The Best Private Schools in Arnold, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arnold. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Visitation Academy of St. Louis
Independent Catholic School
Visitation Academy is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving girls from preschool through grade 12. Located just north of Arnold in St. Louis County, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, comprehensive fine arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Visitation maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong parent satisfaction ratings.
Programs:
John Burroughs School
Independent School
John Burroughs School is one of the top-ranked private schools in Missouri, serving students in grades 7-12. Located in nearby St. Louis, the school consistently ranks among the nation's best private schools with exceptional academic outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development through extensive Advanced Placement offerings, comprehensive arts programs, and championship-level athletics. The 47-acre campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and innovative learning spaces. The school maintains a strong reputation for college placement and academic excellence.
Programs:
Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-rated independent Christian school serving students in grades 6-12 from Arnold and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. Academic programs include advanced STEM courses, extensive fine and performing arts opportunities, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performance spaces. Westminster is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and excellent college acceptance records, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arnold, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Arnold, Missouri, and are they located within the city limits?
While Arnold itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly consider prestigious institutions in the surrounding St. Louis metropolitan area. The schools often cited as top choices for Arnold residents include Visitation Academy of St. Louis (all-girls, Town & Country), John Burroughs School (co-ed, Ladue), and Westminster Christian Academy (co-ed, Town & Country). These schools are not within Arnold's city limits but are within a commutable distance, typically a 20-40 minute drive depending on location. Some Arnold families also consider Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of St. Louis that are geographically closer. It's important to factor in the daily commute when evaluating these options.
How does tuition for top private schools near Arnold, MO, compare, and what financial aid options are available under Missouri state programs?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the St. Louis area serving Arnold families varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $30,000+ annually. In addition to need-based financial aid offered directly by each school, Missouri residents can leverage state-sponsored programs. The most notable is the **MOScholars** program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students (e.g., those with an IEP, in foster care, or from lower-income households) to attend private schools. Furthermore, Missouri allows for 529 plan funds to be used for K-12 private school tuition, up to $10,000 per year, offering a tax-advantaged savings option for Arnold parents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Arnold offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the St. Louis region accessible to Arnold families often provide specialized programs not typically found in the Fox C-6 School District. For example, John Burroughs School is renowned for its intensive college-prep curriculum and exceptional arts facilities. Westminster Christian Academy offers a strong STEM focus integrated with a Christian worldview. Visitation Academy provides a single-gender, leadership-focused environment with a robust network of alumnae support. These schools frequently feature smaller class sizes, extensive advanced placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) course offerings, and distinctive programs like global studies, robotics competitions, and premier athletic conferences, providing a tailored educational experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Arnold, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for top-tier St. Louis private schools is highly structured and competitive. The timeline typically begins **12-18 months before the desired start date**. For fall admission, open houses and tours are held in the early fall (September-October), with application deadlines often between December and January. The process usually includes submitting an application, standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Admissions decisions are commonly released in February or March. For families in Arnold, it is crucial to start research and attend open houses in the fall of the year *prior* to enrollment, as waiting lists can be long.
For a family living in Arnold, what are the key considerations when deciding between the high-performing Fox C-6 public schools and a private school in the St. Louis area?
The decision hinges on several Arnold-specific factors. Fox C-6 schools, like Fox High School, are well-regarded and offer a solid education with the convenience of no tuition and no commute. Choosing a private school involves weighing the benefits of a potentially more specialized or rigorous academic environment, distinct values (e.g., religious education), and specific extracurricular niches against the costs of significant tuition and a daily commute to St. Louis County. Parents should consider their child's individual learning needs, the family's educational values, and the logistical impact of a 30+ minute twice-daily drive. Many Arnold families find value in both systems, with the choice being deeply personal based on fit, finances, and long-term goals.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities