The Best Private Schools in Star, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Star. 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 a premier independent college preparatory school serving the greater Jackson area, including Star. With over 60 years of educational excellence, JA offers a rigorous academic program featuring 20+ Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 52-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson Preparatory School
Jackson Preparatory School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Star and surrounding communities. Founded in 1970, the school offers a challenging academic environment with extensive honors and Advanced Placement course options. The campus features modern STEM labs, fine arts facilities, and comprehensive athletic programs. Jackson Prep emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and maintains a strong tradition of academic excellence with graduates consistently accepted to prestigious colleges and universities.
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Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy
Madison-Ridgeland Academy is a comprehensive private school serving the greater Jackson metropolitan area, including Star residents. Established in 1962, MRA offers a robust college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and career technology programs. The school features extensive campus facilities including modern classrooms, science and computer labs, fine arts centers, and championship-caliber athletic facilities. MRA maintains a strong academic reputation with a focus on individualized attention and has a long history of successful college placements and athletic achievements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Star, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Star, Mississippi, and what are the typical commute times?
While Star, MS, is a small town, families seeking private education often look to highly-regarded institutions in the greater Jackson metropolitan area. The most prominent options include Jackson Academy, Jackson Preparatory School, and Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA), all located in the Jackson suburbs. From Star, commute times typically range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and the specific campus. It's important for Star parents to factor this daily travel into their decision, as these schools often provide bus service or carpool networks that can help mitigate the distance. There are typically no major private school campuses within the immediate Star town limits.
How does tuition for top private schools like Jackson Prep or MRA compare to the Mississippi average, and what financial aid options are available for Star families?
Tuition at leading Mississippi private schools like Jackson Preparatory School and Madison-Ridgeland Academy often exceeds the state's average private school cost, typically ranging from approximately $15,000 to $20,000+ per year for upper grades. While this is a significant investment, these schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Mississippi also has the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded accounts for eligible students (including those in a failing school district or with an IEP) to use for private school tuition and other expenses. Star parents should investigate both institutional aid and state ESA eligibility to make these schools more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Jackson-area private schools offer that might benefit a student from a smaller community like Star?
Schools like Jackson Academy, Jackson Prep, and MRA offer comprehensive programs that can greatly expand opportunities for students from Star. These include advanced STEM labs and robotics teams, extensive fine arts departments with theater productions, and competitive athletic conferences (MHSAA MAIS). For Star students, this means access to specialized Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course tracks, college counseling with strong regional and national networks, and competitive sports that may not be available at smaller local schools. These programs are designed to prepare students for top-tier universities, providing a breadth of experience that complements a hometown upbringing.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a family in Star applying to a competitive Jackson-area private school?
The enrollment process for schools like Jackson Prep and MRA is structured and often begins a full year in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (usually in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, completing standardized entrance exams (such as the ISEE), and participating in family and student interviews. Admissions are competitive, and spaces fill quickly. For Star families, it is crucial to plan ahead for the commute to these events. We strongly recommend initiating contact with admissions offices in the summer or early fall of the year *prior* to desired enrollment to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family in Star, what are the key considerations when deciding between the local public school district (Rankin County) and a private school in the Jackson area?
This decision hinges on several factors specific to Star's context. Rankin County public schools are generally well-regarded in Mississippi. Choosing a private school in Jackson involves weighing the significant investment of tuition and daily commute against perceived benefits. These may include smaller class sizes, a specific religious or values-based education (if applicable), more intensive college preparatory focus, and specialized programs for gifted students or those needing learning support. The community aspect is also different; a private school creates a network across the metro area, while public school keeps your child's social circle more locally focused in Rankin County. Visiting both your zoned public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference in environment and culture.
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