The Best Private Schools in High Ridge, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in High Ridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
John Burroughs School
Independent
John Burroughs School is consistently ranked among the top private schools in Missouri and nationally recognized for academic excellence. This independent, co-educational college preparatory school serves grades 7-12 with a challenging curriculum that includes 27 AP courses and numerous honors options. The school features exceptional facilities including a 65,000-square-foot science center, performing arts complex, and extensive athletic facilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 and average SAT scores in the top 5% nationally, the school provides personalized attention and outstanding college placement results. The 49-acre campus supports a comprehensive educational experience.
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St. Joseph's Academy
Catholic Education Office
St. Joseph's Academy is a premier Catholic college-preparatory high school for young women, consistently ranked among the top private schools in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 26 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With a 100% college acceptance rate and average ACT scores well above state and national averages, the school maintains exceptional academic standards. The 20-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and extensive college counseling program.
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Westminster Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Westminster Christian Academy is a highly-regarded independent Christian college preparatory school serving students in grades 6-12. The school offers a comprehensive academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and spiritual development. The 48-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, fine arts facilities, and extensive athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and college acceptance rate of 100%, the school maintains strong academic outcomes. The curriculum integrates faith and learning while preparing students for competitive college admissions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in High Ridge, Missouri
What are the primary private school options for families residing in High Ridge, Missouri, and are there transportation services available?
While High Ridge itself is a smaller community, families here typically look to nearby areas for premier private school options. The most prominent include John Burroughs School and Westminster Christian Academy in nearby Town and Country, and St. Joseph's Academy in Frontenac. These schools are all within a 30-45 minute commute. It's important to note that these schools generally do not provide district-wide bus transportation from High Ridge. Most families form carpools or utilize private transportation services. Some schools may offer limited shuttle services from central park-and-ride locations, so inquiring directly with each school's admissions office is crucial for High Ridge residents planning logistics.
How does Missouri's tuition tax credit scholarship program impact the affordability of private schools for High Ridge families?
Missouri's MOScholars program is a significant financial consideration. This program provides tax credits for donations to Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs), which then grant scholarships to eligible students. For a High Ridge family, this means you may qualify for a scholarship to help cover tuition at participating private schools like Westminster Christian Academy or St. Joseph's Academy. Eligibility is based on household income (up to 200% of the free and reduced-price lunch program) and other factors like having an IEP or living in a charter county or city (Jefferson County, where High Ridge is located, qualifies). It's essential to apply early, as funds are limited, and to confirm your chosen school participates.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from High Ridge offer that align with local interests, such as agriculture or STEM?
Given High Ridge's semi-rural setting in Jefferson County, nearby private schools offer programs that both complement and expand beyond local interests. John Burroughs School is renowned for its rigorous STEM curriculum and extensive research opportunities. Westminster Christian Academy has a strong engineering track and competitive robotics teams. St. Joseph's Academy offers robust science and health profession pathways. For families with agricultural interests, while these schools may not have traditional FFA programs, they offer environmental science courses, sustainability initiatives, and outdoor education. Additionally, their proximity to St. Louis provides unparalleled access to internships, museums, and cultural institutions, blending local community values with metropolitan resources.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and key admission requirements for top private schools like John Burroughs for a student from High Ridge?
The timeline is highly structured and begins early. For fall entry, the process typically starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January, taking the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or SSAT by winter, and completing student interviews and visits by early spring. Decisions are usually released in March. For a High Ridge applicant, schools will carefully review academic transcripts from your current school (e.g., Northwest R-1 School District), standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and a personal essay. Demonstrating a willingness and ability to manage the significant commute can be an implicit part of the application, often shown through involvement in extracurriculars that require similar dedication.
How do the class sizes and student-to-teacher ratios in High Ridge's public school district compare to the nearby private school options, and what is the practical impact?
The Northwest R-1 School District serving High Ridge has an average student-teacher ratio of approximately 14:1. In comparison, the leading private options have significantly lower ratios: John Burroughs is about 7:1, Westminster Christian Academy is 9:1, and St. Joseph's Academy is 12:1. The practical impact for a High Ridge student is more personalized attention, increased in-class participation, and tailored instruction. In the private school setting, teachers can often provide more immediate feedback and customize learning approaches. This can be particularly beneficial for students seeking advanced academic challenges or those who need additional support. However, this comes with the trade-off of a much broader peer group from across the metropolitan area, rather than a community-centric student body from the immediate High Ridge area.
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