The Best Private Schools in Rockville, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rockville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Elementary School
St. Mary's Catholic Parish
St. Mary's Elementary School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the greater Rockville area and surrounding communities. Founded in 1959, this established institution offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, and robust extracurricular programs including music, art, and sports. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with technology and STEM education, while maintaining small class sizes that allow for individualized attention.
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St. Joseph Catholic School
St. Joseph Catholic Parish
St. Joseph Catholic School in Butler serves families throughout Bates County, including Rockville residents. Established in 1964, this Pre-K through 8th grade school provides a rigorous academic program rooted in Catholic values. The school boasts experienced teachers, modern facilities including a dedicated computer lab and library, and comprehensive athletic programs. Parents highlight the school's strong sense of community, excellent communication with families, and commitment to developing well-rounded students. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while offering enrichment in music, art, and physical education, with many graduates excelling in regional high schools.
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Clinton Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Clinton Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school serving students from Rockville and surrounding communities. Founded in 1999, this K-12 institution offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical worldview education. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology integration, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, CCA provides personalized attention and strong academic outcomes. The school offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, music programs, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic rigor, safe environment, and character development focus.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rockville, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Rockville, Missouri, and what are their core educational approaches?
In Rockville, Missouri, families have a few key private school options, each with a distinct focus. St. Mary's Elementary School and St. Joseph Catholic School are both Catholic institutions offering faith-based education integrated with standard academics, typically serving grades K-8. Clinton Christian Academy, while located nearby and serving the broader area including Rockville, provides an evangelical Protestant Christian education. The availability is limited to these smaller, religiously affiliated schools, as Rockville does not have large, secular independent private academies. For higher grades, families often need to look at private schools in larger neighboring communities or consider homeschooling cooperatives.
How does tuition at private schools in the Rockville, MO, area compare, and are there any Missouri-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the private schools serving Rockville is generally modest compared to urban private schools, often ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 annually for elementary grades, but you must contact each school for exact, current rates. A key Missouri-specific financial aid program is the MOScholars Program, a tax-credit scholarship that provides funding for eligible students to attend private schools. Eligibility is based on household income (up to 200% of the free-and-reduced-price lunch level) or other factors like having an IEP. Additionally, many Catholic schools offer parish subsidies for active members and need-based scholarships from diocesan or local funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Rockville-area private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Rockville area differentiate themselves through their religious integration and close-knit community environments. St. Mary's and St. Joseph Catholic Schools incorporate daily religion classes, sacramental preparation, and Mass attendance into the curriculum. Clinton Christian Academy emphasizes a biblical worldview across all subjects. Due to their smaller size, these schools often offer multi-age classrooms and highly individualized attention. Extracurriculars are typically more limited than in a larger public district but may include local sports leagues, academic bowls, and faith-based clubs. Their defining feature is a values-based education in a small, disciplined setting.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary's or St. Joseph Catholic School in Rockville, Missouri?
The enrollment process for Rockville's private schools usually begins in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. It is crucial to contact the school office directly, as spaces are limited. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records from any previous school, and possibly a family interview. Many schools prioritize siblings of current students and active parishioners (for parish schools). There is often no strict deadline until classes are full, but applying early is strongly advised. Some schools may host open houses or shadow days for prospective students.
For a family in Rockville, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school like Clinton Christian Academy?
The decision involves several Rockville-specific considerations. The local public school, part of a small rural district, offers no-cost education, potentially broader extracurricular activities for older students, and standardized state curricula. Choosing a private school like Clinton Christian Academy involves tuition but provides a specific religious foundation, often smaller class sizes (sometimes with combined grades), and a consistent ethical framework throughout the school day. Practically, families must consider transportation, as private schools do not provide district busing, and the commute to a school like Clinton Christian Academy. The community aspect is also key: private schools offer a tight-knit network of families with shared values, which is a significant draw in a small town like Rockville.
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