The Best Private Schools in Little Rock, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Little Rock. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School
St. Andrew's Episcopal School is an acclaimed independent school offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and traditional college preparatory curriculum. Serving students from Little Rock and throughout central Mississippi, the school emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and global citizenship. With a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, St. Andrew's provides exceptional individualized education. The campus features innovative learning spaces, extensive arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs within a diverse and inclusive community.
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Jackson Academy
Jackson Academy
Jackson Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school serving central Mississippi with a comprehensive educational program. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, and championship athletic programs. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, JA provides personalized attention and has a 100% college acceptance rate. The 52-acre campus includes modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities serving students from Little Rock and surrounding communities.
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Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Jackson metropolitan area, including Little Rock. MRA offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with 19 AP courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. The school is known for its strong academic performance, championship athletic teams, and extensive fine arts programs. The 72-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, and outstanding athletic facilities that serve students from across central Mississippi.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Little Rock, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Little Rock, Mississippi, and are they located within the city?
While Little Rock, MS, is a smaller community, families typically look to nearby cities for private school options. The schools you mentioned—Jackson Academy, Madison-Ridgeland Academy, and St. Andrew's Episcopal School—are all located in the Jackson metropolitan area, a reasonable commute from Little Rock. There may be smaller local religious-affiliated schools closer to Little Rock itself. It's important for parents to research both commuting logistics and the specific educational philosophy of each school, as these major academies offer distinct environments, from the college-prep focus of Jackson Academy to the holistic, inclusive approach of St. Andrew's.
How does tuition for private schools in the Little Rock, MS, area compare to the Mississippi state average, and what financial aid options are typical?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible from Little Rock, like those in Jackson, is generally above the Mississippi state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at these schools can range from approximately $10,000 to over $20,000 per year for middle and high school. Most of these schools offer need-based financial aid, and some may have merit-based scholarships. Mississippi also has the Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs (EOSSN) program, which provides education scholarship accounts (ESAs) that can be used at participating private schools, potentially helping eligible families offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Little Rock, MS, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Jackson metro area, which serve Little Rock families, often provide specialized programs not always available in smaller public school districts. These can include robust Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tracks, extensive fine arts departments with dedicated facilities, and competitive athletic conferences. For example, St. Andrew's Episcopal School offers a renowned global studies program, while Madison-Ridgeland Academy has strong STEM initiatives. These schools also typically feature lower student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention compared to many public schools in rural Mississippi.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Little Rock, MS, region?
For the sought-after private schools in the Jackson area, the enrollment process often begins a full year in advance. Key steps usually include: attending open houses in the fall (September-November), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and completing student assessments and family interviews. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but spaces, particularly in younger grades, can fill quickly. Given the commute from Little Rock, it's crucial to factor in transportation logistics early in the process and inquire about carpool networks or transportation services the school may facilitate.
For a family in Little Rock, MS, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in the Jackson area?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public schools in the Little Rock area are part of smaller, rural districts, which may offer a tight-knit community but potentially fewer advanced academic or extracurricular resources. Opting for a private school in Jackson involves a significant daily commute (30-60 minutes each way), cost, and a different social environment. Benefits can include enhanced college preparatory curricula, broader program diversity, and facilities. Parents should weigh the value of the private investment against the convenience and community connection of the local public school, possibly starting with a tour and conversation with administrators from both types of institutions.
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