The Best Private Schools in Gravois Mills, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gravois Mills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Camden Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Camden Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Lake of the Ozarks region, including Gravois Mills. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and individualized attention. Students benefit from a strong STEM program, competitive athletics, and character development through biblical integration. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology resources, and athletic fields. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and strong community atmosphere.
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Lake Ozark Christian School
Lake Ozark Christian Church
Lake Ozark Christian School provides a classical Christian education to students throughout the Lake area, including Gravois Mills families. The school emphasizes rigorous academics through the classical trivium model while integrating biblical worldview across all subjects. Notable programs include comprehensive fine arts, competitive sports teams, and college counseling. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and features well-equipped classrooms, a library, and athletic facilities. Parent reviews highlight the strong academic foundation and caring environment.
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Morgan County R-II School District - Versailles High School (Private School Alternative Program)
Morgan County R-II School District
While technically part of the public school system, Versailles High School's alternative and specialized programs serve as a private school alternative for Gravois Mills area families seeking enhanced educational opportunities. The school offers extensive college credit courses through partnerships with local colleges, robust career technical education programs, and comprehensive fine arts and athletic offerings. The campus features modern facilities including advanced labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The program has gained recognition for its academic excellence and student achievement outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gravois Mills, Missouri
What are the actual private school options available for families residing in Gravois Mills, Missouri?
Gravois Mills itself is a small, lakeside community, so most dedicated private schools are located in nearby towns. The primary options include Camden Christian Academy in Sunrise Beach (approximately 7 miles away), Lake Ozark Christian School in Osage Beach (about 10 miles away), and the Private School Alternative Program through the Morgan County R-II School District in Versailles (roughly 20 miles away). This program is a unique public-private partnership. For broader choices, families often look toward schools in larger neighboring areas like Eldon or Jefferson City. Transportation is a key consideration given these distances.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lake of the Ozarks/Gravois Mills area compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition in this region is generally below the average for major Missouri metropolitan areas. For the 2024-2025 school year, local Christian academies like Camden Christian and Lake Ozark Christian typically have tuition ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for elementary grades. Missouri offers several state-sponsored financial aid programs that Gravois Mills families can utilize, most notably the MOScholars program, which provides Education Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) for eligible students (e.g., those with IEPs or from lower-income households) to attend private schools. Additionally, many local schools offer sibling discounts and need-based scholarships funded by their churches or communities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Gravois Mills offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Lake of the Ozarks region often incorporate the natural and community resources into their programs. For instance, several schools emphasize environmental science and biology with hands-on learning related to the lake ecosystem, forestry, and conservation. Extracurriculars frequently include fishing clubs, boating safety courses, and partnerships with local marinas or state parks. Furthermore, the strong tourism and small-business economy in the area influences programs in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, especially at the high school level, providing practical, locally-relevant experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Gravois Mills, and are there waiting lists?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Camden Christian Academy and Lake Ozark Christian School usually begin with open houses in January or February for the following academic year. The application deadline for priority consideration is often in early spring (March/April). Due to the smaller size of these schools, popular grades (particularly kindergarten and early elementary) can have limited seats and may develop waiting lists by late spring. The Private School Alternative Program in Versailles may have a different process aligned with the public school district's calendar. It is highly recommended for Gravois Mills families to initiate inquiries by December to secure spots and arrange for transportation.
For a family in Gravois Mills, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Morgan County R-II) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and logistics. The Morgan County R-II district, which serves Gravois Mills, offers the convenience of a local public school with no tuition. In contrast, private options provide specific religious instruction (typically Christian), significantly smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and often a different curricular approach. However, choosing a private school requires factoring in daily commutes of 10-30 minutes to neighboring towns. The unique Private School Alternative Program in Versailles offers a middle ground—it allows students to take some courses at the public high school while being enrolled privately, which can be beneficial for accessing specific electives or sports.
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