The Best Private Schools in Hazelwood, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hazelwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school located just minutes from Hazelwood in Waynesville. Serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive classical education rooted in Catholic tradition. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, library, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The school consistently achieves high academic performance with students typically testing above national averages. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, choir, art programs, and community service opportunities.
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Carolina Day School
Independent School
Carolina Day School is a premier independent school serving the greater Western North Carolina region, including Hazelwood families. The school offers a comprehensive educational program from Pre-K through 12th grade with both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement curricula. Known for academic excellence, the school features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and technology-rich classrooms. The student-teacher ratio of 8:1 ensures personalized attention. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities. Extensive extracurricular offerings include championship athletic teams, competitive robotics, theater productions, and outdoor education programs.
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Asheville Catholic School
Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools
Asheville Catholic School provides a rigorous classical education infused with Catholic values, serving families throughout Western North Carolina including Hazelwood. The school serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, virtue formation, and academic excellence. Features include dedicated science and computer labs, a comprehensive library, art studio, and gymnasium. The school offers Spanish language instruction beginning in kindergarten and maintains small class sizes for individualized learning. Strong parent community involvement and high parent satisfaction ratings characterize this school. Extracurricular activities include basketball, volleyball, chess club, choir, and various academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hazelwood, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Hazelwood, North Carolina?
While Hazelwood itself is a small town in Haywood County, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the broader Western North Carolina region. The closest options include St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in nearby Waynesville. For a wider range, many Hazelwood families consider schools in Asheville, approximately a 30-45 minute drive, such as Carolina Day School and Asheville Catholic School. It's important for Hazelwood parents to factor in commute times along routes like I-40 and US-276 when evaluating these options, as transportation is a key logistical consideration in this mountainous region.
How does tuition for private schools serving the Hazelwood, NC area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School (K-8) typically has lower tuition, often ranging from $6,000-$8,000, thanks to parish subsidies. Asheville-area schools like Carolina Day School (Pre-K-12) have higher tuition, often exceeding $25,000 for upper grades. North Carolina offers the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-based financial assistance for eligible families to attend private schools. This can be a significant resource for Hazelwood residents, though eligibility and award amounts depend on household income. It's crucial to apply for these scholarships early, as funding is limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Hazelwood offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Western North Carolina often integrate the region's natural and cultural assets into their curricula. Carolina Day School, for instance, has a strong outdoor education program utilizing the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains for science and leadership training. Many schools emphasize environmental science and sustainability. Furthermore, schools like Asheville Catholic School and St. John the Evangelist often incorporate community service projects focused on local Haywood and Buncombe County needs. Arts programs frequently connect with Asheville's vibrant arts scene, offering unique partnerships and learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Hazelwood, NC area?
The enrollment process for schools like Carolina Day School and Asheville Catholic School typically begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. Open houses and tours often run from September to January. Application deadlines for priority consideration are usually in January or February, with admissions decisions communicated by March. For St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, the timeline may be slightly more flexible but still encourages early application. Given the competitive nature of some Asheville-area schools and the commute from Hazelwood, it is highly advisable for families to initiate contact and campus visits 12-18 months in advance, especially for middle and high school grades.
For a family in Hazelwood, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Haywood County public schools and a private school in Asheville?
The decision hinges on several Hazelwood-specific factors. First is the daily commute: attending a private school in Asheville adds significant travel time on mountain roads, impacting family schedules and student fatigue. Academically, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like college counseling or specific learning support), and different curricular approaches (e.g., International Baccalaureate at Carolina Day). However, Haywood County public schools provide proximity, no tuition, and strong community integration. Parents should also consider the social aspect—forming friendships may be more challenging if a student's peer group lives 45 minutes away in Asheville versus within the Hazelwood community. Weighing the desired educational model against these practical logistics is essential.
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