The Best Private Schools in Bourbon, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bourbon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Thomas Jefferson School
Independent
Thomas Jefferson School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school that serves students from throughout Missouri, including the Bourbon area, with both day and boarding options. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. Their curriculum features extensive Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and robust humanities education. The 20-acre campus includes state-of-the-art science labs, art studios, athletic facilities, and technology-enhanced classrooms. While located in St. Louis, the school's boarding program makes it accessible to students from Bourbon seeking an elite private education with exceptional college placement records.
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St. James Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City
St. James Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving the broader Bourbon area with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic fundamentals, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and robust language arts programs. The campus features modern classrooms, a dedicated library, computer lab, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, choir, and various academic clubs, providing a well-rounded educational experience for students from Bourbon and surrounding communities.
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St. John Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Sullivan, St. John Lutheran School serves families throughout Crawford County including Bourbon with a Christ-centered education for grades Pre-K through 8. The school boasts strong academic performance with students consistently testing above national averages. Facilities include smart classrooms, a science laboratory, gymnasium, and music room. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology and faith formation. Extracurricular activities include competitive sports teams, band, choir, and academic competitions. The school maintains a strong community reputation for academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bourbon, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Bourbon, Missouri?
Bourbon, MO, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, primarily faith-based institutions. The main options are St. James Catholic School (Pre-K through 8th grade), St. John Lutheran School (Pre-K through 8th grade), and Thomas Jefferson School, which is a private, non-sectarian boarding and day school serving grades 7-12. This means for complete K-12 private education within Bourbon, families often transition from a local parochial school to Thomas Jefferson School for high school. The limited number of schools underscores the importance of visiting each to find the best philosophical and academic fit for your child.
How does tuition at Bourbon's private schools compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in Bourbon is generally below the Missouri private school average, reflecting its rural setting. Parish-supported schools like St. James and St. John Lutheran typically have lower tuition rates for member families, often ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 annually. Thomas Jefferson School, as a boarding institution with a specialized academic program, has a higher tuition structure. Missouri offers several financial aid options applicable to Bourbon families, including the MOScholars program (tax-credit scholarships) for eligible students, and most schools have their own need-based aid or parish subsidy programs. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about specific tuition rates and available assistance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Bourbon, MO, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
Bourbon's private schools offer distinct programs shaped by their missions. Thomas Jefferson School is renowned for its classical education model, emphasizing great books, writing, and Socratic seminars, which is unique in the region. Both St. James and St. John Lutheran integrate faith-based education and character development throughout their curriculum. Due to their smaller size, all Bourbon private schools can offer highly personalized attention and close-knit communities. Extracurriculars may be more limited in scope than a large public district, but often include robust offerings in music, art, and athletics tailored to their student bodies, such as Thomas Jefferson's strong cross-country program.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Bourbon, Missouri?
Enrollment timelines in Bourbon are often rolling but have key priority periods. For St. James and St. John Lutheran, registration for existing families and parish members typically opens in early spring (February/March) for the following fall, with open enrollment for new families thereafter. Thomas Jefferson School, serving a broader geographic area, has an application deadline usually in February for the next academic year, with decisions communicated in March. All schools require an application, student records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student visit. Given the small class sizes, especially in the lower grades, early inquiry and application are strongly advised.
For families considering both sectors, what are the practical considerations when comparing private vs. public schools in Bourbon, Missouri?
The key considerations involve educational approach, cost, and community. Bourbon's public schools (Crawford County R-I School District) offer a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 education with a wide range of sports, clubs, and potentially more diverse course offerings. Private options provide specific religious instruction (at the parochial schools) or a distinctive classical curriculum (at Thomas Jefferson), with typically smaller class sizes and a consistent educational philosophy. Transportation is a major factor; Missouri public schools provide busing, while private schools in Bourbon generally do not, requiring family transportation. The decision often hinges on whether a family values a specialized, mission-driven environment enough to invest in tuition and manage logistics.