The Best Private Schools in Preston, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Preston. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Sacred Heart School
Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City
Sacred Heart School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located approximately 30 miles from Preston. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, this established institution offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on faith-based education. The school features modern STEM labs, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Sacred Heart maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has been recognized for academic excellence throughout central Missouri.
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Bishop LeBlond High School
Catholic School System
Located in St. Joseph approximately 50 miles from Preston, Bishop LeBlond High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory institution serving the northwest Missouri region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with multiple Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. With state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, Bishop LeBlond provides a well-rounded education focused on developing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth.
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Springfield Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau
Springfield Catholic Schools serves as a regional educational hub for families throughout southwest Missouri, including the Preston area. This comprehensive system includes elementary, middle, and high school programs with a strong college-preparatory focus. The school features advanced STEM laboratories, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With a commitment to academic excellence and character development, Springfield Catholic has consistently high standardized test scores and college placement rates, making it a top choice for families seeking quality private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Preston, Missouri
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Preston, Missouri?
Families in Preston, MO, are primarily served by faith-based private institutions, with the most prominent being Sacred Heart School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade) and Bishop LeBlond High School (9-12). While Springfield Catholic Schools are a major system in Missouri, they are located in Springfield, approximately 2.5 hours from Preston, and are not a practical daily commute. For Preston residents, the local Catholic school pathway from elementary through high school is a key feature. There are very few, if any, secular private day schools in the immediate Preston area, making these religious-affiliated schools the primary private option.
How does tuition at private schools in Preston, MO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition at Preston's private schools like Sacred Heart and Bishop LeBlond is generally below the average for Missouri's metropolitan private schools but is a significant consideration for families in a rural area. For the 2023-2024 academic year, elementary tuition at Sacred Heart is often in the range of $4,000-$5,500 annually, while Bishop LeBlond high school tuition is approximately $8,000-$9,500. Financial aid is primarily offered through the parish/school itself and the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. Missouri also offers state-sponsored programs like the MOScholars tax-credit scholarship, which provides funds for eligible students to attend private schools, and the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts for students with IEPs, which can be vital resources for Preston families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Preston's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Preston emphasize a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their core differentiator. Academically, Bishop LeBlond High School offers a college-prep curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-credit options through partnerships with Missouri colleges like Missouri Western State University. Extracurricularly, these schools often have strong traditions in specific areas—Bishop LeBlond is known for its athletics (competing in the MHSAA) and vocal music programs. Given their smaller size compared to regional public schools, they offer a close-knit community and more individualized attention, but may have fewer elective course offerings in specialized areas like technical education.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for Sacred Heart School and Bishop LeBlond High School in Preston?
The enrollment process for Preston's private schools is centralized and typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to active parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, then to other Catholic families, and finally to the general community if space allows. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastor reference (for Catholic families), and often a family interview. For Bishop LeBlond, placement tests may be required for incoming freshmen. It's crucial to contact the schools' admissions offices directly in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, as classes, particularly in the younger grades, can fill quickly due to the limited number of seats in this rural community.
For a family in Preston, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school like Sacred Heart/Bishop LeBlond?
The decision involves several Preston-specific factors. **Logistics:** The private school option is local within Preston for elementary (Sacred Heart), but attending Bishop LeBlond High School may involve a longer bus ride or driving, as it is located in St. Joseph, MO (about a 30-minute commute). **Cost vs. Value:** Families must weigh the tuition cost against the value of a continuous, faith-based K-12 education. **Academic Environment:** Public schools in the Preston area (like East Buchanan County C-1) may offer broader elective choices and larger sports teams, while private schools offer smaller class sizes and a specific moral framework. **Community:** Many families choose the Preston private schools for generational continuity and a tight-knit community aligned with their religious values, which is a significant aspect of life in this small Missouri town.
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