The Best Private Schools in Pascagoula, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pascagoula. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast
St. Paul's Episcopal School is a highly-regarded independent school serving families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast region, including Pascagoula. The school offers both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, providing rigorous academic challenges for college-bound students. Features include state-of-the-art science laboratories, comprehensive fine arts facilities, and competitive athletic programs. The school emphasizes global education with international exchange programs and maintains a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. St. Paul's consistently produces National Merit Scholars and has a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Resurrection Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Resurrection Catholic School is a premier private institution serving Pascagoula and the Mississippi Gulf Coast with a comprehensive PK-12 educational program. The school offers rigorous college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic complex, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and emphasizes character development through Catholic values. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics teams, drama productions, and community service opportunities.
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St. Patrick Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
St. Patrick Catholic High School serves students from Pascagoula and throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast region with a comprehensive college preparatory program. The school features a specialized STEM Academy with advanced technology integration, dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges, and comprehensive Advanced Placement offerings. Campus facilities include modern science laboratories, engineering and robotics labs, fine arts studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school maintains a strong community service requirement and offers diverse extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams, academic competitions, and performing arts programs. Graduates consistently achieve above-average ACT scores and earn significant college scholarship offers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pascagoula, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Pascagoula, Mississippi?
Pascagoula offers a limited but well-regarded selection of private schools, primarily faith-based institutions. The main options include Resurrection Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Paul's Episcopal School (Pre-K through 8th grade), and St. Patrick Catholic High School (9th through 12th grade). For a continuous Catholic education, families often choose Resurrection for elementary/middle and then St. Patrick for high school. There are no large, secular independent day schools in the immediate Pascagoula area, so families seeking that model may need to look towards neighboring communities like Mobile, Alabama.
How does tuition at Pascagoula's private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Pascagoula's private schools is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Mississippi costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $5,000-$8,000 for elementary/middle grades and $8,000-$10,000 for high school. All three major schools offer need-based financial aid, and Mississippi's "Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs" ESA program can provide state-funded accounts (approximately $7,000-$8,000) for eligible students with IEPs to use at private schools. Additionally, many local families utilize payment plans, and parishioner discounts are typically available at the Catholic schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Pascagoula private schools offer that leverage the local coastal environment?
Pascagoula's private schools integrate the unique Gulf Coast environment into their curricula. St. Patrick Catholic High School features a robust Marine Biology program with access to local estuaries and the Mississippi Sound for field studies. Resurrection Catholic School and St. Paul's Episcopal School both emphasize environmental science and coastal ecology in their elementary science units. Furthermore, extracurriculars like fishing clubs, sailing, and coastal conservation service projects are common, providing students with hands-on learning tied to the local maritime and industrial economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Pascagoula, MS?
The enrollment process for Pascagoula's private schools typically begins in January for the following fall semester. Priority is often given to siblings of current students and active parish members (for the Catholic schools). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and attending a family interview or student assessment. Due to the limited number of seats, especially in the early grades, it is crucial to initiate inquiries by early winter. St. Patrick High School also hosts open houses and shadow days for prospective 8th graders in the fall.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key differences between Pascagoula-Moss Point Public School District and the local private schools?
Key differences include class size, curriculum focus, and required participation. Pascagoula private schools boast significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public schools) and a consistent, values-based education (Catholic or Episcopal) integrated throughout the day. Public schools offer a broader range of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes, and larger-scale athletic programs. Private schools in Pascagoula often require uniforms, parent volunteer hours, and active involvement in faith activities. The public district serves a more diverse student population and is tuition-free, while private schools offer a specific community environment and religious formation.
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