The Best Private Schools in Poplarville, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Poplarville. 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 in Hattiesburg is a highly-rated private institution known for its exceptional academic standards and vibrant community. Serving students from Poplarville and the broader region, it offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum, extensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, high teacher quality, and strong parent satisfaction, with many graduates attending top colleges. Its commitment to holistic education makes it a premier option for families seeking excellence.
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Sacred Heart Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
Sacred Heart Catholic School in Hattiesburg provides a faith-based education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character formation. Serving the Poplarville area, it offers programs from pre-K through 8th grade, featuring robust STEM initiatives, arts education, and community service opportunities. The school is acclaimed for its nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and modern facilities, with high parent satisfaction rates due to its balanced approach to spiritual and intellectual growth.
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Poplarville Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Poplarville Christian Academy is a locally respected private school providing a comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade. With a strong focus on Christian values and academic rigor, the school offers college preparatory courses, small class sizes, and a variety of extracurricular activities including sports and arts. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe environment, and emphasis on character development, making it a top choice for families in the Poplarville area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Poplarville, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Poplarville, Mississippi, and what are their core affiliations?
In Poplarville, MS, the primary private school options are Poplarville Christian Academy, which offers a non-denominational Christian education, and Sacred Heart Catholic School, which provides a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions. While Presbyterian Christian School is a well-regarded option, it is located in Hattiesburg, approximately a 30-minute drive from Poplarville, making it a commuter choice for many local families. These schools serve as the main alternatives to the Poplarville School District's public schools, offering smaller class sizes and specific religious or value-based curricula.
How does tuition for private schools in Poplarville, MS, compare to state averages, and are there any Mississippi-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at private schools in Poplarville is generally below the national average but aligns with regional costs in Mississippi. For the 2024-2025 academic year, annual tuition at local schools typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 for elementary grades. A key Mississippi-specific financial aid program is the Education Scholarship Account (ESA), which provides state-funded accounts for eligible students (including those switching from public schools) to use for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Additionally, many schools offer sibling discounts and need-based scholarships funded by local churches or community organizations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Poplarville offer that leverage the local community or environment?
Private schools in Poplarville often integrate the region's strong agricultural and forestry heritage into their programs. Poplarville Christian Academy, for instance, may offer projects or science units related to local pearl river county ecosystems. Furthermore, given Poplarville's location and community focus, schools emphasize strong athletics (like baseball and softball) and music programs that participate in local festivals. Many also incorporate service-learning projects that partner with Poplarville-area organizations, providing students with hands-on community engagement unique to this small-town setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Poplarville, and are there considerations for transferring from the Poplarville School District?
The enrollment timeline for Poplarville private schools often begins with open houses in January or February, with application deadlines in March for the following academic year. The process typically includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For students transferring from the Poplarville School District, it's crucial to initiate the process early, as some grades—particularly in smaller schools like Poplarville Christian Academy—have limited seats. Many schools also require placement testing for incoming students to ensure proper academic alignment. Rolling admission may be available if spots remain open after the priority deadline.
For families considering both options, what are the notable differences between the Poplarville School District public schools and the local private schools?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum focus, and community environment. The Poplarville School District, a public system, offers a broader range of elective courses, advanced placement (AP) classes at the high school level, and extensive extracurricular activities funded by taxpayer dollars. In contrast, local private schools like Poplarville Christian Academy and Sacred Heart provide much smaller student-to-teacher ratios, a structured environment with integrated religious or moral instruction, and a tight-knit community feel. Academically, private schools here often use standardized curricula like Abeka or Accelerated Christian Education (ACE), while the public district follows Mississippi College- and Career-Ready Standards. Transportation is also a major factor, as the public district provides busing, whereas private schools typically require parent-provided transportation.
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