The Best Private Schools in Hurley, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hurley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Resurrection Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Resurrection Catholic School is a highly-regarded PreK-12 private school serving the Eastern Jackson County region including Hurley. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, RCS emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school has strong college acceptance rates and active parent involvement.
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St. Mary Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Mary Elementary School provides exceptional private education for students in PreK through 8th grade, serving families throughout Jackson County including Hurley. The school offers a balanced curriculum focusing on core academics, faith formation, and character development. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, art and music programs, and comprehensive athletic opportunities. The school maintains strong parent-teacher partnerships and has a reputation for nurturing, safe learning environments with dedicated, experienced faculty.
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First Baptist Christian School
First Baptist Church of Lucedale
First Baptist Christian School serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade from throughout George County and surrounding areas including Hurley. The school provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic foundations, college preparatory courses, and comprehensive extracurricular activities. The curriculum integrates biblical principles across all subjects while maintaining high academic standards. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty committed to student success. FBCS emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hurley, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Hurley, Mississippi, and what are their core affiliations?
Hurley, MS, offers a few key private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. The notable institutions include Resurrection Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Mary Elementary School (also Catholic, typically serving younger grades), and First Baptist Christian School (associated with the First Baptist Church). Given Hurley's size and location in Jackson County, these schools provide the main alternatives to the public school system. For higher private secondary education, families often look at options in nearby larger communities like Pascagoula or Mobile, AL.
How does tuition at private schools in Hurley, MS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options might be available?
Tuition at Hurley's private schools is generally below the national average for private education, reflecting Mississippi's overall cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Resurrection Catholic School often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. Financial aid is typically need-based and may be offered directly by the school or through affiliated diocesan programs. 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 significant financial consideration for Hurley families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Hurley, Mississippi, emphasize due to the local community and culture?
Private schools in Hurley often integrate their religious values with a strong emphasis on core academics and community service. Given the area's coastal location and strong community ties, programs may include environmental stewardship projects related to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, local history studies focusing on Jackson County, and robust participation in regional academic and athletic competitions through the Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA). Faith formation and sacramental preparation are central at the Catholic schools, while First Baptist Christian School likely emphasizes biblical integration across all subjects.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Hurley, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Hurley's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. It typically involves submitting an application, providing academic records from any previous school, a pastoral reference (for religious schools), and often a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, space can be limited, and it's common for grades like Kindergarten to have waitlists, especially for non-parishioners at the Catholic schools. Sibling and parish member priority is standard. We recommend contacting the school office directly by January to request specific dates and materials.
For parents considering the choice, what are the notable differences between the public schools in the Hurley area (like Hurley Elementary/Middle) and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in school size, religious education, and curricular approach. Public schools in the Hurley attendance zone (part of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District) are tuition-free and offer a secular education with access to district-wide resources. The private schools in Hurley are significantly smaller, allowing for more individualized attention and a close-knit community feel. They provide daily religious instruction and integrate faith into the curriculum—a primary reason families choose them. Academically, private schools may have more flexibility in curriculum pacing but might offer fewer specialized programs (like advanced STEM labs) compared to the larger public district. Transportation is also a major factor, as private schools in Hurley typically do not provide bus service.
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