The Best Private Schools in Union, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Immaculate Conception School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
Immaculate Conception School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving Pre-K through 8th grade students in Union. Established in 1949, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects while incorporating technology, STEM education, and fine arts. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium. Extracurricular activities include sports teams, choir, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic preparation.
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St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
Located in nearby Washington (approximately 10 miles from Union), St. Francis Borgia Regional High School serves students from Union and surrounding communities. This Catholic college-preparatory high school offers rigorous academics with Advanced Placement courses, a comprehensive STEM program, and extensive fine arts offerings. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a strong emphasis on faith formation and community service, Borgia prepares students for college and beyond. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and successful college placements.
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St. Clare Catholic School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Clare Catholic School in St. Clair (approximately 15 miles from Union) serves students from multiple surrounding communities including Union. The school offers Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong Catholic identity and comprehensive academic program. Features include technology-integrated classrooms, specialized instruction in art, music, and physical education, and a robust preschool program. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. Parents appreciate the school's commitment to character development and academic excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for families in Union, Missouri, and what grade levels do they serve?
Union, MO, is served by a few key private, faith-based institutions. Immaculate Conception School is a Catholic school offering Pre-K through 8th grade. St. Clare Catholic School, located in nearby St. Clair, serves students from Pre-K to 8th grade and is a common choice for Union families. For high school, St. Francis Borgia Regional High School in Washington, MO, is the primary Catholic high school option, drawing students from Union and the surrounding region. These schools form a common K-12 private education pathway for many local families. Secular or independent private day schools are not currently present within Union city limits, making these parochial schools the central private options.
How does tuition at Union, Missouri's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri residents?
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year varies by school and parish membership. For example, Immaculate Conception School typically has a lower tuition rate for registered, contributing parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. St. Francis Borgia Regional High School operates on a similar model. All these schools offer need-based financial aid through their diocesan offices and individual scholarship funds. Missouri residents should also explore the state's **MOScholars** program, a tax-credit scholarship that provides financial assistance for eligible students to attend private schools, which can significantly offset costs for qualifying families in Union.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Union, MO, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Union emphasize a faith-based education integrated into the core curriculum, which is their primary differentiator. Academically, St. Francis Borgia Regional High School offers a robust college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and distinctive programs like its Engineering Academy. At the elementary level, schools like Immaculate Conception and St. Clare focus on small class sizes and character education. Extracurricularly, these schools provide opportunities in athletics, music, and drama that are notable for their community involvement and often compete at the state level through the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), similar to public schools, but within a faith-based context.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools like Immaculate Conception or St. Francis Borgia for families in Union?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It is highly recommended to contact the school's admissions office early, as some grades have limited space. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing sacramental records (for Catholic schools), academic records from previous schools, and often a family interview or student assessment. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students and active parishioners of the supporting churches. For St. Francis Borgia High School, 8th-grade students from feeder schools like Immaculate Conception often have a streamlined transition process, but open houses and shadow days for prospective students are critical steps for all families in Union to consider.
For a family in Union, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Union R-XI) and the available private school options?
The decision hinges on several local factors. The Union R-XI School District offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 education with diverse programs, including a strong vocational technical school (Four Rivers Career Center) accessible to high school students. Choosing a private school in the area involves a commitment to tuition and a faith-based environment with typically smaller class sizes. Transportation is a key practical consideration; while Union R-XI provides busing, private schools usually require parents to arrange transportation, which can be a significant factor for families considering schools in Washington or St. Clair. Ultimately, families must weigh the value of a religious education and specific academic culture against the financial investment and logistical planning required.
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