The Best Private Schools in Taylor, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Taylor. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Wilson School
Independent
The Wilson School is a highly-rated independent school located in Clayton, approximately 35 minutes from Taylor. Serving students from age 3 through sixth grade, Wilson offers a challenging academic program with emphasis on STEAM education, literacy, and character development. The school features small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio, modern technology integration, and extensive enrichment programs including foreign language, music, and physical education. The campus includes dedicated science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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Thomas Jefferson School
Independent
Thomas Jefferson School is a highly-regarded co-educational college preparatory school serving students in grades 7-12. Located approximately 30 minutes from Taylor, this independent school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes averaging 10 students per teacher. The school emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills across all disciplines, with 100% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains a strong sense of community with diverse extracurricular opportunities including theater, music, and competitive sports.
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Principia School
Principia Corporation
Principia School is a respected independent school located in West St. Louis County, approximately 40 minutes from Taylor. Serving students from preschool through 12th grade, Principia offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and extensive arts and athletics programs. The 360-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and technology centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character education, global perspective, and outdoor education through its unique Environmental Learning Center. Principia maintains strong college placement records and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Taylor, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Taylor, Missouri?
While Taylor itself is a small, unincorporated community, families in the area have access to several prestigious private schools located a short drive away in St. Louis County. The most prominent options include Thomas Jefferson School in Sunset Hills, known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum; The Wilson School in Clayton, celebrated for its progressive, child-centered education for young learners; and Principia School in Town and Country, which offers a comprehensive PK-12 program with a focus on character education. These schools serve the broader region, including Taylor, and represent the core of private education accessibility for local families.
How does the tuition for private schools near Taylor, MO, compare, and are there Missouri-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the top private schools near Taylor varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $30,000 annually, with upper schools typically at the higher end. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Importantly, Missouri residents should explore the state's "MOScholars" program, which provides education savings accounts (ESAs) for eligible students (e.g., those with an IEP, from low-income families, or in foster care) to use at private schools. This can substantially offset costs. Additionally, many schools participate in variable tuition models and offer payment plans to improve affordability for families in the Taylor area.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Taylor, Missouri, offer that differentiate them?
Schools serving the Taylor area provide distinct specializations. Thomas Jefferson School is renowned for its intensive liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with a hallmark senior thesis project and exceptional college matriculation. The Wilson School emphasizes innovative, project-based learning and social-emotional development from a young age. Principia School offers a unique "Learning Through Doing" approach and extensive outdoor education programs, leveraging its 360-acre campus. For families interested in specific tracks, these schools offer advanced STEM labs, renowned arts programs, and competitive athletics that compete in the St. Louis metro leagues, providing opportunities not typically available in smaller public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools near Taylor, MO?
The admission process for schools like Thomas Jefferson, Wilson, and Principia is highly structured and begins early. The main application cycle typically opens in September, with deadlines for financial aid and applications falling between January and February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores (like the ISEE or SSAT for middle/upper schools). Most schools require a family interview and a student visit or assessment day. Notification of decisions is usually released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, families in Taylor are strongly advised to start research and campus visits a full year in advance, ideally in the fall prior to desired enrollment.
For a family in rural Taylor, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school in the St. Louis area?
Commuting is a primary practical consideration. The drive from Taylor to campuses in Clayton, Town and Country, or Sunset Hills can take 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Most schools do not provide transportation from Taylor, so carpooling with other local families is often essential to build community and share the drive. While the schools have vibrant communities, being from a more rural area like Taylor means your child may be friends with peers who live farther away, impacting spontaneous social plans. However, these schools actively foster inclusivity and often have family associations that help connect geographically dispersed families. The trade-off is access to a diverse, resource-rich educational environment that significantly differs from the local public school options in Jefferson County.