The Best Private Schools in Hazlehurst, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hazlehurst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is a premier independent school serving students from across central Mississippi, including Hazlehurst. Founded in 1947, the school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and traditional college preparatory curriculum. St. Andrew's features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, community service, and academic excellence with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1. With a diverse student body and comprehensive extracurricular offerings, St. Andrew's consistently ranks among Mississippi's top private schools and serves many families from the Hazlehurst area.
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Trinity Episcopal Day School
Trinity Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Day School is a highly-regarded independent school located approximately 30 miles from Hazlehurst in Jackson. Founded in 1968, this coeducational day school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive athletic and arts programs. TEDS offers Advanced Placement courses in multiple subjects and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes modern facilities, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Many families from Hazlehurst and surrounding areas choose TEDS for its strong academic reputation and nurturing environment.
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Brookhaven Academy
Brookhaven Academy
Brookhaven Academy is a well-established private school located approximately 15 miles from Hazlehurst, making it a convenient option for local families. Founded in 1970, the school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory program. Brookhaven Academy offers Advanced Placement courses, career technical education pathways, and robust athletic programs. The school features modern classrooms, science laboratories, a library media center, and athletic facilities. With strong community ties and a focus on individual student development, Brookhaven Academy has maintained an excellent reputation for academic quality and student success, serving many families from Hazlehurst and Copiah County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hazlehurst, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Hazlehurst, Mississippi?
While Hazlehurst itself has a limited number of private schools, families in the area commonly consider institutions in nearby communities. The most prominent local option is Trinity Episcopal Day School in Natchez, which serves students from the broader region including Hazlehurst. For a wider selection, parents often look at schools in Brookhaven, such as Brookhaven Academy, and in Jackson, like St. Andrew's Episcopal School. This means families in Hazlehurst should be prepared for a potential commute, but have access to well-established private institutions within a reasonable driving distance in Southwest Mississippi.
How does the tuition for private schools serving the Hazlehurst, MS area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools accessible to Hazlehurst families varies. For example, Brookhaven Academy typically has lower tuition than larger Jackson-area schools like St. Andrew's. On average, Mississippi private school tuition is below the national average, which can be a relative advantage for Hazlehurst-area parents. Key financial considerations include the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for students with a dyslexia diagnosis and the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs (ESA) program, which can provide state-funded accounts for eligible students to use at private schools. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid and sibling discounts.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Hazlehurst, MS, that might not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the region often provide specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. For instance, St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Jackson offers a renowned global studies program and extensive Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings. Brookhaven Academy emphasizes strong college preparatory tracks and competitive athletics. Many of these schools also have robust arts programs, smaller class sizes for individualized attention, and faith-based education (like at Trinity Episcopal) that integrates values with learning. These offerings provide alternatives to the curriculum available in Hazlehurst's public school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Hazlehurst, Mississippi?
Enrollment timelines for private schools in this region are crucial due to limited seats. Most schools, like Brookhaven Academy and St. Andrew's, begin their application process in the fall or early winter for the following academic year, with deadlines often between January and March. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a family interview or student assessment. For Hazlehurst families, it's especially important to apply early and inquire about transportation or carpool options, as securing a spot and planning the logistics of the commute are interconnected steps.
For a family in Hazlehurst, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public schools and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First, evaluate the commute: driving 30-60 minutes to Brookhaven, Natchez, or Jackson has significant time and cost implications. Academically, consider if your child needs a specialized program, smaller class sizes, or a particular religious foundation offered by a private school. Financially, weigh tuition and aid against the "free" public option, remembering the added cost of transportation. Also, consider community and extracurricular involvement—being outside the immediate Hazlehurst district can affect sports participation and social connections. Many families find the investment worthwhile for the specific educational environment, but it requires careful logistical planning.
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