The Best Private Schools in Trenton, North Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Trenton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Arendell Parrott Academy
Independent
Arendell Parrott Academy is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Eastern North Carolina, including the Trenton area. Founded in 1964, the academy offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts offerings. Parrott Academy boasts modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements to prestigious universities.
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The Epiphany School of Global Studies
Independent
The Epiphany School of Global Studies is an International Baccalaureate World School serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located in nearby New Bern, the school serves families throughout Eastern North Carolina, including Trenton. The school offers the full IB continuum with the Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma Programs. Epiphany emphasizes global citizenship, language acquisition, and interdisciplinary learning. The school features state-of-the-art technology integration, international exchange programs, and a diverse student body. With a focus on developing critical thinking and cultural awareness, the school prepares students for success in a globalized world.
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Grace Christian School
Grace Baptist Church
Grace Christian School is a respected Christian school serving Eastern North Carolina communities including Trenton. Founded in 1996, the school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory program integrated with biblical worldview instruction. The school features a strong academic program with dual enrollment opportunities through local colleges, competitive athletic teams, and robust fine arts programs. Grace Christian maintains modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and has a strong community reputation for family involvement and student support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Trenton, North Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Trenton, North Carolina?
While Trenton itself is a small town, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in nearby communities. The most prominent options include Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston (a college-preparatory day school), The Epiphany School of Global Studies in New Bern (focusing on global citizenship and language immersion), and Grace Christian School in Winterville (a biblically-based K-12 program). Due to Trenton's rural location in Jones County, most private schooling requires a commute to neighboring towns in Pitt, Lenoir, or Craven counties, making transportation an important local consideration.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Trenton, NC area compare, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Trenton area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, approximate ranges are: Arendell Parrott Academy ($8,000-$10,000+), The Epiphany School of Global Studies ($7,500-$9,500), and Grace Christian School ($6,000-$8,000). North Carolina offers two key financial aid programs: the Opportunity Scholarship, which provides state-funded vouchers for eligible families to attend private schools regardless of income (phased expansion), and the Disabilities Grant. Many schools also offer their own need-based financial aid. Given the median household income in Trenton/Jones County, these state programs are a critical factor for many local families considering private education.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Trenton offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region offer distinct programs not typically found in the Jones County Public Schools system. Arendell Parrott Academy provides a rigorous college-prep curriculum with extensive Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and strong athletics. The Epiphany School of Global Studies features a unique Mandarin Chinese and Spanish immersion program beginning in kindergarten, along with a global studies curriculum. Grace Christian School offers a Bible-integrated curriculum and vocational training through its "Eagle Tech" program. For Trenton families, these specialized focuses—global languages, intensive college prep, or faith-based education—are key differentiators that may require a commute but provide targeted educational environments.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Trenton, NC community?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Parrott, Epiphany, and Grace Christian generally begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority application deadlines by March. The process typically involves an application, student records review, standardized testing (for some grades), family interviews, and often a student visit or shadow day. Due to limited seats and the draw from a wide rural area including Trenton, early application is strongly advised. Many schools host open houses in the fall. A key local factor is transportation planning, as none of these schools provide bus service from Trenton, so carpool networks with other Jones County families are common.
For a family in Trenton, what are the practical considerations when choosing between Jones County public schools and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. Jones County Public Schools offer proximity and no tuition, while private options involve a daily commute of 30-60 minutes to Kinston, New Bern, or Winterville, plus significant cost. Academically, private schools may offer smaller class sizes, specialized programs, and different curricular approaches. Socially, the private school community will be more regional, whereas public schools keep children within the local Trenton community. For extracurriculars, consider the travel time for after-school activities. Many Trenton families use North Carolina's voucher programs to make private school feasible. Ultimately, the choice depends on how much a family values the specific private school offerings versus the convenience and community connection of local public schools.
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