The Best Private Schools in Rose Hill, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rose Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Epiphany School of Global Studies
Independent
The Epiphany School of Global Studies is a highly-regarded independent school located approximately 30 miles from Rose Hill. Offering the International Baccalaureate program from elementary through high school, the school emphasizes global citizenship, critical thinking, and academic excellence. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong college preparatory focus while incorporating international perspectives across all subjects. Extracurricular activities include Model UN, robotics, and international travel opportunities.
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Arendell Parrott Academy
Independent
Arendell Parrott Academy is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving eastern North Carolina, located approximately 20 miles from Rose Hill. Founded in 1964, the academy offers a comprehensive curriculum with 20+ Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 40-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic complex. With a student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the school emphasizes individualized attention and academic rigor, consistently producing graduates who attend top-tier colleges and universities.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools
St. Mary Catholic School provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence. Located approximately 45 miles from Rose Hill in Wilmington, this long-established school offers a rigorous curriculum enhanced by technology integration, STEM programs, and fine arts. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities while maintaining small class sizes. With a focus on character development and community service, St. Mary prepares students for success in high school and beyond while serving families throughout southeastern North Carolina.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rose Hill, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Rose Hill, North Carolina?
While Rose Hill itself is a smaller town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private institutions in nearby communities. The most prominent include Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston (approximately a 20-minute drive), which is a leading independent college-preparatory school for grades K-12. The Epiphany School of Global Studies in New Bern (about a 30-minute drive) offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. For a faith-based option, St. Mary Catholic School in Kinston provides education from Pre-K through 8th grade. Many Rose Hill residents consider these schools part of their local educational landscape due to the commuting patterns in rural Eastern North Carolina.
How does tuition at private schools serving the Rose Hill, NC area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Arendell Parrott Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 for lower school to over $10,000 for upper school. The Epiphany School of Global Studies, as an IB World School, has tuition typically above $10,000. St. Mary Catholic School is generally more affordable, often under $6,000. A critical financial consideration for North Carolina residents is the Opportunity Scholarship Program, a state-funded voucher that provides income-based assistance for families to choose private schools. Eligibility has expanded, making it a vital resource for many families in Duplin County and Rose Hill to offset tuition costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Rose Hill, NC?
The schools serving the Rose Hill area offer distinct specializations. The Epiphany School of Global Studies is unique for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program from Primary Years through Diploma, emphasizing global citizenship and language acquisition. Arendell Parrott Academy is known for its strong college-prep curriculum, robust athletics, and fine arts programs, along with a notable aviation ground school course—a rare offering in Eastern NC. St. Mary Catholic School provides a structured, values-based education with a focus on community service. These programs offer alternatives to the standard public school curriculum, with particular strengths in advanced academics and character development.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Arendell Parrott Academy for a family in Rose Hill?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the region is competitive and begins early. For schools like Arendell Parrott Academy, the application period for the following academic year typically opens in the fall, with priority deadlines often in January or February. The process usually includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a student assessment or shadow day. Given the limited seats and the draw from across Eastern North Carolina, including towns like Rose Hill, it is highly advisable to initiate inquiries a full year in advance. Many schools also host open houses in the autumn, which are essential for families to attend.
For a Rose Hill resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the local public school options with nearby private schools?
Key considerations include educational philosophy, class size, and program specificity. Rose Hill is served by the Duplin County Public School system, which provides a standard curriculum. In contrast, private options like Parrott Academy or Epiphany offer significantly smaller class sizes, specialized curricula (like IB), and often more resources for accelerated learners. Transportation is a major factor, as private schools require personal commuting to Kinston or New Bern. The financial aspect, balanced with potential state voucher aid, is crucial. Many families in the area choose private schools for their perceived college preparatory edge, structured environments, and consistent academic performance compared to the variable ratings of rural public school districts in Eastern NC.
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