The Best Private Schools in Gulfport, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gulfport. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Patrick Catholic High School is a highly-regarded college preparatory school serving the Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan area. Established in 1964, the school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM program. The campus features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, fine arts programs, and various clubs. The school is accredited by the Mississippi Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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St. Stanislaus College Preparatory
Brothers of the Sacred Heart
St. Stanislaus is a prestigious all-boys college preparatory school with a rich history dating back to 1854. Located in nearby Bay St. Louis, the school serves students from Gulfport and throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. The school offers both day and boarding options and features an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory tracks. Unique programs include marine science utilizing their waterfront location, engineering courses, and extensive athletic facilities. The campus includes modern academic buildings, residential facilities for boarding students, and comprehensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the school provides individualized education in a structured, values-based environment.
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St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is a highly-rated Pre-K through 8th grade institution serving families throughout the Gulfport region. Founded in 1954, the school provides a comprehensive education with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics and language arts programs, dedicated STEM laboratory instruction, and comprehensive fine arts education. The campus features modern classrooms, a full-sized gymnasium, athletic fields, and specialized learning spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music, and academic clubs. Many graduates continue to top regional high schools including St. Patrick Catholic High School and St. Stanislaus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gulfport, Mississippi
What are the primary types of private schools available in Gulfport, Mississippi, and how do they differ?
Gulfport offers a few distinct types of private schools, primarily centered around faith-based and college-preparatory models. The leading options include St. Patrick Catholic High School (co-ed, grades 9-12), St. Stanislaus College Preparatory (all-boys, grades 7-12 with a boarding option), and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School (co-ed, Pre-K through 8th grade). The key differences lie in gender composition, grade ranges, and specific educational philosophies. St. Stanislaus, for instance, has a unique maritime and STEM focus due to its coastal location, while the Catholic schools integrate religious education with a college-prep curriculum. There are fewer independent, non-sectarian private schools in Gulfport compared to larger cities.
How does tuition at Gulfport, MS private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for Gulfport's top private schools is generally competitive within Mississippi. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$8,000 annually for elementary grades at St. Vincent de Paul to $10,000-$14,000 for high school at St. Patrick or St. Stanislaus (with boarding at St. Stanislaus significantly higher). These figures are often below the national private school average but are a significant consideration for local families. All major schools offer need-based financial aid, and many have parish subsidy programs for active Catholic families. Additionally, Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program can provide state-funded accounts for eligible students to use for private school tuition, which is a critical financial consideration for Gulfport parents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Gulfport private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Gulfport's location on the Mississippi Gulf Coast directly influences several unique programs. St. Stanislaus College Preparatory is particularly notable for its Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, which includes courses in marine biology, oceanography, and coastal engineering, often with hands-on learning in the Mississippi Sound. Many schools also integrate local history and the economic importance of the port and tourism industry into their social studies curricula. Extracurriculars like sailing, fishing clubs, and coastal conservation projects are more common here than at inland private schools. This coastal connection provides a distinctive educational advantage for students interested in maritime, environmental, and regional economic fields.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Gulfport, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for Gulfport's premier private schools typically begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. St. Patrick, St. Stanislaus, and St. Vincent de Paul usually have open houses between October and January. Application deadlines often fall in February or March, with acceptance notifications by April. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student interview or entrance exam (like the HSPT for high schools). Due to their reputation and limited seats, especially in specific grade levels, these schools can have waiting lists, particularly for entry grades (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 7th, and 9th). Siblings of current students and active parishioners often receive priority.
For families considering both sectors, what are the perceived advantages of private vs. public schools in Gulfport, Mississippi?
The decision in Gulfport often hinges on specific family priorities. Gulfport Public School District offers a larger, more diverse student body and no tuition. Advantages of Gulfport's private schools often include smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a structured environment with enforced dress codes, a consistent college-preparatory curriculum across all grades, and a values-based education rooted in the Catholic tradition. Academically, private schools in the area often post higher average ACT scores and near-100% college acceptance rates. For some families, the stability and continuity from Pre-K through 12th grade within a close-knit community is a significant draw. Public schools offer broader elective choices, larger athletic programs, and specialized magnet programs. The Mississippi Coast's unique culture is represented in both sectors, but private schools provide a specific faith-based community framework.
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