The Best Private Schools in Augusta, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Augusta. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS)
Independent
MICDS is a premier independent school serving the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Augusta, with a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from junior kindergarten through grade 12. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, with advanced STEM labs, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. Facilities include state-of-the-art science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent satisfaction is high due to small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a strong emphasis on character development and community service.
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The College School
Independent
The College School provides innovative education for early childhood through middle school, attracting families from Augusta and surrounding areas. It specializes in experiential learning, with programs like outdoor environmental education and arts integration that foster creativity and critical thinking. Facilities include dedicated science and art spaces, and a nature-based campus. The school is highly rated for its engaged teachers, small class sizes, and strong community partnerships, leading to excellent parent and student satisfaction.
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Crossroads College Preparatory School
Independent
Crossroads College Preparatory School offers a personalized, inclusive education for grades 7-12, serving students from Augusta and the wider St. Louis region. It emphasizes critical thinking through a liberal arts curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses and hands-on community service projects. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and art studios, with a focus on student-teacher collaboration. High parent satisfaction stems from its supportive environment, diverse extracurriculars, and commitment to individual growth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Augusta, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Augusta, Missouri?
While Augusta itself is a small, historic town, families in the area typically look to the greater St. Louis metropolitan region for private school options. Notable schools within a reasonable commute include Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS) in Ladue, Crossroads College Preparatory School in St. Louis City, and The College School in Webster Groves. These are all independent day schools. For a more local, faith-based option, some families may also consider schools in nearby Washington or St. Charles counties. Transportation is a key consideration, as most will require a daily commute.
How does Missouri's tuition tax credit scholarship program impact the affordability of private schools for Augusta families?
Missouri's MOScholars program is a significant financial consideration. It provides tax credits for donations to nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships to eligible students (including those with IEPs, from low-income households, or in foster care) to attend private schools. For Augusta families, this means exploring if your chosen school (like MICDS, Crossroads, or The College School) participates with an approved Educational Assistance Organization (EAO). Eligibility and award amounts vary, but it can substantially reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. It's crucial to apply early, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Augusta, MO, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the St. Louis area often utilize the region's resources. For example, The College School has a strong emphasis on experiential and place-based learning, potentially incorporating the Missouri River basin, local vineyards, and historic sites like those in Augusta into its curriculum. Crossroads College Prep, located in the city's cultural district, emphasizes urban engagement and the arts. MICDS offers extensive science and robotics programs that connect with St. Louis's research institutions. While not in Augusta proper, these programs offer enrichment that a rural public school may not provide as directly.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the St. Louis area that serve Augusta residents?
The timeline is critical and begins early. For schools like MICDS, Crossroads, and The College School, the admission process for the following academic year typically opens in August or September, with application deadlines between January and February. The process usually includes a campus tour/open house (often in the fall), submission of applications, student assessments/interviews, and records requests. Financial aid applications run concurrently. Given the commute from Augusta, schools will want to understand your family's logistics plan. It is highly advisable to start research and visits 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family in Augusta, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school (Augusta R-II School District) and a private school in the St. Louis area?
This decision hinges on priorities and logistics. The Augusta R-II School District offers a close-knit, community-based K-12 education with minimal commute. Choosing a St. Louis private school involves a significant daily drive (30-60+ minutes each way) but offers different advantages: often smaller class sizes, specialized academic or arts curricula, diverse student populations, and different extracurricular emphases. Families must weigh the value of a specific educational philosophy (e.g., progressive at The College School, college-prep at MICDS) against the time and financial investment of private tuition and commuting from a rural area like Augusta.
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