The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Summit Preparatory School
Independent School
The Summit Preparatory School in Springfield serves students from Lebanon and throughout southwest Missouri with its innovative, project-based learning approach for grades JK-12. The school emphasizes STEAM education, critical thinking, and real-world application of knowledge through hands-on projects and community partnerships. Features include state-of-the-art science labs, outdoor education programs, competitive athletics, and comprehensive college counseling. With a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and highly qualified faculty, the school consistently produces graduates who excel in college admissions and beyond.
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St. Francis Solanus School
Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
St. Francis Solanus School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Lebanon and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education. The school emphasizes faith-based learning combined with strong academic foundations, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Programs include advanced mathematics, science labs, music, art, and competitive sports. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community partnerships, with modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms and dedicated spaces for specialized instruction.
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Greenwood Laboratory School
Missouri State University
Located in nearby Springfield (approximately 45 minutes from Lebanon), Greenwood Laboratory School serves as the demonstration school for Missouri State University's College of Education. This highly selective private school offers exceptional college preparatory education for grades K-12 with university-level resources and facilities. The curriculum features advanced STEM programs, extensive performing arts opportunities, and access to college courses. Small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and innovative teaching methods create an environment where students consistently achieve above national averages on standardized testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Lebanon, Missouri, and what are their educational approaches?
Lebanon, MO, offers a few distinct private school options, each with a different focus. St. Francis Solanus School is a Catholic institution serving Pre-K through 8th grade, providing a faith-based education rooted in Catholic values. For high school, many Lebanon families look to nearby Springfield. However, within a reasonable commute, Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield is a laboratory school affiliated with Missouri State University, known for its innovative teaching methods and serving K-12. The Summit Preparatory School, also in Springfield, is an independent school offering a progressive, project-based learning environment for grades K-12. While Lebanon itself has limited on-site high school options, these nearby schools are common choices for Lebanon residents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in and around Lebanon, MO, typically compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. St. Francis Solanus School in Lebanon generally has the most accessible tuition, often ranging from $4,000-$6,000 annually, with parishioner discounts. Schools in Springfield like The Summit Preparatory School and Greenwood Laboratory School have higher tuition, often ranging from $10,000 to $15,000+ per year. A key financial consideration specific to Missouri is the MOScholars program, a tax-credit scholarship initiative. This program provides scholarships for eligible students (including those from lower-income families or with an IEP) to attend private schools, which can substantially offset costs for qualifying Lebanon families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Lebanon students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region offer specialized programs not always available in the Lebanon R-III School District. St. Francis Solanus integrates daily religion and character education. Greenwood Laboratory School, as a university lab school, often has access to cutting-edge educational research, smaller class sizes for intensive study, and unique partnerships with Missouri State University faculty. The Summit Preparatory School emphasizes expeditionary learning, hands-on projects, and social-emotional learning as core components. These schools often provide a distinct educational philosophy—faith-based, research-driven, or progressive—that offers an alternative to the standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Francis Solanus in Lebanon, and when should parents apply?
For St. Francis Solanus School in Lebanon, the enrollment process typically begins in early spring (February/March) for the following academic year. Priority is often given to current students, siblings, and active parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing academic records, and sometimes a family interview. For the Springfield-based schools popular with Lebanon commuters (Greenwood and Summit), application deadlines can be as early as January or February, with rolling admissions thereafter if spaces remain. It's crucial for Lebanon parents to plan ahead, especially for sought-after grades, and to inquire about specific deadlines and required documents a full year in advance.
For a family in Lebanon, what are the practical considerations of choosing a local private school versus commuting to a private school in Springfield?
Choosing St. Francis Solanus in Lebanon offers the convenience of a short commute, a tight-knit community, and continuity through 8th grade, but requires a transition plan for high school. Commuting to a Springfield school (a 45-60 minute drive each way) provides access to K-12 continuity, often more diverse program offerings, and potentially a larger peer network, but comes with significant daily time and transportation costs. Parents must weigh the value of the specific educational philosophy against the family's logistical capacity. Many Lebanon families who choose private high schools in Springfield form carpools. It's also important to consider participation in after-school activities, which becomes more challenging with a longer commute.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools Near Lebanon, Missouri: A Parent's Guide
When you begin searching for "private schools around me" in Lebanon, Missouri, you're embarking on a significant decision for your family. Lebanon, nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, offers a unique educational landscape where private institutions provide alternatives that align closely with specific values, teaching philosophies, and community aspirations. For parents here, the choice often extends beyond academics to encompass a desire for a tight-knit community environment, character development, and personalized attention that can shape a child's formative years. The journey starts with understanding the distinct options available right in our own backyard.
Lebanon is fortunate to host several notable private schools, each with its own character and approach. St. Francis Solanus School, for instance, offers a faith-based, Catholic education rooted in tradition and service, appealing to families seeking to integrate spiritual growth with rigorous academics. Just a short drive away in Springfield, options like Greenwood Laboratory School, affiliated with Missouri State University, provide a unique "lab school" experience with a focus on innovative teaching methods and research-based practices. Meanwhile, The Summit Preparatory School, also in Springfield, emphasizes a progressive, project-based learning model that fosters critical thinking and independence. While not all are within Lebanon's city limits, they are considered part of the regional "around me" search for many Laclede County families who are willing to commute for the right fit.
The local context in Lebanon is crucial. Our community values strong relationships, practical learning, and a safe environment. Many parents exploring private schools here are looking for an extension of these homegrown principles—a place where their child is known by name, not just as a number. Smaller class sizes, a common feature in these settings, allow for tailored instruction that can address individual learning paces, whether a student needs extra challenge or additional support. This is particularly valuable in a community where parents often seek partners in education who communicate openly and frequently.
Financially, investigating private schools around Lebanon requires practical planning. While tuition is an investment, most schools offer financial aid, scholarships, or parish subsidies (in the case of faith-based schools) to make education accessible. It's a conversation worth having directly with admissions staff. Furthermore, consider the daily logistics. For schools in Springfield, the commute via Highway 44 is a factor, impacting family schedules and extracurricular participation. Visiting each campus is indispensable; there's no substitute for feeling the atmosphere, observing teacher-student interactions, and asking current parents about their experiences.
Ultimately, your search for "private schools around me" in Lebanon, MO, is about finding a partnership. It's about aligning a school's mission with your family's hopes for your child's growth—intellectually, socially, and morally. Take your time, schedule tours, and ask detailed questions about curriculum, community involvement, and outcomes. The right school will feel like an extension of your family, providing a nurturing yet challenging foundation that prepares your child not just for tests, but for life beyond the classroom, right here in the heart of Missouri.
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