The Best Private Schools in Oxford, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Oxford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Oxford University School
Independent
Oxford University School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 2000, the school has established itself as Oxford's premier private institution with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive facilities including modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. OUS offers a robust Advanced Placement program, competitive athletics, and extensive arts education. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Jackson
St. Joseph Catholic School, while located in Madison, serves families throughout central Mississippi including the Oxford area and is considered one of the top private schools in the region. Established in 1989, the school offers education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong Catholic identity and rigorous academic program. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including modern STEM labs, performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic complex. The school maintains small class sizes, offers numerous Advanced Placement courses, and has an outstanding record of college acceptances. Extracurricular programs include championship athletics, competitive fine arts, and extensive community service opportunities.
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Sacred Heart School
Catholic Diocese of Jackson
Sacred Heart School, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade, is one of northern Mississippi's longest-established and most respected private schools. Founded in 1954, the school provides a strong foundation in Catholic values alongside a comprehensive academic program. The school features dedicated early childhood facilities, modern classrooms, computer labs, and athletic fields. Sacred Heart emphasizes individualized attention with small class sizes and maintains high academic standards with graduates consistently performing above national averages. The school offers a well-rounded education including music, art, physical education, and technology integration throughout the curriculum, serving families from Oxford and surrounding communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Oxford, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available in Oxford, Mississippi, and what are their educational philosophies?
Oxford, MS, offers a few established private schools, each with a distinct approach. **Oxford University School (OUS)** is a secular, college-preparatory school serving grades K-12, known for its rigorous academics and affiliation with the University of Mississippi. **St. Joseph Catholic School** provides a faith-based, Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values. **Sacred Heart School** is another parochial option, offering a Christ-centered education from Pre-K3 through 8th grade. The limited number of options means parents should consider the philosophical fit—secular college-prep versus faith-based education—as a primary decision factor in Oxford.
How does tuition for private schools in Oxford, MS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Oxford is generally competitive but can vary. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $7,000 to $12,000 annually for lower grades and higher for upper grades at OUS. This is often above the Mississippi state average for private schools, reflecting Oxford's university-town economy and the programs offered. Most schools, including OUS and the Catholic schools, offer need-based financial aid, sibling discounts, and occasionally merit scholarships. It's crucial to inquire directly about aid applications, which often require submitting forms like the SSS (School and Student Services) profile and are due early in the calendar year.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Oxford private schools offer that leverage the local university community?
A significant advantage of private schools in Oxford, particularly Oxford University School, is direct access to the resources and culture of the University of Mississippi ("Ole Miss"). This can include advanced placement or dual-enrollment courses for high school students, guest lectures from professors, use of university libraries and laboratories, and robust mentorship programs. Extracurriculars may be enriched by partnerships with the university's arts, engineering, or athletics departments. This symbiotic relationship provides an exceptional, collegiate-like preparatory environment that is very specific to Oxford.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Oxford, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment process in Oxford's private schools is formal and often begins almost a year in advance. Key steps usually include: submitting an application (due between January and March for the following fall), student assessments or classroom visits, parent interviews, and providing records and teacher recommendations. Due to the limited seats, especially in popular entry grades like Kindergarten, waitlists are common at schools like OUS. St. Joseph and Sacred Heart may have priority for parish members. It is highly recommended to initiate inquiries the fall before your child intends to start.
For families moving to Oxford, what are the key considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Oxford School District public schools and local private options?
This is a central decision for Oxford families. The Oxford School District is consistently ranked among the top public districts in Mississippi, offering excellent academics, arts, and athletics. Choosing a private school often hinges on specific desires: a smaller student-teacher ratio, a specific religious education, or a particular pedagogical approach (like the intensive college-prep at OUS). The private school environment may also appeal to those seeking an alternative to the larger public school campuses. The decision is deeply personal, and we recommend touring both types of schools to feel the community culture, as the academic quality in both sectors in Oxford is high.
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