The Best Private Schools in Randolph, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Randolph. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jackson Academy
Jackson Academy
Jackson Academy is one of Mississippi's most respected private schools, serving families throughout the central region including Randolph. Founded in 1959, JA offers an exceptional college-preparatory program with one of the most extensive Advanced Placement course selections in the state. The school features outstanding facilities including advanced science laboratories, performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic complexes. JA's dedicated faculty maintain high academic standards while providing personalized attention through small class sizes. The school's robust extracurricular program includes championship athletic teams, award-winning fine arts departments, and numerous student organizations, creating a well-rounded educational experience that consistently produces graduates who excel in college and beyond.
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Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy is a premier private school serving the central Mississippi region, including Randolph area families. Established in 1969, MRA offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with rigorous academic programs including numerous Advanced Placement courses. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, competitive athletic programs across multiple sports, and extensive fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, MRA maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence and student achievement. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Canton Academy
Canton Academy
Canton Academy serves students from Randolph and surrounding communities with a strong tradition of academic excellence since 1968. This independent school offers a challenging college-preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities through local colleges. The school is known for its family atmosphere and strong community values while providing comprehensive athletic programs and growing STEM initiatives. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and a recently updated campus. Canton Academy emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, preparing students for college success with a balanced approach to education that includes arts, athletics, and community service opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Randolph, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options for families living in Randolph, Mississippi, and are there transportation services available?
While Randolph itself is a small town, families typically look to nearby cities for private education. The top options, as you noted, include Madison-Ridgeland Academy (in Madison), Canton Academy (in Canton), and Jackson Academy (in Jackson). These schools are all within a 30-45 minute commute from Randolph. It's crucial to contact each school directly regarding transportation; most private schools in Mississippi do not provide public bus services, and organized private bus routes from Randolph are uncommon. Carpooling with other local families is often the primary solution for daily transportation to these schools.
How does tuition at private schools near Randolph, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the schools serving Randolph families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $15,000+ annually for K-12, with high school often at the higher end. This is generally in line with or slightly below the average for Mississippi's larger metropolitan private schools. Financial aid is almost exclusively need-based and administered individually by each school. Mississippi also offers the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, a state-funded voucher that can be used at participating private schools. Eligibility is broad, covering many middle-income families, and can significantly offset tuition costs. You must check if your chosen school participates in the ESA program.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Randolph offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Schools like Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Canton Academy, and Jackson Academy often provide enhanced programs that are a key draw for Randolph families. These can include robust college preparatory tracks with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dedicated fine arts departments with theater and band, and competitive athletic conferences (like MAIS). Specifically, many offer specialized STEM labs, foreign language instruction starting in elementary grades, and structured character or leadership development programs. These resources and program depths can differ significantly from the offerings of the small public school districts serving Randolph directly.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Randolph, MS, area, and when should we start?
The process is highly school-specific, but a general timeline applies. For a fall start, you should begin researching schools in the fall of the prior year (e.g., September-October). Most schools near Randolph have application deadlines between January and March for the following academic year. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, standardized test scores, and a family interview. Many schools also require an entrance exam. Due to the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in popular grades, starting early is critical. Waiting lists are common, so applying by the priority deadline is strongly advised.
For a family in Randolph, what are the key factors in choosing between a local public school and a private school a commute away?
This decision hinges on several Randolph-specific factors. The primary trade-off is between the convenience and community connection of the local public school versus the specialized programs and perceived academic rigor of a private school requiring a daily commute. Consider your child's needs: do they require advanced academic challenges, specific arts/athletics, or a particular learning environment that the private school offers? You must also realistically assess the impact of a 60-90 minute daily round-trip drive on your family's schedule and your child's energy. Finally, weigh the financial cost of tuition (even with aid) against the "free" public option, factoring in the value of the specific private school benefits to your child's education.
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