The Best Private Schools in Washington, Missouri
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Washington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Francis Borgia Regional High School is a Catholic college preparatory school serving students in grades 9-12. With a strong academic reputation in the Washington area, the school offers rigorous college-prep curriculum, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive extracurricular programs. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes faith-based education while maintaining high academic standards, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities.
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St. Gertrude School
Archdiocese of St. Louis
Located just outside Washington in Krakow, St. Gertrude School serves students from preschool through 8th grade. This long-established Catholic school provides a strong foundation in core academic subjects while integrating faith formation throughout the curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a family-oriented community atmosphere. Programs include comprehensive religious education, music and arts, and various athletic opportunities for students. The school is known for its tight-knit community and strong parent involvement.
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Immanuel Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Immanuel Lutheran School is one of the oldest private educational institutions in the Washington area, serving students from early childhood through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic instruction with Christian values and character development. With a historic campus in downtown Washington, the school offers comprehensive curriculum including language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies integrated with religious education. The school maintains small class sizes and features experienced faculty dedicated to individual student growth and development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Washington, Missouri
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Washington, Missouri?
Washington, MO, offers a few well-established private school options, primarily with religious affiliations. For elementary and middle school, families often consider **St. Gertrude School** (Catholic, Pre-K-8) and **Immanuel Lutheran School** (Lutheran, Pre-K-8). For high school, the main option is **St. Francis Borgia Regional High School** (Catholic, 9-12), which serves Washington and the surrounding regional community. These schools provide a core private education in a smaller, values-based setting compared to the larger public school district. Availability can be limited by grade, so contacting schools directly for current openings is essential.
How does tuition at Washington, Missouri's private schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Missouri?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. Immanuel Lutheran and St. Gertrude typically have lower elementary tuition (often between $4,000-$6,000 annually), while St. Francis Borgia Regional High School's tuition is higher (approximately $10,000-$12,000). All schools offer parishioner/member discounts. Crucially, Missouri state law provides financial assistance through the **MOScholars Program**, a tax-credit scholarship for eligible students (e.g., those with an IEP, in foster care, or from lower-income households) to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools have their own need-based aid and offer payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Washington, MO, offer that leverage the local community?
Washington's private schools integrate the local context into their programs. **St. Francis Borgia Regional High School** features a strong **Engineering and Biomedical Sciences program** linked to local industries and technical colleges. Its agriculture program connects with the area's farming heritage. **St. Gertrude School** emphasizes community service projects with local organizations like the Food Pantry. **Immanuel Lutheran School** often incorporates the Missouri River and local history into its curriculum. All schools participate in Washington's robust athletic conferences and may use local facilities like the YMCA or Four Rivers Family Center for activities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Washington, Missouri, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment process for Washington's private schools typically begins in **January or February** for the following fall, with priority often given to siblings of current students and active parish/member families. Open houses are usually held in winter. While not as intensely competitive as in major metro areas, spots in popular grades (especially Kindergarten and 9th grade) at St. Gertrude, Immanuel Lutheran, and St. Francis Borgia can fill quickly due to limited capacity. The process usually involves an application, submission of records, a family interview, and for high school, placement testing. It's highly advised to initiate contact by December to ensure you meet all deadlines.
For a family moving to Washington, Missouri, what are the key considerations when choosing between the public school district and the local private schools?
The key considerations are educational philosophy, class size, cost, and religious affiliation. The **Washington School District** offers a comprehensive, tuition-free K-12 program with diverse AP courses, large-scale athletics, and specialized facilities. The private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a consistent values-based education rooted in specific faith traditions, and a tight-knit community feel. For high school, the choice often centers on whether a family prefers the broader offerings of the large public high school or the focused, college-prep environment of St. Francis Borgia. Transportation is also a factor; private schools may not provide bus service, while the public district does.
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