The Best Private Schools in Lawrence, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lawrence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Brookhaven Academy
Independent
Brookhaven Academy is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from Lawrence and surrounding counties. With over five decades of educational excellence, the school offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains partnerships with local colleges for dual enrollment opportunities and has a proven track record of college acceptance. Parent reviews consistently highlight academic rigor, qualified faculty, and comprehensive student support services.
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Columbia Academy
Independent
Columbia Academy serves students from Lawrence and Marion counties with a comprehensive private education program from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school offers a balanced curriculum that includes advanced academic courses, career technical education pathways, and extensive fine arts programs. Facilities include modern academic buildings, technology labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school is known for its strong athletic programs and community involvement. Parent satisfaction surveys indicate high levels of approval for teacher quality, campus safety, and college preparation services.
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Lawrence County Academy
Independent
Lawrence County Academy is a well-established private school serving the Lawrence County area with a comprehensive K-12 educational program. The school emphasizes college preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement opportunities for high school students. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center. The school maintains small class sizes and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, band, and art programs. Parent satisfaction is notably high with particular praise for dedicated teachers and strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lawrence, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Lawrence, Mississippi?
For families in Lawrence, MS, the most accessible private schools are Lawrence County Academy, located in Monticello just a short drive away, and Brookhaven Academy in Brookhaven. Columbia Academy in Columbia is another regional option. These schools are all-private, K-12 institutions affiliated with the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS). Due to Lawrence's rural setting, most private education requires commuting to neighboring towns, making transportation an important local consideration.
How does tuition at private schools like Lawrence County Academy compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Mississippi?
Tuition for day students at schools like Lawrence County Academy typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for the lower grades, which is generally below the national private school average but consistent with rural Mississippi. A significant financial consideration for Mississippi families is the availability of the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for students with a dyslexia diagnosis, which can be used at approved private schools. Additionally, some schools offer sibling discounts and limited need-based aid funded by local booster clubs and alumni associations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lawrence area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Lawrence County area, such as Lawrence County Academy and Brookhaven Academy, often emphasize college preparatory tracks with smaller class sizes (often 15:1 student-teacher ratios). A notable specialization is robust agricultural science and Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, reflecting the region's heritage. Many also have strong dual-enrollment partnerships with nearby Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Extracurricularly, these schools are known for competitive MAIS athletics, particularly in football, baseball, and basketball, which are central to community identity in this part of Mississippi.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for a school like Lawrence County Academy, and are there deadlines for families in Lawrence?
The enrollment process for Lawrence County Academy and similar schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall. It involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and often a family interview. Placement testing for incoming students is common. A key deadline for many MAIS schools is early spring for re-enrollment of current students, after which new applicant spots are filled. Given the limited seats in these small community schools, families in Lawrence are advised to apply by March to ensure consideration. Many schools also host open houses in the late winter.
For a family in Lawrence, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school (Lawrence County School District) and a private academy?
The decision in Lawrence hinges on several local factors. The Lawrence County School District provides a tuition-free, comprehensive education with federal-funded programs. Private academies offer a distinct environment often rooted in specific community or religious traditions, with more stringent discipline policies and a focus on MAIS athletic competition. A major practical consideration is commute time, as the private options require daily travel to Monticello, Brookhaven, or Columbia. Financially, families must weigh tuition costs against potential savings on supplemental tutoring or the desire for a specific instructional approach. Many local families value the deep, multi-generational community ties and continuity found in the private academies.
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