The Best Private Schools in Stewart, Mississippi
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stewart. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Magnolia Heights School
Magnolia Heights School
Magnolia Heights School is a premier private institution serving students from Stewart and surrounding areas from its Senatobia campus. Established in 1970, this college preparatory school offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses and a strong emphasis on STEM education. The school serves grades pre-K through 12 with comprehensive athletic programs and extensive fine arts offerings. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology labs, performing arts center, athletic complex, and modern classroom buildings. With a long history of academic excellence and strong college placement records, Magnolia Heights maintains high parent satisfaction and student achievement.
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Starkville Academy
Starkville Academy
Starkville Academy is a highly-regarded private school serving the Stewart area from nearby Starkville. Established in 1969, this college preparatory school offers a comprehensive academic program with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school serves students from pre-K through 12th grade and maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 14:1. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and has a strong track record of college placements.
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Victory Christian School
Victory Christian School
Victory Christian School is a respected private Christian school serving the Stewart region from Columbus, Mississippi. Founded in 1999, the school offers a comprehensive education from pre-K through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum integrates biblical principles with academic excellence and includes dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. The school features modern facilities including science labs, computer labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts center. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Victory Christian provides personalized attention and has built a reputation for strong academic outcomes and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stewart, Mississippi
What are the primary private school options available for families in Stewart, Mississippi, and how accessible are they?
While Stewart itself is a very small community, families typically look to private schools in nearby towns. The most prominent options include Starkville Academy (in Starkville, about 20 miles away), Victory Christian School (in Columbus, approximately 25 miles away), and Magnolia Heights School (in Senatobia, roughly 70 miles away). Accessibility depends heavily on your willingness to commute. Starkville Academy is often the most practical choice for many Stewart residents due to its relative proximity and established reputation. It's important to factor daily travel time and potential carpool arrangements into your decision.
How does tuition at private schools near Stewart, MS, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the schools serving Stewart families is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional Mississippi costs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000 to $10,000+ for day students, with variations based on grade level. Mississippi offers the Education Scholarship Account (ESA) program, which can provide state-funded accounts for eligible students to use for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Additionally, schools like Starkville Academy and Victory Christian typically offer need-based financial aid and sibling discounts. It's crucial to apply for aid early and inquire directly with each school's admissions office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Stewart area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often emphasize college preparatory tracks, smaller class sizes, and specific value-based education. For instance, Starkville Academy has a strong focus on Advanced Placement (AP) courses and competitive athletics. Victory Christian School integrates a Christian worldview across its curriculum and may offer chapel services. Magnolia Heights is known for its comprehensive fine arts programs and robust athletic facilities. These schools can provide more specialized attention and program consistency than some smaller rural public school districts in Mississippi, which may have limited advanced coursework or extracurricular variety.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Starkville Academy for a family living in Stewart?
The enrollment process for schools like Starkville Academy usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour (a necessary trip from Stewart). 2) Submitting an application by their deadline, often between January and March. 3) Providing academic records, teacher recommendations, and sometimes completing standardized testing or a student interview. 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently if needed. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain, but popular grades fill quickly. Given the commute, it's also wise to discuss transportation logistics with the school's administration during the process.
For a Stewart resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a commuting private school?
The decision hinges on several location-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 advantages of a private school requiring a significant daily commute. Consider: **Commute:** Can your family sustain a 40-50+ minute round trip daily? **Cost:** Can you manage tuition plus transportation costs, potentially offset by Mississippi's ESA program? **Curriculum:** Does your child need advanced academics, arts, or sports not fully available in the local district? **Environment:** Do you desire a specific religious or disciplinary environment? Visiting both your assigned public school and the private options is essential to gauge the culture and feel the difference firsthand.
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