The Best Private Schools in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hattiesburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School is a highly-regarded PK3-12th grade institution offering a comprehensive college preparatory education grounded in Catholic values. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention and strong academic preparation. The school offers numerous extracurricular activities including competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Presbyterian Christian School
Independent Christian School
Presbyterian Christian School serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive Christian education focused on academic excellence and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, science laboratories, fine arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. PCS offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with numerous AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities. The school is known for its strong athletic programs, particularly in football and baseball, and has a reputation for producing well-rounded graduates who excel in college and beyond.
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Lamar Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lamar Christian School provides a comprehensive K3-12th grade education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement within a Christian worldview. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum enhanced by STEM initiatives and technology integration across all grade levels. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer labs, and athletic facilities. Lamar Christian emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining high academic standards. The school has grown significantly since its founding and is recognized for its family atmosphere and commitment to individualized student attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
Hattiesburg offers a range of private school models, primarily centered around faith-based education. The top schools include Sacred Heart Catholic School (Catholic, PK-8), Presbyterian Christian School (interdenominational Christian, K-12), and Lamar Christian School (Christian, K-12). These institutions provide the core private school alternatives to the Hattiesburg Public School District. Unlike larger metropolitan areas, Hattiesburg does not currently have a prominent secular independent school, making the Christian-affiliated schools the dominant private option. Many families also consider smaller church-affiliated academies in the surrounding Pine Belt region.
How does tuition at Hattiesburg's private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Hattiesburg is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration for Mississippi families. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 for elementary grades and can reach up to $12,000 for high school at the larger K-12 institutions. Mississippi offers the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, a state-funded initiative that provides eligible families with public funds for private school tuition and other educational expenses. All major Hattiesburg private schools participate in this program. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in Hattiesburg?
Hattiesburg private schools leverage their size and mission to offer specialized programs. Presbyterian Christian School is known for its strong college-prep curriculum and competitive athletics in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). Sacred Heart Catholic School emphasizes its STEM lab and Spanish program from an early grade level, integrating faith with science and language. Lamar Christian School often highlights its fine arts programs and family-oriented community atmosphere. A common thread across Hattiesburg private schools is a focus on Christian worldview integration across all subjects and character development, which is a key differentiator from the public system.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Hattiesburg?
The process typically begins in the winter prior to the desired fall enrollment. For schools like Presbyterian Christian and Sacred Heart, open houses are held between January and March. Application deadlines often fall in early spring (March/April), with rolling admissions afterward if spaces remain. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For upper grades, a student shadow day is common. Due to limited seats, especially in popular elementary grades, early application is strongly advised. Most schools communicate admission decisions by April or May.
For families moving to the area, how do private schools in Hattiesburg compare to the public school options regarding class size and community?
The most cited advantage of Hattiesburg private schools is significantly smaller class sizes, often ranging from 15-20 students compared to 25+ in public schools. This allows for more individualized attention. Academically, private schools here often show higher proficiency rates on standardized tests and near-100% college acceptance rates for their graduates. The public schools, namely the Hattiesburg Public School District, offer diverse magnet programs, advanced placement courses, and a broader socioeconomic mix. The private school community is tightly knit, centered around shared religious values, and often involves strong parental volunteerism. The choice often hinges on a family's priority for a faith-based environment with smaller classes versus the no-tuition, diverse environment of the public system.
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