The Best Private Schools in Laurel, Montana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Laurel. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anthony's Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Anthony's Catholic School is the primary private school option located directly in Laurel, serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade. As a long-standing institution in the community, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic fundamentals. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes religion, core academic subjects, and enrichment programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school emphasizes character development and community involvement while maintaining high academic standards.
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Billings Central Catholic High School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Located approximately 15 miles from Laurel in Billings, Billings Central Catholic High School serves as the premier Catholic high school option for Laurel families. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses and comprehensive extracurricular programs. Students benefit from modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes leadership development through various student organizations and service opportunities. Many Laurel students commute to attend this highly-regarded institution.
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St. Francis Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
St. Francis Catholic School in Billings serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade and is a popular choice for Laurel families seeking Catholic education. The school provides a balanced approach to education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, spiritual formation, and character development. Features include technology-enhanced classrooms, specialized instruction in music and art, and a comprehensive physical education program. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and active parent involvement. Many Laurel students attend through carpool arrangements with other families from the area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Laurel, Montana
What are the private school options available for families residing in Laurel, Montana?
For families in Laurel, MT, the primary private school options are Catholic institutions, though they are located in neighboring Billings. St. Anthony's Catholic School serves Pre-K through 8th grade, while Billings Central Catholic High School serves grades 9-12. St. Francis Catholic School in Billings is another elementary option. Importantly, there are no private school campuses physically located within the city limits of Laurel itself. Many Laurel families commute to Billings (approximately a 15-20 minute drive) for private education. There are currently no independent secular private schools based in Laurel.
How does tuition at private schools serving Laurel, MT, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Laurel area is generally below the national private school average but aligns with regional norms. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition (e.g., St. Anthony's) is approximately $4,000-$5,500 annually, while high school tuition (Billings Central) is roughly $8,000-$9,000. Montana offers a unique tax credit program: the Montana Tax Credit for Innovative Educational Programs allows individuals and businesses to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs), which then provide need-based scholarships for private school tuition. Additionally, all the local Catholic schools offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid through direct applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Laurel, MT, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The Catholic schools accessible to Laurel families emphasize a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, which is their core differentiator. Academically, Billings Central Catholic High School offers a robust college-prep curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual-enrollment options with Montana State University Billings. Many of these schools also feature strong tradition in specific Montana-relevant extracurriculars, such as speech and debate, wrestling, and rodeo club, which complement the standard athletic and arts offerings. Their smaller class sizes, often 15-20 students, allow for more individualized attention compared to some larger public school districts in the Yellowstone County area.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for families in Laurel applying to Catholic private schools in Billings?
The enrollment process for schools like St. Anthony's and Billings Central typically begins in January for the following fall semester. Priority is often given to current families, siblings of enrolled students, and active parishioners of supporting Catholic churches. Laurel families should directly contact the admissions office of the desired school to request an application packet, which usually includes academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. It's crucial for Laurel residents to apply early, as some grades have waiting lists. Non-Catholic families are welcome to apply, but should inquire about any required religious education components.
For a family living in Laurel, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and commuting to a private school in Billings?
The decision hinges on several Laurel-specific factors. First, consider the daily commute (approx. 30-40 minutes round trip) to Billings and its impact on family logistics and student activities. Second, evaluate the educational philosophy: Laurel Public Schools offer a well-regarded, comprehensive K-12 system within the community, while private options offer a faith-based environment and often different curricular pacing. Financially, you must weigh private tuition costs against the tax-supported public system. For high school, consider if specialized programs like Laurel's strong vocational tracks or Billings Central's AP focus better suit your child's goals. Engaging with other Laurel families who have made either choice can provide valuable local insight.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Laurel, Montana: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Laurel, you know the value of a tight-knit community and a quality education for your child. The search for the right learning environment is deeply personal, and when you begin looking for "private schools around me," you quickly discover that our local options offer something special: a blend of strong academics, character formation, and a profound sense of belonging. While Laurel itself is home to a cherished institution like St. Anthony's Catholic School, which serves students from preschool through eighth grade, your search naturally extends into the broader Yellowstone Valley, revealing a network of faith-based education that many Laurel families consider part of their local landscape.
Understanding the local context is key. For many families here, the decision about private school is intertwined with daily logistics. The commute is a real consideration. While St. Anthony's provides a seamless K-8 option right in town, the pathway for continued private education often leads to Billings, just a short drive west. Schools like Billings Central Catholic High School and St. Francis Catholic School become part of the "around me" conversation for Laurel parents planning their child’s full educational journey. This continuity, from a local elementary foundation to a regional secondary school, is a common and well-trodden path for families seeking a consistent values-based education through graduation.
The benefits of these schools extend beyond religious instruction. They are known for their robust academic programs, smaller class sizes that allow for individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on community service and leadership. In a community like Laurel, where neighbors support one another, these schools reinforce the values of responsibility, respect, and integrity that resonate deeply with local families. The environment often feels like an extension of the close-knit home life we cherish here, providing a safe and structured space where children are known by name and nurtured as whole persons.
Financially, exploring "private schools around me" means investigating the support systems in place. It’s important for Laurel parents to know that these schools are committed to being accessible. Most offer tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and sometimes parish subsidies for active members, making a private education a more attainable goal for many hard-working families in our area. The investment is often viewed not just in academic terms, but as a partnership in raising conscientious young adults.
Ultimately, your search is about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs and your family’s values. The private schools serving Laurel families provide distinctive choices that prioritize academic excellence within a moral framework. We encourage you to reach out, schedule a visit to St. Anthony’s, or take the drive to tour campuses in Billings. Talk to other Laurel parents who have chosen this path. Seeing the classrooms, meeting the teachers, and feeling the community atmosphere firsthand will be the most valuable step in your journey. The right school is out there, offering a profound and supportive extension of the values you cultivate at home right here in our corner of Montana.