The Best Private Schools in Highfalls, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Highfalls. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The O'Neal School
Independent
The O'Neal School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum, the school emphasizes academic excellence with small class sizes and personalized attention. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, art studios, and athletic complexes. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive sports, performing arts, and community service programs. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong track record of college placements and nurturing environment.
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St. John Paul II Catholic School
Diocese of Raleigh
St. John Paul II Catholic School offers a faith-based education for students in pre-kindergarten through grade 8, with a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth. The school features a balanced curriculum that includes STEM initiatives, Spanish language instruction, and fine arts. Teachers are highly qualified, and the school maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio for individualized learning. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Parents appreciate the safe, inclusive environment and strong sense of community, with many students transitioning successfully to top high schools.
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Sandhills Classical Christian School
Classical Christian Education
Sandhills Classical Christian School provides a classical education rooted in Christian values for students in grades K-12. The curriculum focuses on the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and integrates faith-based learning across subjects. The school is praised for its dedicated teachers, strong community involvement, and emphasis on character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a library, and spaces for music and art. Extracurriculars include debate, sports, and service projects, contributing to high parent and student satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Highfalls, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Highfalls, North Carolina, and what are their core educational philosophies?
The Highfalls area, situated in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, is served by a few notable private institutions, each with a distinct approach. The O'Neal School, located in Southern Pines, is a well-regarded independent college-preparatory day school offering a rigorous curriculum from Pre-K through 12th grade. Sandhills Classical Christian School, also in Southern Pines, provides a classical, Christian education rooted in the trivium model (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and integrates faith throughout its program. St. John Paul II Catholic School, located in nearby Southern Pines, offers a faith-based education from Pre-K through 8th grade within the Catholic tradition. While not directly in the small community of Highfalls itself, these schools in the immediate surrounding area are the primary private options for local families.
How does tuition at private schools in the Highfalls, NC area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available to North Carolina residents?
Tuition in the Highfalls/Sandhills area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000-$12,000 annually for elementary grades at faith-based schools to over $25,000 for upper grades at premier college-preparatory schools. All schools offer need-based financial aid through their own funds. Importantly, North Carolina residents may also qualify for the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-based assistance for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) program offers funds for students with certain disabilities. Eligibility and award amounts depend on family income, making it essential to check directly with each school's financial aid office and the NC State Education Assistance Authority.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Highfalls, NC offer that leverage the local environment or community assets?
Private schools in the Sandhills region capitalize on the area's unique character. The O'Neal School, for example, has a strong arts program that often collaborates with local venues like the Sunrise Theater and Given Memorial Library in Southern Pines. Its location also supports unique science and outdoor education opportunities, potentially utilizing the nearby Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve. Sandhills Classical Christian School emphasizes rhetoric and debate, skills showcased in local and state competitions. Furthermore, the region's equestrian and golf culture influences extracurriculars, with some schools offering related clubs or facilitating access to local world-class facilities. St. John Paul II Catholic School integrates service learning with local Catholic parishes and community organizations in Moore County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Highfalls, NC, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Sandhills area often begins a full year in advance. Key deadlines typically fall between January and February for the following academic year. The process usually involves: 1) An inquiry and campus tour (highly recommended in the fall), 2) Submission of an application with fees by the deadline, 3) Required student assessments or shadow days, 4) Submission of teacher recommendations and school records, and 5) A family interview. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently. For the best chance of admission, especially for entry-grade levels (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades), families should initiate the process in the fall prior to enrollment. Rolling admission may be available for other grades if space permits, but planning early is crucial.
For a family living in Highfalls, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Moore County public schools to the available private school options?
Families in Highfalls are zoned for the highly-regarded Moore County Schools district, making the decision nuanced. Key considerations include: **Class Size:** Private schools typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-18 students) versus larger public school classrooms. **Curriculum Focus:** Public schools follow the NC Standard Course of Study, while private schools offer specialized approaches (classical, college-prep, faith-based). **Transportation:** Moore County Schools provide bus transportation to Highfalls residents; private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which is a significant factor given the drive to Southern Pines. **Cost:** Public schools are tuition-free, whereas private schools represent a major financial investment. **Extracurriculars:** Larger public high schools may offer a wider array of sports and clubs, while private schools often provide more individualized attention in their offerings. The decision often hinges on a family's educational priorities, values, and logistical capabilities.
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