The Best Private Schools in Devils Elbow, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Devils Elbow. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Robert Bellarmine School
Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Schools
St. Robert Bellarmine School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Fort Leonard Wood and surrounding areas including Devils Elbow. Established in 1959, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience. Programs include advanced STEM curriculum, competitive athletics, fine arts, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic excellence.
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Waynesville Christian School
Independent Christian School
Waynesville Christian School serves students from preschool through high school and is a popular choice for families in Devils Elbow and surrounding communities. Founded in 1999, the school provides a comprehensive Christian education with college preparatory curriculum, Advanced Placement courses, and dual credit opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated spaces for arts and music. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement, with strong parent involvement and community support.
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Rolla Christian School
Independent Christian School
Rolla Christian School has been serving the Phelps County region including Devils Elbow since 1984, offering education from preschool through 12th grade. The school features a strong academic program with emphasis on STEM education, college preparation, and Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, computer labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, allowing for personalized attention. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports, music, drama, and various clubs that enhance the educational experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Devils Elbow, Missouri
What are the practical commuting options for Devils Elbow, MO families to the top local private schools, which are located in neighboring towns?
Since Devils Elbow is a small, unincorporated community, the primary private school options—St. Robert Bellarmine School in St. Robert, Waynesville Christian School in Waynesville, and Rolla Christian School in Rolla—require a commute. Most families drive, with commutes ranging from 15-20 minutes to St. Robert/Waynesville to about 30 minutes to Rolla. Carpooling with other local families is a common strategy to manage the drive. It's important to factor this daily travel into your family's schedule and to inquire with each school about potential transportation assistance or organized carpool lists from the Devils Elbow area.
How does the tuition at private schools near Devils Elbow, MO, compare to state averages, and are there Missouri-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the schools serving Devils Elbow is generally below the Missouri state average for private K-12 education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range of approximately $4,500 to $7,500 for elementary grades. Missouri offers specific financial aid opportunities that families in Devils Elbow can utilize. The most significant is the MOScholars Program, a tax-credit scholarship that provides funds for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many local schools offer parish subsidies (for affiliated church members), sibling discounts, and need-based aid. It's crucial to apply for financial aid directly through the school as early as possible.
Given the proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, do private schools near Devils Elbow have programs or support for military-connected students?
Yes, this is a significant local consideration. Schools in the Fort Leonard Wood region, including those serving Devils Elbow families, are highly experienced in supporting military children. St. Robert Bellarmine School, in particular, has a large population of military-connected students and staff familiar with the challenges of frequent moves and deployment. These schools often participate in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, ensuring smoother transitions. They may also offer flexible enrollment timelines, counseling support, and community networks specifically for military families, making them a stable choice amidst the transient nature of military life.
What unique extracurricular or academic programs do private schools in the Devils Elbow area offer that leverage the local environment or community?
Private schools in this region of the Missouri Ozarks often incorporate the local environment and community values into their programs. Waynesville Christian School and Rolla Christian School may emphasize outdoor education and stewardship of the natural surroundings. Given the strong engineering and science presence in Rolla (home of Missouri S&T), Rolla Christian School often has robust STEM initiatives. St. Robert Bellarmine School, with its Catholic identity, integrates community service projects that support both the permanent community and the Fort Leonard Wood military population. All three schools typically offer smaller class sizes, allowing for personalized attention that is a hallmark of rural and small-town education.
For a Devils Elbow resident, what is the key difference between enrolling in the local public school district versus a private school in a neighboring town?
The primary difference is one of geography and educational approach. Devils Elbow is served by the Waynesville R-VI School District, meaning your designated public school is within that district. Choosing a private school means opting for a daily commute to St. Robert, Waynesville, or Rolla for an education often grounded in a specific religious worldview (Catholic or Christian) or a particular pedagogical focus. Academically, private schools may offer a different curriculum pace or specialty programs. The social environment will also differ, as your child will build a community with families who have specifically chosen that school's mission, which can create a tight-knit network, albeit one potentially more geographically dispersed than a neighborhood public school.
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