The Best Private Schools in Ashburn, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashburn. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Kirksville School of Music & Arts
Independent
The Kirksville School of Music & Arts is a highly-regarded private institution serving northeast Missouri, including Ashburn residents. Founded in 2009, this school offers comprehensive arts education alongside strong academic enrichment programs. With small class sizes and individualized instruction, students receive exceptional attention from dedicated faculty. The school features state-of-the-art music studios, art classrooms, and performance spaces. Their curriculum emphasizes creative development while maintaining rigorous academic standards, making it a top choice for families seeking well-rounded private education in the region.
Programs:
The Crossing
The Crossing Education Center
The Crossing in Kirksville serves students from Ashburn and surrounding communities with its innovative alternative education model. This accredited private school focuses on students who benefit from non-traditional learning environments while maintaining high academic standards. The school offers comprehensive career training programs, credit recovery options, and essential life skills development. With a strong emphasis on mentorship and personalized learning plans, The Crossing has earned excellent parent satisfaction ratings for its ability to help students succeed academically and personally.
Programs:
Faith Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Faith Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to families in northeast Missouri, including Ashburn, since 1999. This established private school offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates faith-based learning with strong academic programs. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Their STEM curriculum is particularly strong, complemented by robust music and arts programs. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, Faith Lutheran maintains high academic standards while fostering character development and community values, making it a trusted choice for private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashburn, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Ashburn, Missouri?
In the immediate Ashburn area and surrounding Lewis County, private school options are limited but include a few key institutions. The most prominent are The Kirksville School of Music & Arts, The Crossing, and Faith Lutheran School, though it's important to note that some of these are located in nearby Kirksville, which is a common educational hub for Ashburn residents. These schools offer distinct educational approaches: faith-based education at Faith Lutheran, alternative education with a focus on at-risk students at The Crossing, and a specialized arts-integrated curriculum at The Kirksville School of Music & Arts. Due to the rural nature of Ashburn, many families also consider private schools in larger regional centers like Quincy, Illinois, or Columbia, Missouri, which involves commuting.
How does tuition at private schools serving Ashburn, MO, compare to state averages, and are there any Missouri-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for private schools in the Ashburn region is generally below the state average for Missouri private schools, reflecting the area's lower cost of living. For example, faith-based schools like Faith Lutheran often have more modest tuition rates. Missouri offers specific financial aid opportunities that Ashburn families can utilize, most notably the MOScholars program, which provides Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for eligible students (e.g., those with an IEP, from low-income families, or in foster care) to attend private schools. Additionally, many Missouri private schools participate in tax-credit scholarship programs. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid, payment plans, and any local church subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Ashburn offer that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools serving the Ashburn community provide niche programs not typically found in the small public school districts of rural Lewis County. The Kirksville School of Music & Arts offers a deep, integrated arts curriculum with individual instrument training and performance opportunities—a rarity in the region. The Crossing utilizes a self-paced, computer-based curriculum combined with life-skills coaching, specifically designed to support students who have struggled in traditional settings. Faith Lutheran School provides a classical education rooted in Lutheran theology, with daily religion classes and a strong emphasis on moral development. These specialized environments offer alternatives to the standard agricultural and general studies focus of local public schools.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Ashburn, Missouri, area?
Given the small size of private schools in the Ashburn/Kirksville area, enrollment is often a rolling or first-come, first-served process, but it's wise to initiate inquiries by early spring (January-March) for the following fall semester. The process usually involves: 1) a campus tour and meeting with the administrator, 2) submission of an application and previous school records, 3) a family or student interview (especially for faith-based schools or alternative programs like The Crossing), and 4) assessment of tuition payment plans or financial aid. Some schools, like Faith Lutheran, may have religious instruction requirements for families. Due to limited seats, particularly in specialized programs, early application is strongly recommended.
For an Ashburn resident, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. **Transportation:** Private schools do not provide district transportation, so families from Ashburn must arrange for a daily commute to Kirksville or beyond, which can be a significant consideration in rural Missouri. **Community vs. Specialization:** Public schools in the Highland or Lewis County C-1 districts offer strong community ties and comprehensive extracurriculars like FFA and sports. Private options offer smaller class sizes and specialized missions (arts, faith, alternative education). **Cost vs. Value:** While public school is free, private tuition is an investment. Families must weigh if a specialized program's value justifies the cost and commute. **Long-Term Planning:** The continuity of education is key; some private schools near Ashburn may only go through elementary or middle grades, requiring a later transition to public high school or another private institution.
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