.
What are the key enrollment timelines and application steps for Goodman families applying to competitive Jackson-area private schools?
The enrollment process for these selective schools begins early. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following fall, with entrance testing (ISEE or school-specific exams) required months in advance. Open houses and shadow visits are held in the prior fall. For Goodman families, it is essential to plan well ahead due to the travel required for tours, testing, and interviews. Many schools also have waiting pools, so applying by the priority deadline is strongly recommended.
For a family living in Goodman, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local Holmes County public schools and a private school in the Jackson area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors: The daily 60-mile (one-way) commute to Jackson impacts family logistics, student fatigue, and transportation costs. Academically, it involves comparing the specialized programs, class sizes, and college counseling of the private schools against the convenience and community integration of the local public schools. For some families, the choice may also be influenced by the desire for a particular educational philosophy (e.g., St. Andrew's Episcopal identity) or a more competitive athletic conference, which must be weighed against the significant time commitment of commuting from Goodman.
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