The Best Private Schools in Perkinston, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Perkinston. 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 highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the Gulf Coast region, including Perkinston. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a wide range of Advanced Placement courses. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular programs encompass competitive sports, fine arts, and community service opportunities, providing a well-rounded education for students throughout the region.
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Resurrection Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Resurrection Catholic School provides a complete K-12 education with a strong reputation for academic excellence and student development. Serving families across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Perkinston, the school offers a challenging curriculum that prepares students for college success. The dedicated faculty maintains high academic standards while fostering spiritual growth and moral development. The school features comprehensive athletic programs, fine arts opportunities, and advanced technology integration throughout all grade levels. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's commitment to individual student attention and community involvement.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School is a premier private institution serving students from Perkinston and surrounding areas. As an International Baccalaureate World School, it offers rigorous academic programs that challenge students to achieve their highest potential. The school provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school's strong college preparatory focus, combined with extensive extracurricular offerings in athletics, arts, and community service, creates a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Perkinston, Mississippi
What are the private school options for families living in or near Perkinston, Mississippi?
Perkinston itself is a small community, and the primary private school options are Catholic institutions serving the broader Gulf Coast region. The most prominent nearby schools include St. Patrick Catholic High School in Biloxi (about a 30-minute drive), Resurrection Catholic School in Pascagoula (approximately a 45-minute drive), and Sacred Heart Catholic School in D'Iberville (roughly a 35-minute drive). For Perkinston residents, private education typically involves commuting to these neighboring cities. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically located within the Perkinston town limits, so transportation is a key consideration for families.
How does tuition at private schools near Perkinston, MS, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Perkinston area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional costs in Mississippi. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary tuition at schools like Sacred Heart is approximately $5,000-$7,000 annually, while high school tuition at St. Patrick can range from $8,000 to $10,000. Most families in Mississippi benefit from the relatively lower cost of living. Critically, these schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for active members, and multi-child discounts. Additionally, Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program provides state-funded accounts for eligible students, which can be used for tuition at participating private schools, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for qualifying Perkinston families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Perkinston offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Perkinston families often emphasize college preparatory curricula with a values-based foundation. St. Patrick Catholic High School, for instance, offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program and distinctive courses in coastal environmental science, leveraging its Gulf location. Resurrection Catholic School integrates STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math) across its curriculum. A key differentiator is the consistent integration of faith and character education throughout the school day. Extracurricularly, these schools provide strong athletic programs (like St. Patrick's notable soccer and baseball teams) and arts opportunities that may be more limited in smaller rural public districts, though they typically have smaller overall student bodies.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Patrick or Sacred Heart for a family from Perkinston?
The enrollment process for these diocesan schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is highly recommended that Perkinston families apply early, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, can be limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview. Placement testing may be required for certain grades. Given the commute, some families also inquire about carpools with other families from the Perkinston and Stone County area. It's advisable to contact the admissions office directly, schedule a tour, and ask about transportation logistics during the application process.
For a family in Perkinston, what are the primary considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private Catholic school in a neighboring city?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Perkinston is served by the Stone County School District. Choosing a private option involves weighing a daily commute of 30-45 minutes against the potential for smaller class sizes, a specific religious education, and often a wider array of college-prep courses at the high school level. The private schools offer a consistent educational environment from kindergarten through 12th grade (across different campuses), whereas public school students may transition between different school communities. Financially, the ESA program can make private school tuition feasible for many. Conversely, the local public schools offer proximity, no tuition, and strong community ties. The choice often comes down to prioritizing educational philosophy, religious formation, and program offerings over convenience and cost.
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