The Best Private Schools in Carrollton, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrollton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Peter's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Peter's Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving Carrollton and surrounding communities. Established in 1976, the school provides a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, language arts, science, and religious studies. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for music and art programs. The school is known for its strong community involvement, family atmosphere, and commitment to developing students' character alongside academic achievement.
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St. Paul's Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Concordia (approximately 30 minutes from Carrollton), St. Paul's Lutheran School serves students from multiple counties including Carroll County. Founded in 1982, this PreK-8 institution offers a classical Christian education model that emphasizes rigorous academics, critical thinking, and moral development. The school features experienced faculty, modern technology integration, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including choir, band, athletics, and academic competitions. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, high academic standards, and strong sense of community. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and has a reputation for preparing students exceptionally well for high school and beyond.
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Immaculate Conception School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Immaculate Conception School in Lexington (approximately 25 minutes from Carrollton) has served the regional community since 1956. This PreK-8 Catholic school provides a comprehensive education grounded in faith and academic excellence. The school features updated facilities including smart classrooms, a library media center, computer lab, and gymnasium. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while incorporating religious education, Spanish language instruction, and technology integration. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, track, choir, and various academic clubs. Parents frequently commend the school's dedicated teachers, safe environment, and strong community values that extend beyond the classroom to serve families throughout Carroll County and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrollton, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available in Carrollton, Missouri, and what are their religious affiliations?
Carrollton, MO, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, all of which are faith-based. The primary options are St. Peter's Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS), St. Paul's Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS), and Immaculate Conception School (Catholic). These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families often look at options in larger nearby communities or consider homeschooling. This limited selection means parents in Carrollton are choosing between specific religious curricula and communities.
How does tuition at Carrollton's private schools compare to state averages, and are there any Missouri-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Carrollton's private schools is generally below the state average for Missouri, reflecting the area's cost of living. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student, though rates vary by school and parish membership. Missouri offers specific financial aid programs that Carrollton 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 school. Additionally, many schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based scholarships funded by their congregations.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Carrollton's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in Carrollton differentiate themselves through their integrated religious education and often smaller class sizes. For example, Immaculate Conception School incorporates Catholic teachings across all subjects, while the Lutheran schools provide daily religion classes and chapel services. Due to their size, they may offer a more close-knit, family-like environment but typically have fewer specialized extracurricular offerings than Carrollton's public school district. Their focus is often on core academic rigor within a values-based framework, with some schools participating in local athletic leagues or academic competitions through their denominational networks.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Carrollton, MO?
The enrollment process for Carrollton's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. It is crucial to contact the school office directly, as spaces, particularly in younger grades, are limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing records from a previous school, and often a family interview or meeting with the pastor/principal. Many schools give priority to active members of their supporting church congregation. Unlike in larger cities, there is rarely a formal waiting list deadline, but early inquiry is strongly recommended due to small class sizes.
For families considering the choice, what are the practical considerations when comparing Carrollton's private schools to the Carrollton R-VII School District?
Key considerations include cost, educational philosophy, and logistics. The Carrollton R-VII School District provides a tuition-free education with broader extracurricular and advanced course options, especially at the high school level. The private schools offer a specific religious environment and typically smaller student-to-teacher ratios. Practically, private school families must account for tuition, transportation (as private schools do not provide district busing), and possibly longer drives if coming from outside Carrollton. Academically, both sectors meet Missouri state standards, but the private schools' curricula are infused with religious values. The decision often hinges on how much a family prioritizes faith-based education versus the program breadth and convenience of the public system.