The Best Private Schools in Laclede, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laclede. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City
St. Mary School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located approximately 15 miles from Laclede in Brookfield. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in Catholic values with strong emphasis on academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, strong community atmosphere, and the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students through robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and community service opportunities.
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Bishop Hogan Memorial School
Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph
Located in Chillicothe approximately 25 miles from Laclede, Bishop Hogan Memorial School serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a reputation for academic excellence and strong moral formation. The school offers a challenging curriculum that includes advanced mathematics and comprehensive language arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, computer lab, and gymnasium. The school is particularly noted for its outstanding music program and competitive sports teams. Parent reviews highlight the small class sizes, individualized attention, and the school's welcoming community environment.
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St. Joseph Academy
Independent Catholic School
St. Joseph Academy in Trenton (approximately 35 miles from Laclede) is one of northern Missouri's oldest and most respected private schools, serving students in grades 9-12. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with multiple Advanced Placement courses and has a strong track record of graduates attending top universities. The historic campus features modern academic facilities, science laboratories, a performing arts center, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its strong sense of tradition, exceptional faculty retention, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams and award-winning fine arts programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laclede, Missouri
What are the private school options available for K-12 students in Laclede, Missouri, and what are their religious affiliations?
Laclede, Missouri, is served by a small number of private, faith-based institutions. The primary options are St. Mary School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade, Catholic), Bishop Hogan Memorial School (Pre-K through 8th grade, Catholic), and St. Joseph Academy (a Catholic high school). Given the rural setting of Laclede County, these schools often serve families from multiple surrounding communities. For families seeking non-religious private education, options within Laclede itself are extremely limited, and parents may need to explore day schools in larger regional hubs like Brookfield or consider boarding schools.
How does tuition at Laclede's Catholic schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri families?
Tuition at St. Mary School, Bishop Hogan Memorial School, and St. Joseph Academy is generally lower than urban private schools but is a significant consideration for families in the Laclede area. Rates vary by grade level and parish membership, with active parishioners often receiving a reduced rate. Missouri offers several state-sponsored financial aid programs that Laclede families can utilize, most notably the MOScholars program, which provides tax-credit scholarships for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, the individual schools and the Diocese of Jefferson City typically offer need-based aid and parish subsidies.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Laclede's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Private schools in Laclede, MO, often integrate the region's agricultural and historical heritage into their programs. For example, science classes may include local ecology studies of the nearby Grand River or agricultural science modules. St. Joseph Academy, as a high school, may offer dual-credit courses through partnerships with local community colleges like North Central Missouri College. Extracurriculars are tightly knit with the community, featuring strong participation in Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) athletics, local history projects related to the Pioneer Heritage, and service-learning opportunities with area farms and businesses.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Laclede, and is there a priority for local residents?
The enrollment process for Laclede's private schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Priority is typically given in this order: 1) Siblings of currently enrolled students, 2) Active members of the supporting Catholic parish(es), and 3) New families from the broader community. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can fill quickly, especially in early grades. It is highly recommended for Laclede parents to contact the school office directly in the winter, attend an open house if offered, and complete registration paperwork by early spring to secure a spot.
For families in Laclede, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school district and the available private options?
The decision in Laclede often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and religious formation. The public schools, part of the Laclede County R-I School District, offer a comprehensive, tax-funded education with a wide range of resources. The private Catholic schools provide a faith-based environment with typically smaller class sizes, allowing for more individualized attention. A major practical factor is transportation, as private schools in Missouri do not provide state-funded busing, so families must arrange their own. Academically, parents should compare standardized test scores, specific program offerings (like special education services), and the community environment that aligns with their values.
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