The Best Private Schools in Southaven, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Southaven. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Evangelical Christian School
Evangelical Christian School System
Evangelical Christian School (ECS) is a premier private Christian school serving the Memphis metro region, including Southaven families. Established in 1965, ECS provides a comprehensive classical education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on college preparation. The school features modern STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and robust fine arts programs. ECS maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and offers numerous AP and honors courses. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, academic rigor, and successful college placement record.
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Briarcrest Christian School
Briarcrest Christian School System
Briarcrest Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Memphis metropolitan area, including Southaven students. Founded in 1973, it offers comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Briarcrest maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and offers over 20 AP courses. The school has a strong track record of college placements and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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St. George's Independent School
St. George's Independent School
St. George's Independent School is a highly-rated private school with campuses serving the greater Memphis area, including Southaven students. Founded in 1999, the school offers an International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. The Collierville campus features modern academic buildings, science and technology labs, performing arts centers, and comprehensive athletic facilities. St. George's emphasizes global education, critical thinking, and character development while maintaining small class sizes and personalized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Southaven, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Southaven, Mississippi, and do they require commuting to other cities?
The most prominent private schools serving Southaven families are Briarcrest Christian School (with a campus in nearby Olive Branch), Evangelical Christian School (in Cordova, TN), and St. George's Independent School (with a campus in Collierville, TN). While these top-tier institutions are not physically located within Southaven's city limits, they are standard commutes for many DeSoto County families seeking private education. There are also smaller local Christian academies within Southaven itself. This means parents in Southaven should factor in a daily commute to the greater Memphis metropolitan area when considering the most well-known private options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Southaven, MS area compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the major private schools accessible to Southaven residents is generally higher than the Mississippi state average for private education, due to their facilities, programs, and proximity to the Memphis market. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools often ranges from approximately $12,000 to $25,000+ per year depending on grade level. However, Mississippi offers the "Equal Opportunity for Students with Special Needs" ESA program, which can provide funding for eligible students attending private schools. Additionally, each school (like Briarcrest, ECS, and St. George's) offers its own need-based financial aid and sibling discounts, making it essential for parents to apply for aid directly during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Southaven students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Southaven-Memphis corridor often provide distinct programs not universally available in DeSoto County public schools. These include robust college-prep tracks with high numbers of AP and honors courses, specialized STEM labs and initiatives, renowned fine arts and theater departments, and competitive athletic leagues (like TSSAA in Tennessee). For example, St. George's is known for its global studies and immersive language programs, while Briarcrest and ECS offer extensive faith-based education and ministry opportunities. Many also feature smaller class sizes and dedicated college counseling offices that provide personalized guidance for competitive university placements.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Briarcrest, ECS, and St. George's for a Southaven resident?
The enrollment process for these sought-after schools is highly structured and begins early. Applications for the following academic year typically open in August or September, with priority deadlines between January and February. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Many schools also require an entrance exam (like the ISEE). It is crucial for Southaven parents to initiate this process a full year in advance, as spaces, especially in lower grades, fill quickly. Waiting lists are common, so early application is strongly advised.
For a family living in Southaven, what are the key considerations when deciding between the highly-rated DeSoto County public schools and a private school in the region?
This decision often hinges on educational philosophy, specific student needs, and logistical factors. DeSoto County public schools are consistently ranked among the best in Mississippi, offering a strong, tuition-free education with diverse extracurriculars. Choosing a private school often involves seeking a specific religious foundation (Christian education at Briarcrest or ECS), a desire for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, or specialized academic programs. Families must also weigh the significant financial investment of private tuition against the free public option, as well as the daily commute time to campuses in Tennessee. It's recommended to tour both local public schools and private options to assess the best fit for your child's learning style and your family's values.
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