The Best Private Schools in Greenville, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greenville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Washington School
Independent
Washington School is the premier private school in Greenville, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1974, this independent school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Their robust Advanced Placement program prepares students for college success, while extensive extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive arts programs, and numerous student organizations. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong sense of community.
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Cathedral School
Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi
While located in Natchez (approximately 90 miles from Greenville), Cathedral School serves students from across the Mississippi Delta region and has historically attracted families from Greenville seeking a top-tier private education. Founded in 1969, this Episcopal school offers pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, athletic complex, and technology-rich classrooms. Their comprehensive program includes Advanced Placement courses, championship athletic teams, extensive arts programs, and character education. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized attention and academic excellence.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Jackson
St. Joseph Catholic School has been serving the Greenville community since 1959, providing a faith-based education from pre-K through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic preparation with character development rooted in Catholic values. Their curriculum emphasizes core subjects while integrating technology and STEM education. The school features dedicated classrooms, a chapel, library, and playground facilities. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, choir, art programs, and community service projects. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, experienced teachers, and strong family atmosphere that characterizes this longstanding educational institution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greenville, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available in Greenville, Mississippi, and what are their educational philosophies?
Greenville, MS, offers a few established private school options, each with distinct characteristics. **Washington School** is the largest independent college-preparatory school in the area, serving grades PK-12 with a secular, rigorous academic focus. **St. Joseph Catholic School** (PK-8) and **Cathedral School** (PK-12) are both parochial institutions affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, integrating faith-based education with academics. The limited number of options means these schools are central to the private education landscape in Greenville, and understanding their core philosophies—whether secular college-prep or faith-based—is a key first step for parents.
How does tuition at Greenville's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Greenville's private schools is generally below the national average but should be evaluated within Mississippi's economic context. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $5,000 to $10,000 annually, depending on the school and grade level. All three major schools—Washington, St. Joseph, and Cathedral—offer need-based financial aid, and some may have parish subsidies for members of affiliated churches. Additionally, Mississippi's **Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program** can be a significant resource for eligible families, providing state-funded accounts that can be used for private school tuition, making private education in Greenville more accessible than it may initially appear.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Greenville private schools offer that address local interests or needs?
Reflecting Greenville's location in the Mississippi Delta, private schools often incorporate regional culture and address local economic drivers. **Washington School** features strong arts programs and advanced STEM courses, while its proximity to the Mississippi River sometimes inspires environmental science projects. **Cathedral School** and **St. Joseph** may integrate local history and community service focused on Delta communities. Given Greenville's smaller size, these schools often maximize resources by offering specialized clubs or partnerships with local organizations for agriculture, blues history, or river ecology, providing a education connected to the region's heritage.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Greenville, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process for Greenville's private schools usually begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall, with deadlines often in March. Given the limited seats, especially in popular early grades, applying early is crucial. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview or student assessment. While waitlists are not as common or lengthy as in major metropolitan areas, they can form for specific entry grades like Pre-K or Kindergarten at Washington School or Cathedral. Sibling and legacy preferences are often factors, so new families should initiate contact with admissions offices well before the deadline.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Greenville Public Schools and the local private school options?
The key differences in Greenville center on class size, curriculum flexibility, and resources. **Greenville Public School District** faces challenges common to many Mississippi Delta districts, including larger class sizes and constrained funding. Private schools like Washington, St. Joseph, and Cathedral offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, more individualized attention, and the ability to maintain consistent academic standards and disciplinary policies. Private schools also have the autonomy to offer specialized college-prep tracks or integrated religious instruction. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a tailored, consistent educational environment versus the no-tuition model of public schools, with the state ESA program potentially bridging the cost gap for eligible families.
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