The Best Private Schools in Franklin, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Franklin. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving Franklin County and surrounding areas. Located just 15 minutes from Franklin in Washington, MO, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and competitive athletic programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and community service, the school maintains a 99% college acceptance rate and has earned recognition for academic excellence.
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St. Gertrude School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Gertrude School is a well-established Catholic elementary and middle school located in nearby Washington, MO, serving students from Franklin and surrounding communities. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, faith formation, and character development. Features include modern technology integration, small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with many graduates continuing to top regional high schools.
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Immanuel Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Immanuel Lutheran School in Hermann, MO serves families throughout the region including Franklin area. As one of Missouri's oldest continuously operating private schools, it offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong Christian foundation. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, comprehensive curriculum including advanced mathematics and language arts, and robust music and arts programs. With historic roots and modern educational approaches, the school maintains high academic standards while emphasizing spiritual growth and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Franklin, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Franklin, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
Franklin, MO, offers a few key private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School serves students in grades 9-12. St. Gertrude School and Immanuel Lutheran School are elementary/middle schools. St. Gertrude typically covers preschool through 8th grade, while Immanuel Lutheran generally serves preschool through 8th grade as well. It's important to note that Franklin is a smaller city, so private school options are limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. Many families in the region also consider private schools in nearby Washington, MO, or Union for additional choices, particularly for specialized programs.
How does tuition for private schools in Franklin, MO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in Franklin, MO, is generally below the state average for Missouri private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary school tuition at local parochial schools often ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 annually, while high school tuition at St. Francis Borgia can be approximately $8,000 to $10,000. All the major schools (St. Francis Borgia, St. Gertrude, Immanuel Lutheran) offer financial aid, typically based on demonstrated need through applications like FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Additionally, Missouri state programs like the MOScholars Scholarship Program (Education Savings Accounts) can provide significant financial assistance to eligible families, making private education more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Franklin, Missouri's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Franklin, MO, often integrate the region's strong agricultural, historical, and small-town community values into their programs. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School offers robust agriculture science and FFA programs, reflecting Franklin's place in Franklin County's farming community. Many schools emphasize service learning with local partners, such as area food pantries and historical societies. While STEM and arts are covered, there is a distinctive focus on character education and faith-based learning aligned with the schools' religious missions. Extracurriculars often include strong track and field, baseball, and softball programs that compete in local leagues deeply rooted in the Missouri landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Franklin, Missouri, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Franklin's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and members of the supporting parish (for parochial schools). Open houses are commonly held in early winter. While these schools are not typically characterized by long waitlists like those in major cities, popular grades (especially kindergarten and pre-K) at St. Gertrude and Immanuel Lutheran can fill quickly due to limited seats. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor/principal recommendation (for parish schools), and often a family interview. It's highly advisable for Franklin-area parents to initiate contact by December to ensure a spot.
For families deciding between the Franklin County R-II public school district and a private school in Franklin, MO, what are the key differentiating factors?
The key differentiators center on class size, religious education, and specific program offerings. Franklin County R-II public schools provide a comprehensive, tuition-free education with potentially broader elective choices at the secondary level. In contrast, Franklin's private schools offer much smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a structured environment with integrated faith and moral instruction, and a close-knit community feel. The private schools often have more consistent student-teacher ratios from year to year. For college preparation, St. Francis Borgia has a strong track record of graduates attending Missouri colleges and universities. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious foundation and personalized attention versus the no-cost, secular option with potentially more diverse extracurriculars.
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