The Best Private Schools in Gerald, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gerald. 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 students throughout Franklin County, including Gerald. Founded in 1958, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM education, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Borgia maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong community involvement. The school's mission focuses on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially.
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St. Gertrude School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Gertrude School is a respected Catholic elementary school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from Gerald and surrounding communities. Established in 1928, the school provides a strong foundation in core academics integrated with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration, music, art, and physical education. The school community is known for its family atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and strong parent involvement. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground areas.
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Immanuel Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Immanuel Lutheran School has been providing quality Christian education to students in the Washington area, including those from Gerald, since 1959. The school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a curriculum that integrates faith and learning across all subjects. Academic programs emphasize strong foundations in reading, mathematics, and science while incorporating technology and hands-on learning. The school features dedicated music and art programs, competitive sports teams, and before/after school care options. With small class sizes and experienced teachers, Immanuel Lutheran focuses on developing the whole child academically, spiritually, and socially in a nurturing environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gerald, Missouri
What are the main private school options available for families in Gerald, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
Gerald, MO, is served by a small cluster of faith-based private schools. The notable institutions are St. Francis Borgia Regional High School (grades 9-12) in nearby Washington, St. Gertrude School (preschool-8) in Krakow, and Immanuel Lutheran School (preschool-8) in Washington. Given Gerald's size, many families consider these schools in the surrounding Franklin County communities. Transportation is a key consideration, as these schools are not within Gerald's city limits, so parents should inquire about carpool options or bus availability from the schools directly.
How does tuition at private schools in the Gerald, Missouri, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. Typically, elementary/middle schools like St. Gertrude and Immanuel Lutheran have lower annual tuition than the high school level. For the 2024-2025 year, expect a range of approximately $4,000 to $8,000 for K-8, and $10,000+ for high school. A significant financial consideration for Missouri residents is the "MOScholars" program, a state-sponsored education savings account (ESA) that provides scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, all local Catholic and Lutheran schools offer parish subsidies for member families and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Gerald, Missouri, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools near Gerald emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum. Academically, they often feature smaller class sizes for individualized attention. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School offers a robust college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and distinctive programs in theology and campus ministry. St. Gertrude and Immanuel Lutheran provide strong foundational programs with dedicated music, art, and religious instruction. A notable differentiator is the emphasis on community service and character development, which is a cornerstone of each school's mission, fostering a close-knit environment less common in larger public districts.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving the Gerald, Missouri, community?
The process generally begins in the fall or winter prior to the desired school year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a tour (often held October-January). 2) Submitting an application by a priority deadline, typically in February or March, for the following academic year. 3) Providing records from previous schools, baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), and teacher recommendations. 4) Some schools require an entrance assessment for certain grade levels. It's crucial to apply early, especially for limited spots in preschool and kindergarten. Families new to the area can often apply for mid-year enrollment, subject to availability.
For a family in Gerald, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school (Gerald Elementary) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Gerald R-II School District offers the convenience of a neighborhood school with no tuition. Choosing a private school like St. Gertrude or Immanuel Lutheran involves a commute (15-20 minutes to Washington/Krakow), tuition costs, and a specific religious educational environment. Parents should consider their child's needs: private schools offer a consistent faith-based perspective and often smaller classes, while the public school provides a community-centered, secular education with potentially broader extracurricular offerings as students progress to larger regional public middle and high schools. Visiting both types of schools is essential to feel the community and academic climate difference firsthand.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Small Private Schools Near Gerald, Missouri for Your Child
For parents in Gerald, Missouri, beginning the search for "small private schools near me" is often driven by a desire for a tight-knit community, individualized attention for your child, and a values-based education that aligns with your family’s priorities. Here in our corner of Franklin County, you’ll find that small private schools are not just institutions, but integral parts of the community fabric, offering a distinct alternative to larger public districts. The benefits of a smaller setting—where teachers know every student’s name, strengths, and challenges—are particularly pronounced in a town like Gerald, where community connection is highly valued.
When exploring options, you’ll discover that the small private schools near you each offer a unique character rooted in long-standing traditions. St. Gertrude School, for instance, provides a foundational Catholic education for younger students right here in Gerald, fostering early academic and spiritual growth in a familiar, family-like atmosphere. Just a short drive away, Immanuel Lutheran School offers another excellent parochial option, emphasizing a Christ-centered learning environment from preschool through eighth grade. For families seeking continuity into the high school years, St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in nearby Washington, MO, represents a cornerstone of private secondary education, drawing students from Gerald and surrounding communities. Its regional nature allows it to maintain a moderately small, focused environment while offering robust academic and extracurricular programs.
Choosing between these excellent small private schools near you involves considering more than just curriculum. It’s about finding the right fit for your child’s personality and your family’s daily life. Practical aspects like commute times along Highway 50 or Route 185, carpool possibilities with other Gerald families, and the school’s schedule are important local considerations. The investment in private education is significant, so it’s crucial to inquire about financial aid, parish subsidies, or multi-child discounts, which these local schools often work hard to provide for community families. We strongly recommend scheduling a visit. Walking the halls, observing a classroom, and speaking directly with administrators and teachers will give you a genuine feel for the culture. Ask about average class sizes, how they support students who need extra help or additional challenges, and how they incorporate faith into the daily routine if that is important to you.
Ultimately, the search for small private schools near Gerald, MO, is a hopeful journey toward finding a second home for your child—a place where they are seen, nurtured, and prepared not just for tests, but for life. The intimate scale of these schools means your family becomes part of a close network, sharing in events, volunteer opportunities, and milestones. This sense of belonging, combined with dedicated teaching, often leads to profound academic growth and personal development. By taking the time to visit and ask thoughtful questions, you can confidently select a school environment where your child will thrive, building a strong educational foundation within the supportive context of our local community.