The Best Private Schools in Laurel, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laurel. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Presbyterian Christian School
Independent Christian School
Located in nearby Hattiesburg, Presbyterian Christian School serves families throughout the Laurel region with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school features an extensive honors and advanced placement curriculum, state-of-the-art science and technology labs, and outstanding fine arts facilities including a performing arts center. Athletic programs compete at the highest level in Mississippi private school athletics. The campus spans 70 acres with modern academic buildings, multiple athletic fields, and specialized facilities for arts and sciences. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending prestigious universities nationwide.
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Laurel Christian School
Independent Christian School
Laurel Christian School is a premier private Christian institution serving the Laurel community with comprehensive K-12 education. The school features a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, music ensembles, drama productions, and community service opportunities.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Jackson
Sacred Heart Catholic School provides faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade, serving the Laurel community for over six decades. The school offers a balanced curriculum emphasizing core academic subjects with strong programs in mathematics, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include a dedicated library, computer lab, chapel, and playground areas. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement. Students benefit from individualized attention with small class sizes and participate in various extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and community outreach programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laurel, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available within the city limits of Laurel, Mississippi, and what are their core affiliations?
Within Laurel city limits, the two main private K-12 institutions are Laurel Christian School (interdenominational Christian) and Sacred Heart Catholic School (Catholic). A third prominent option, Presbyterian Christian School, is located in nearby Hattiesburg, about a 20-minute drive from Laurel, and is a common choice for families in the area seeking a Reformed Christian perspective. These schools provide the primary alternatives to the Laurel School District's public schools, each offering a distinct faith-based community and educational philosophy rooted in their religious traditions.
How does tuition at private schools in Laurel, MS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Laurel is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Mississippi norms. For the 2024-2025 academic year, full-time tuition at Laurel Christian School and Sacred Heart Catholic School typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades, often increasing for middle and high school. Both schools, along with Presbyterian Christian School in Hattiesburg, offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and may participate in the Mississippi Children's Scholarship Program, a state tax-credit scholarship that provides assistance to eligible families. Direct consultation with each school's financial office is essential, as aid packages can vary significantly.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Laurel area offer that leverage local culture or industry?
Private schools in the Laurel area often integrate programs that connect students to South Mississippi's heritage and economic drivers. Laurel Christian School emphasizes fine arts and may offer courses or projects related to the city's historic downtown revitalization, celebrated in HGTV's "Hometown." Sacred Heart Catholic School incorporates service learning tied to local community needs. Furthermore, schools like Presbyterian Christian School offer robust agricultural science and FFA programs, reflecting the region's strong ties to forestry and farming. Proximity to Jones College and The University of Southern Mississippi also allows for some dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Laurel, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for Laurel's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. Open houses are often held in early winter. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, pastor references (for faith-based schools), and a family interview. For popular entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, waitlists can form, especially at Laurel Christian School and Sacred Heart, due to their smaller class sizes. It is highly advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Presbyterian Christian School, drawing from a wider region, also has a competitive admissions timeline.
For a family in Laurel, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The key considerations for Laurel families include educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. The Laurel School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive education with recently updated facilities. In contrast, private options like Laurel Christian and Sacred Heart offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a structured environment with mandatory uniforms, and daily religious instruction integrated into the curriculum. The decision often hinges on whether a family seeks a faith-based foundation and a close-knit community versus the broader program diversity and larger social environment of public schools. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools in Laurel do not provide district bus service, requiring personal arrangements.
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