The Best Private Schools in Ellington, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Paul Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
St. Paul Lutheran School is a highly-rated Christian private school located approximately 30 minutes from Ellington. The school offers a comprehensive K-8 education with strong emphasis on academic excellence integrated with Christian values. Features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a well-rounded curriculum including music, art, and physical education. The school has excellent parent satisfaction ratings and maintains strong community involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, library, and gymnasium for athletic programs.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School serves students from across Southeast Missouri, including the Ellington area. This accredited private school provides a Christ-centered education with strong academic foundations. The school features dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and comprehensive programs including STEM education, music, and athletics. Parents consistently rate the school highly for teacher quality, communication, and the supportive learning environment. The school maintains small class sizes and offers before/after school care programs.
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St. Vincent de Paul School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
St. Vincent de Paul School is a respected Catholic private school serving families throughout Southeast Missouri, including Ellington residents. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Catholic values and traditions. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community support, with excellent ratings for academic preparation and student development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellington, Missouri
What are the private school options for families in Ellington, Missouri, and what are their religious affiliations?
Ellington, MO, offers a small but dedicated selection of private schools, all with a faith-based foundation. The primary options are St. Paul Lutheran School (Lutheran - LCMS), Trinity Lutheran School (Lutheran), and St. Vincent de Paul School (Catholic). These schools typically serve students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For high school, families in Ellington often need to consider commuting to private schools in larger nearby communities like Poplar Bluff or Farmington, or explore online private academies. This limited local choice makes it important for parents to contact each school directly to understand their specific mission and community.
How does tuition at Ellington's private schools compare to state averages, and are there any Missouri-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition at Ellington's private schools is generally below the state average for Missouri, reflecting the rural cost of living. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per student, but you must contact each school for the most current rates. Missouri offers specific financial aid options that Ellington families 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 churches associated with these schools offer parishioner discounts or direct scholarship support. It's crucial to ask each school about their financial aid applications and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Ellington's private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Given Ellington's location in the Missouri Ozarks, the private schools often incorporate regional themes and outdoor education into their programs. You might find science curricula focused on local ecology, geology, and conservation related to the Mark Twain National Forest and nearby rivers. Extracurriculars are often community-centered and may include strong music programs in partnership with local churches, agricultural projects, and participation in Missouri-based academic competitions like the Lutheran School Tournament or Missouri State Science Fair. Class sizes are notably small, allowing for highly individualized instruction—a defining feature of education in this rural setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Ellington, MO?
The enrollment process for Ellington's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Due to their small size, some grades can fill up quickly. The process typically involves: 1) a campus tour and meeting with the principal, 2) submission of an application form, 3) providing past academic records, and 4) a family interview. Many schools give priority enrollment to siblings of current students and active members of their supporting congregations. It is highly advisable to initiate contact by January, even if the official deadline is later, to secure a spot. Some schools may accept mid-year transfers if space is available.
For families new to the area, how do the private schools in Ellington compare to the Ellington R-II public school district?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum framework, and community. Ellington's private schools offer very small class sizes (often 10-15 students) compared to the public district, allowing for more one-on-one attention. The public school, Ellington R-II, offers a broader range of extracurricular activities, sports teams, and advanced placement options due to its larger size and public funding. Academically, the private schools integrate religious education and a faith-based perspective into all subjects, while the public district follows Missouri state learning standards (MLS). For many local families, the choice is deeply connected to their desire for a specific faith-based community versus the comprehensive programs and no-tuition model of the public system.
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