The Best Private Schools in North Augusta, South Carolina
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in North Augusta. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Augusta Preparatory Day School
Independent School
Augusta Preparatory Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) including North Augusta students. Founded in 1960, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, advanced placement courses, and comprehensive athletic and arts programs. With a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, Augusta Prep emphasizes academic excellence and character development. The campus includes modern facilities, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Many graduates attend top-tier universities nationwide.
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Westminster Schools of Augusta
Independent Christian School
Westminster Schools of Augusta is a premier classical Christian school serving the greater Augusta metropolitan area, including North Augusta families. Founded in 1972, Westminster offers a comprehensive educational program from pre-K through 12th grade grounded in the classical tradition and Christian worldview. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, extensive fine arts programs, and numerous extracurricular opportunities. With a beautiful 34-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities, Westminster emphasizes academic excellence while developing students' character and leadership abilities.
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Curtis Baptist School
Curtis Baptist Church
Curtis Baptist School has been providing quality Christian education to the Augusta-North Augusta area since 1970. Serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, the school combines strong academic preparation with biblical integration across all subjects. The college preparatory program includes honors and dual enrollment options, while comprehensive fine arts and athletic programs provide balanced development. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character education rooted in Christian values. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and performing arts spaces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in North Augusta, South Carolina
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in North Augusta, South Carolina, and are they actually located in North Augusta or nearby?
While North Augusta itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to several highly-regarded institutions in the immediate Augusta, GA metropolitan area, which is directly across the Savannah River. The top schools considered by North Augusta residents include Augusta Preparatory Day School (in Martinez, GA), Curtis Baptist School (in Augusta, GA), and Westminster Schools of Augusta (in Augusta, GA). It's important to note that these schools actively enroll students from South Carolina, and the daily commute from North Augusta is typically short. There are also smaller private Christian academies within North Augusta proper, but the larger, college-preparatory institutions are located in Georgia.
How does tuition for private schools in the North Augusta/Augusta area compare, and are there South Carolina-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $10,000 to over $25,000 annually. While these schools are physically in Georgia, South Carolina residents can still benefit from certain state programs. Most notably, South Carolina's Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children Fund provides tax credits for donations to funding organizations that grant scholarships to eligible students with disabilities to attend private schools. Additionally, all major private schools in the area offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs, which North Augusta families are encouraged to apply for during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving North Augusta students offer that leverage the local area?
Schools in the Augusta metropolitan area offer distinctive programs that capitalize on regional strengths. Augusta Prep, for instance, has a strong focus on global studies and language immersion, reflecting the international presence of companies like Club Car. Westminster Schools of Augusta emphasizes STEM and robotics, with connections to the nearby Georgia Cyber Center and Augusta University. Curtis Baptist School offers extensive fine arts and athletic programs within a Christian framework. Furthermore, many of these schools utilize the Savannah River and area parks for environmental science studies and have partnerships with local historical sites for enriched history and social studies curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Augusta area that North Augusta, SC families should follow?
The process is highly structured and requires early planning. Most competitive private schools (like Augusta Prep and Westminster) have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with admissions decisions released in March. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications with teacher recommendations and transcripts by the deadline, and completing student assessments or shadow visits. For North Augusta residents, it's crucial to inquire about specific transportation options or carpool networks, as bus service from South Carolina is usually not provided. We recommend initiating research and campus visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family living in North Augusta, what are the key considerations when choosing between a top-rated South Carolina public school (like North Augusta High School) and a private school across the river in Georgia?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, North Augusta public schools are part of Aiken County School District and are generally well-regarded, offering IB programs at some levels. Private options may offer smaller class sizes, different pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or classical Christian), or a specific religious foundation. Logistically, attending a Georgia private school involves a daily commute across state lines, which can impact morning routines and after-school activity participation. Financially, you must weigh private tuition against the tax-supported public system. Culturally, some families value the close-knit community of a private school, while others prefer the larger, more diverse environment of a public high school. It's essential to visit both types of schools to feel the difference firsthand.
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