The Best Private Schools in New Augusta, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Augusta. 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
Presbyterian Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the New Augusta area from nearby Hattiesburg. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities. Known for strong academic performance, PCS features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and has a proven track record of graduates attending top universities. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, award-winning fine arts, and numerous student organizations.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School provides exceptional faith-based education to students from New Augusta and surrounding communities. As one of the oldest private schools in the region, it offers a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic traditions and values. The school features comprehensive programs in STEM education, literacy development, and character formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, a chapel, and recreational areas. Sacred Heart is known for its strong community involvement, dedicated faculty with an average of 15 years teaching experience, and a nurturing environment that emphasizes both academic excellence and spiritual development.
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Lamar Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lamar Christian School offers a classical Christian education model that serves families from New Augusta and the greater Pine Belt region. The school combines rigorous academic training with biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The curriculum emphasizes classical teaching methods including logic, rhetoric, and Latin instruction. Lamar Christian features modern facilities with technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong record of college acceptance and academic achievement, with graduates consistently performing above national averages on standardized tests. Extracurricular opportunities include competitive sports, music programs, and community service initiatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Augusta, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in New Augusta, Mississippi, and what are their core affiliations?
New Augusta, MS, is served by a small number of well-regarded private institutions, primarily with religious affiliations. The top options include Presbyterian Christian School (PCS), which offers a comprehensive K-12 program with a Protestant Christian foundation; Sacred Heart Catholic School, providing a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions; and Lamar Christian School, another Christian-centered institution. Given the rural nature of Perry County, these schools represent the main private alternatives to the local public school system, and many families from surrounding communities also attend. It's important to visit each to understand their specific spiritual and academic environments.
How does tuition at private schools in New Augusta, MS, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in the New Augusta area is generally below the national private school average but must be evaluated in the context of Mississippi's median household income. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at schools like Lamar Christian and Sacred Heart typically ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 annually for elementary grades. Presbyterian Christian School, as a larger K-12 institution, may have higher fees, especially for high school. All these schools usually offer financial aid, scholarships, or multi-child discounts. Additionally, Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program can provide state-funded accounts for eligible students to use for private school tuition, which is a critical financial consideration for many local families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do New Augusta private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in New Augusta often integrate the region's cultural and natural resources into their programs. For example, schools may emphasize agricultural science, forestry, or local history projects that connect with the surrounding DeSoto National Forest and the region's heritage. Athletic programs frequently focus on community-centric sports like baseball, softball, and basketball, with strong regional league participation. Furthermore, the Christian schools incorporate Bible study, chapel services, and mission-oriented community service projects that reflect the area's strong faith community. These programs create a close-knit educational experience distinct from larger urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in New Augusta, and are there waiting lists?
The enrollment process for New Augusta area private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following fall semester. Due to the smaller size of these schools, spaces can be limited, particularly in popular entry grades like Kindergarten and 6th grade. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, pastoral or character references (for religious schools), and a family interview or student assessment. While waiting lists are not always as protracted as in major cities, schools like Presbyterian Christian School may have them for certain grades. It is highly advisable to contact the admissions office directly by February to understand specific deadlines and availability.
For a family in rural Perry County, what are the key factors when choosing between a New Augusta private school and the local public school system?
The decision often hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, private schools in New Augusta typically offer smaller class sizes and a more structured environment, which can be a significant draw. The religious education component is paramount for many families seeking faith-based instruction. However, the public school system, Perry County Schools, provides a tuition-free education, broader extracurricular offerings due to larger student bodies, and specialized federal programs. Transportation is a major practical consideration; while public schools provide busing, private school families usually must arrange their own transportation, which can be challenging in a rural area. Ultimately, the choice involves weighing the value of a specific religious and academic community against cost, convenience, and program diversity.
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