The Best Private Schools in Excello, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Excello. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Jefferson City
St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Macon serves families throughout northern Missouri, including Excello. This highly-rated parochial school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and literacy programs. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, choir, and academic competitions. Parents consistently praise the school's safe environment, strong community values, and individualized attention for students.
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Kirksville Christian School
Independent Christian School
Kirksville Christian School serves students from Excello and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education program from preschool through 12th grade. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, allowing for personalized instruction. Academic programs include college preparatory courses, Advanced Placement options, and dual-credit opportunities with local colleges. Facilities include science laboratories, computer labs, a modern library, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement and offers numerous extracurricular activities including sports, music, drama, and community service programs.
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Faith Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Faith Lutheran School in Kirksville provides quality Christian education to students from Excello and the broader northeast Missouri region. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a balanced curriculum that integrates faith with academic excellence. The STEAM-focused program includes hands-on science experiments, technology integration, and mathematics enrichment. The school features updated facilities with smart classrooms, a dedicated music room, and playground areas. Parents appreciate the strong sense of community, dedicated teachers, and the school's focus on developing well-rounded students through music programs, sports, and service learning opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Excello, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Excello, Missouri?
Excello itself is a small community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns within a reasonable commuting distance. The primary institutions include St. Mary's Catholic School (K-8) in nearby Milan or Kirksville, Faith Lutheran School (PreK-8) in Kirksville, and Kirksville Christian School. These schools offer a faith-based education as the dominant private model in this region of northern Missouri. For high school, families often look at Catholic high schools in larger regional centers or consider online private academies. It's important to visit each campus, as the small class sizes and close-knit community are significant draws for Excello-area families.
How does tuition at private schools near Excello, MO, compare to state averages, and are there any Missouri-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Excello area is generally below the national private school average, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, elementary-grade tuition at these schools typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,000 annually. Missouri offers specific financial aid programs that can help Excello families. The most notable 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 church members, sibling discounts, and need-based financial aid directly through the institution. It's advisable to apply for financial aid early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Excello, Missouri, area provide that differentiate them from public schools?
Private schools in the Excello region leverage their small size to offer personalized learning and strong faith integration. For example, St. Mary's and Faith Lutheran incorporate daily religion classes and chapel services into their core curriculum. Kirksville Christian School emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects. Academically, these schools often have combined-grade classrooms that allow for tailored instruction. While extracurricular options may be more limited than in a large public district, they are often deeply involved in Missouri-based programs like the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) for sports at the appropriate levels and local academic competitions. Agricultural and music programs are also common points of emphasis, aligning with the community's values.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Excello, MO?
The enrollment process for private schools in this area typically begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with priority often given to re-enrolling students and siblings. For schools like St. Mary's or Faith Lutheran, families should first schedule a tour and meeting with the principal. The application usually requires submission of past academic records, a pastor or teacher recommendation (for faith-based schools), and a registration fee. Some schools may have a simple assessment for grade placement. Given the small number of seats available per grade, especially in the lower grades, Excello families are encouraged to initiate contact by early spring to secure a spot. Many schools host open houses in the winter months.
For an Excello resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Macon County R-I) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The Macon County R-I district offers the convenience of proximity within Excello, while private options involve a commute to Kirksville, Milan, or similar towns. Academically, public schools provide a broader range of course offerings and extracurricular activities at the middle and high school levels due to larger size. Private schools counter with smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and a specific faith-based value system integrated into the school day. For Excello families deeply involved in a local church associated with a private school, that community connection can be a major draw. Transportation is a practical consideration, as private schools do not provide district busing, so arranging carpools or personal transport is necessary.
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