The Best Private Schools in Gray Summit, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gray Summit. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded independent Christian school serving the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, including Gray Summit families. Founded in 1978, the school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement course offerings and comprehensive STEM programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1 and has a strong track record of college placements. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, fine arts, and numerous student organizations.
Programs:
Thomas Jefferson School
Independent College Preparatory School
Thomas Jefferson School is an elite independent college preparatory school that serves day students from the St. Louis metropolitan area, including Gray Summit, as well as boarding students from around the world. Founded in 1946, the school is known for its rigorous academic program and small class sizes with a 6:1 student-teacher ratio. The school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum and has an exceptional record of college placements at top-tier universities. The 20-acre campus features academic buildings, athletic facilities, and residential halls. The school emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and global perspectives while offering comprehensive athletic and arts programs.
Programs:
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
Archdiocese of St. Louis Catholic Schools
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School is a comprehensive Catholic high school serving students from multiple counties, including Franklin County where Gray Summit is located. Established in 1959, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic programs, including college preparatory courses, STEM initiatives, and vocational training. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. With a commitment to developing well-rounded students, Borgia maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence and character formation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gray Summit, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Gray Summit, Missouri, and are they located within the town itself?
Gray Summit, MO, is a smaller community, so most of the top-rated private schools are located in nearby areas but serve the Gray Summit region. The most prominent options include Westminster Christian Academy in Town and Country (a PK-12 Christian school), St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington, MO (a Catholic 9-12 school), and Thomas Jefferson School in Sunset Hills (a private, independent day and boarding school for grades 7-12). While Gray Summit itself has limited on-site private institutions, families commonly commute to these excellent schools in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, with transportation often being a key consideration.
How does tuition for private schools serving Gray Summit, MO, compare, and are there Missouri-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Francis Borgia Regional High School has a parish-supported tuition around $10,000, while Westminster Christian Academy and Thomas Jefferson School have tuitions that can exceed $25,000. Missouri offers several state-sponsored financial aid programs that Gray Summit residents can utilize. The most notable is the MOScholars program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for Catholic families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible to Gray Summit students?
The private schools near Gray Summit provide distinct specializations. Westminster Christian Academy offers a strong college-prep curriculum integrated with Christian worldview teaching and extensive athletic programs. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School provides a comprehensive Catholic education with notable vocational/technical tracks through its partnership with Four Rivers Career Center, a valuable option for hands-on learners. Thomas Jefferson School is renowned for its intensive liberal arts and sciences focus, small seminar-style classes, and a high rate of National Merit Scholars, catering to academically gifted students. This range allows Gray Summit families to choose an environment that best fits their child's learning style and goals.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Gray Summit, MO, area, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired school year. For schools like Westminster and Thomas Jefferson, applications are often due between January and February, with admission decisions released by March. St. Francis Borgia may have a rolling admissions policy but encourages early application. Admission competitiveness varies: Thomas Jefferson, being a small school for gifted students, has a highly selective process including testing and interviews. Westminster Christian Academy also has a competitive process with consideration of academic records, testing, and family interviews. It is essential for Gray Summit parents to attend open houses in the fall, often hosted between October and December, and to apply early due to limited space, especially in entry-level grades.
For a family in Gray Summit comparing local public schools with private options, what are the key logistical and philosophical differences to consider?
The key difference lies in district boundaries, educational approach, and community. Gray Summit is primarily served by the Franklin County R-II (Spring Bluff) School District. Choosing a private school often involves a commute to Washington or St. Louis County. Philosophically, the private options provide religious formation (Christian or Catholic) or a highly specialized academic mission, which the public system does not. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes and may offer more advanced or niche curricula. Financially, public schools are tax-funded, while private requires tuition. Many Gray Summit families value the private options for their specific community ethos, college preparatory focus, or alignment with family faith, weighing this against the convenience and no-tuition cost of the local public schools.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities