The Best Private Schools in Kokomo, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Kokomo. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school located approximately 15 miles from Kokomo in Columbia, Mississippi. The school serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. Known for its strong academic foundation, Columbia Academy features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded educational experience that includes competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and various extracurricular activities. The school maintains a strong sense of community and has built a reputation for academic excellence throughout Marion County and surrounding areas.
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Lamar School
Lamar School
Lamar School is an established private college preparatory school located in Meridian, approximately 45 minutes from Kokomo. Serving students from Pre-K through 12th grade, Lamar offers a rigorous academic program with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM offerings, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic teams, and numerous extracurricular opportunities. With a long history of educational excellence in East Mississippi, Lamar School attracts students from throughout the region and maintains strong college placement records.
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Presbyterian Christian School
Presbyterian Christian School
Presbyterian Christian School is a well-respected private Christian institution located in Hattiesburg, serving students from the Kokomo area and throughout South Mississippi. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong college preparatory focus integrated with Christian values. PCS features modern academic facilities, extensive athletic programs, fine arts offerings, and numerous student organizations. The school has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, character development, and community involvement, drawing students from multiple counties in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Kokomo, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Kokomo, Mississippi, and how do they differ?
In the Kokomo area, the leading private school options are Columbia Academy, Lamar School, and Presbyterian Christian School. While all are respected institutions, they differ in location and affiliation. Columbia Academy, located in nearby Columbia, is a Christian-based college preparatory school. Lamar School, situated in Meridian, offers a comprehensive K-12 program with a strong emphasis on academics and athletics. Presbyterian Christian School, based in Hattiesburg, provides a distinctively Christian education from a Reformed theological perspective. For Kokomo residents, these schools involve a commute, making transportation and daily logistics a key consideration when choosing between them.
How does tuition for private schools in the Kokomo, MS, area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the private schools serving Kokomo families typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000 annually for elementary grades, with higher costs for high school. This is generally in line with or slightly below the Mississippi private school average. All three major schools—Columbia Academy, Lamar School, and Presbyterian Christian School—offer need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Mississippi’s Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program can significantly offset costs for eligible families. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current tuition schedules and to understand the specific application processes for their aid programs and state ESA funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Kokomo, MS, offer that may not be available in local public schools?
Private schools in the Kokomo region often provide specialized programs that cater to diverse student interests. For example, Columbia Academy has a strong agricultural science and FFA program, reflecting the area's rural character. Lamar School is known for its robust fine arts department and competitive athletic teams. Presbyterian Christian School offers distinctive courses in biblical studies and worldview integration across its curriculum. These schools typically have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. Many also offer advanced placement (AP) or dual-enrollment courses with local colleges, providing a head start on college credits.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Kokomo, Mississippi, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Columbia Academy, Lamar School, and Presbyterian Christian School usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following academic year. Key steps include attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour, submitting an application (often with a fee), providing academic records and teacher recommendations, and completing a student assessment or interview. Many schools have rolling admissions but encourage early application, as some grades fill quickly. Given that these schools draw from a wide geographic area, Kokomo parents should initiate contact with admissions offices by January or February to secure placement and understand any specific transportation or carpool arrangements used by families in your area.
For a family in rural Kokomo, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school?
Choosing a private school from Kokomo involves significant practical logistics, as all options require a commute of 30 minutes to over an hour to Columbia, Meridian, or Hattiesburg. Parents should investigate each school's organized carpool networks, which are often vital for rural families. Some schools may offer limited bus service from central locations. Furthermore, the sense of community is paramount; you are not just choosing a school but a network of families who make the same commute. Attending school events and sports games will involve more travel than if your child attended a local public school. Weighing the school's community culture against the daily time commitment is a critical, location-specific decision for Kokomo residents.
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