The Best Private Schools in Holly Springs, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holly Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Episcopal School
St. Mary's Episcopal School
St. Mary's Episcopal School is a highly-regarded independent day school serving girls from junior kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Memphis, approximately 45 minutes from Holly Springs, it attracts students from throughout the Mid-South region. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement opportunities, outstanding fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Mary's consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Presbyterian Day School
Presbyterian Day School
Presbyterian Day School is a premier independent school for boys in junior kindergarten through sixth grade, serving families from across the Memphis metropolitan area including Holly Springs. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian environment, featuring a strong STEM program, comprehensive literacy instruction, and character development. PDS offers extensive extracurricular activities including athletics, music, and arts programs. The school's experienced faculty and modern facilities create an optimal learning environment that prepares students for success in secondary education and beyond.
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Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School is an internationally-recognized independent day school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. As Memphis's only full International Baccalaureate World School, Lausanne offers a globally-focused education that attracts families from Holly Springs and throughout the region. The school features a diverse student body, exceptional college counseling with 100% acceptance to four-year colleges, and outstanding facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, performing arts center, and athletic complex. Lausanne's comprehensive program develops critical thinkers and global citizens prepared for leadership in an interconnected world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holly Springs, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Holly Springs, Mississippi?
While Holly Springs itself has a limited number of private schools, families often look to nearby Memphis, Tennessee, for a wider selection, as it is within a reasonable commuting distance. The schools you mentioned—St. Mary's Episcopal School, Presbyterian Day School, and Lausanne Collegiate School—are all located in Memphis. In the immediate Holly Springs, MS area, options may include smaller faith-based academies. It's important for parents to consider the daily commute to Memphis schools, which can be 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Researching both local Mississippi options and the Memphis independent school consortium is a key first step.
How does tuition for private schools in the Memphis area, attended by Holly Springs residents, compare to Mississippi's average cost of living?
Tuition for top-tier Memphis private schools like Lausanne Collegiate or St. Mary's is significant, often ranging from $20,000 to $30,000+ per year. This can be a substantial financial consideration for families based in Holly Springs, where Mississippi's overall cost of living is lower than the national average. While these schools offer robust financial aid programs, the out-of-pocket expense is a major factor. Parents should investigate each school's aid policies and also explore Mississippi's own limited private school voucher or tax credit programs, such as the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for eligible students, which may provide some assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs draw Holly Springs families to specific private schools in the Memphis area?
The appeal often lies in specialized programs not typically available in smaller public school districts. For example, Lausanne Collegiate School is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering a globally-focused curriculum from preschool through grade 12. St. Mary's Episcopal School provides a strong all-girls college preparatory environment with renowned arts and STEM initiatives. Presbyterian Day School focuses on character development and hands-on learning for boys. For Holly Springs parents seeking a particular pedagogical approach (like IB), single-gender education, or exceptional arts/athletic facilities, the Memphis schools provide these specialized opportunities that justify the commute.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for Holly Springs students applying to competitive Memphis private schools?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For schools like PDS, Lausanne, and St. Mary's, applications for the following academic year often open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. The process includes standardized assessments (like the ISEE), school visits, interviews, and teacher recommendations. For Holly Springs families, planning for visitation days and testing appointments requires extra logistical coordination due to the distance. It is crucial to contact admissions offices 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry grades like Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 6th grade, as spaces are limited and competition is high.
Beyond academics, what are the notable community and logistical considerations for a Holly Springs student attending a private school in Memphis?
The community aspect is twofold. Students become part of a close-knit school community in Memphis, which may involve after-school activities, sports, and social events that require a late return to Holly Springs. This can impact family time and require careful carpool coordination with other commuting families. Conversely, the student may be less connected to the local Holly Springs peer community. Logistically, parents must factor in fuel costs, vehicle wear-and-tear, and the time commitment of the daily drive. Many families find that forming a network with other Holly Springs-based students at the same school is essential for support and shared transportation.
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