The Best Private Schools in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ocean Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Patrick Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Patrick Catholic High School is a premier private institution located in nearby Biloxi, serving Ocean Springs families with a legacy of academic excellence since 1952. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum enriched with faith-based values, Advanced Placement courses, and specialized programs in STEM and fine arts. The campus features advanced science and technology labs, a performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and highly qualified faculty, the school achieves exceptional outcomes, including a 99% college acceptance rate. Parent and alumni reviews consistently praise its supportive community, strong moral foundation, and vibrant extracurricular offerings.
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Grace Christian School
Independent Christian School
Grace Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving Ocean Springs and the surrounding Gulf Coast community since 1979. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on college preparatory academics, integrating faith-based values throughout its curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with an average of 15 years teaching experience, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers robust extracurricular programs in athletics, fine arts, and community service. Parent satisfaction is notably high due to its safe, nurturing environment and strong academic outcomes.
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Gulf Coast Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Gulf Coast Christian Academy has been serving students from Ocean Springs and the broader Gulfport area since 1990, providing a Christ-centered education that emphasizes academic excellence and character development. The academy features a rigorous curriculum with Advanced Placement options, state-of-the-art classrooms, and dedicated faculty holding advanced degrees. Facilities include modern science and computer labs, a gymnasium, and athletic fields supporting a wide range of sports. Extracurricular activities span from robotics clubs to performing arts, fostering well-rounded student development. The school is known for its strong community involvement, high parent satisfaction, and consistent track record of graduates attending top colleges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education within Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and what are their educational affiliations?
Within Ocean Springs city limits, the primary K-12 private options are Grace Christian School (interdenominational Christian), Gulf Coast Christian Academy (Christian), and St. Patrick Catholic High School (Catholic, serving grades 9-12). It's important to note that many families in the Ocean Springs area also consider private schools in neighboring Biloxi and Gulfport, which expand the choices. Grace Christian offers a continuous program from kindergarten through 12th grade, while St. Patrick is a dedicated high school. Gulf Coast Christian Academy provides a biblical worldview curriculum. The affiliations significantly shape the school's culture, required religion courses, and chapel services.
How does tuition for private schools in Ocean Springs, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Ocean Springs private schools is generally competitive with or slightly above the Mississippi state average for private education, reflecting the Gulf Coast's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $6,500 to $11,000 for lower grades and can reach up to $12,000+ for high school. All major schools in Ocean Springs offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in the Mississippi Children's Scholarship Program, a state-funded opportunity scholarship for eligible families. Additionally, St. Patrick Catholic High School and Grace Christian School have active scholarship funds supported by their communities and alumni for academic, athletic, or merit-based awards.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ocean Springs private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment and culture?
Ocean Springs private schools integrate the unique Gulf Coast environment into their programs. St. Patrick Catholic High School has a strong Marine Biology program that utilizes the nearby Gulf of Mexico and the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory for hands-on learning. Several schools emphasize environmental science and stewardship projects related to coastal wetlands. Furthermore, the rich artistic heritage of Ocean Springs, known for its arts community, influences robust visual and performing arts programs. Schools often partner with local institutions like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for educational opportunities, blending academic rigor with distinct local culture.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ocean Springs, and are there waitlists for popular grades?
The enrollment process for Ocean Springs private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester. Most schools host open houses in the early winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. For schools like St. Patrick Catholic High School and Grace Christian School, certain grades—particularly kindergarten, 6th grade (middle school transition), and 9th grade (high school entry)—can have waitlists due to high demand from both local and surrounding Harrison County families. Sibling and parishioner (for Catholic schools) applicants often receive priority. It is highly advised to initiate inquiries a full year in advance.
For families moving to the area, how do the academic and community environments of Ocean Springs private schools compare to the highly-rated Ocean Springs public school district?
The Ocean Springs Public School District is consistently ranked among the top in Mississippi, which presents a strong public option. The choice for a private school often hinges on specific values and desired environments. Private schools in Ocean Springs offer smaller average class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 20-25+ in public), a defined religious or values-based education, and different curricular approaches. The public district offers a wider array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while private schools may focus on a college-prep curriculum with dual-enrollment at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The community in private schools is often described as tight-knit, with high parental involvement. The decision frequently comes down to whether a family prioritizes the secular, broad-program public system or the personalized, faith-based mission of a private institution.
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