The Best Private Schools in Meridian, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Meridian. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jackson Preparatory School
Independent
Jackson Preparatory School, located approximately 90 miles from Meridian in the Jackson metro area, is consistently ranked among Mississippi's top private schools. Serving grades 6-12, Jackson Prep offers an extensive Advanced Placement curriculum with over 20 AP courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated STEM labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on academic rigor and character development, Jackson Prep graduates regularly gain admission to prestigious universities nationwide. The school serves families from across central Mississippi, including Meridian area residents.
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St. Andrew's Episcopal School
Independent Episcopal
St. Andrew's Episcopal School, located in Jackson approximately 85 miles from Meridian, is a highly regarded independent school serving students from early childhood through 12th grade. As Mississippi's only International Baccalaureate World School, St. Andrew's offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory courses. The school emphasizes global perspectives, critical thinking, and community engagement. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. St. Andrew's attracts students from throughout central Mississippi, including Meridian families seeking a rigorous, globally-focused education.
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Lamar School
Independent
Lamar School is Meridian's premier independent private school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Founded in 1966, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. Lamar emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service. The school maintains small class sizes and has a proven track record of graduates attending competitive colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Meridian, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Meridian, Mississippi, and how do they differ?
The primary private school options in Meridian are Lamar School, Jackson Preparatory School (though located in Flowood, it is a major regional draw), and St. Andrew's Episcopal School (located in Ridgeland). Lamar School is the only major K-12 private school physically located within Meridian, offering a traditional college-preparatory curriculum with strong athletic programs. Jackson Prep and St. Andrew's are located in the Jackson metro area, about a 90-minute drive, and are considered by many Meridian families who are willing to commute or relocate. These schools offer robust Advanced Placement programs, extensive extracurriculars, and have larger student bodies. Your choice often hinges on the desired balance between local community convenience and access to a wider range of resources.
How does tuition for private schools in and around Meridian, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools serving Meridian families varies. Lamar School's tuition ranges approximately from $7,000 to $9,000 annually, which is generally below the state average for comparable private schools. Jackson Prep and St. Andrew's have higher tuitions, typically ranging from $12,000 to $18,000, aligning more with the state's higher-end averages. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Mississippi has two key state programs that can help: the Mississippi Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship for students with a dyslexia diagnosis and the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides state funds for eligible students to attend private schools. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Meridian-area private schools offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools serving Meridian offer distinct programs not always available in the public system. Lamar School emphasizes a structured, college-prep environment with signature programs in robotics and a strong focus on fine arts and championship-caliber athletics. Jackson Preparatory School is renowned for its extensive Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum, a nationally competitive speech and debate team, and specialized engineering pathways. St. Andrew's Episcopal School offers a unique blend of rigorous academics with a commitment to community service, global studies, and an innovative outdoor education program. These schools generally have smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention, which is a key differentiator from the larger Meridian Public School District.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lamar School that Meridian parents should be aware of?
For Meridian's Lamar School, the enrollment process typically begins in the fall for the following academic year, with priority application deadlines often set between January and March. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student interview or assessment. For younger grades, there may be a developmental screening. Many private schools in Mississippi, including those in Jackson that Meridian families consider, host open houses in the autumn. It's highly advisable to start the process early, as spaces, particularly in specific grade levels, can be limited. Waiting lists are common, so contacting the admissions office at Lamar or other schools by early winter is a prudent step for Meridian parents.
For a family living in Meridian, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local private school and commuting to a Jackson-area school?
The decision between Lamar School in Meridian and commuting to a Jackson-area school like Prep or St. Andrew's involves significant practical considerations. Choosing Lamar means no lengthy daily commute (saving 3+ hours of drive time per day), deeper immersion in the local Meridian community, and involvement in local rivalries and events. Opting for a Jackson school involves a substantial commitment to transportation, often requiring carpool arrangements or relocation to the Jackson metro. This choice typically provides access to a broader array of academic electives, extracurricular clubs, and potentially more diverse peer groups due to the larger metropolitan setting. Families must weigh the value of time, transportation costs, and community connection against the perceived breadth of opportunities available in the state's capital region.
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