The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George's Independent School - Germantown Campus
St. George's Independent School
St. George's Independent School is a highly respected college preparatory school serving the greater Memphis area, including Arlington families. The Germantown campus serves students from pre-K through 8th grade with a rigorous academic program that emphasizes critical thinking and character development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. George's offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for academic success and leadership roles.
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Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School is an elite independent day school serving students from across the Memphis area, including Arlington. As Memphis's only full International Baccalaureate World School, Lausanne offers a globally-focused education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features a diverse student body and emphasizes developing global citizens through its rigorous IB curriculum. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Lausanne consistently ranks among the top private schools in Tennessee for academic achievement and college placements.
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Briarcrest Christian School
Briarcrest Christian School System
Briarcrest Christian School is a prominent private Christian school serving the Memphis metropolitan area, including Arlington residents. With a 50-year history of academic excellence, Briarcrest offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values. The school features extensive athletic facilities, including multiple gymnasiums and sports fields, along with robust fine arts programs. Briarcrest maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements, with graduates attending top universities nationwide. The school community emphasizes spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Arlington, TN, and are there any directly within the city limits?
While Arlington itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in Arlington, TN, primarily look to highly-regarded institutions in the surrounding Greater Memphis area. The top-tier options frequently considered include St. George's Independent School (with campuses in Germantown and Collierville), Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, and Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis. These schools are all within a 20-40 minute commute from Arlington. There are no major, comprehensive K-12 private school campuses physically located within Arlington's city limits, making a commute part of the consideration for most families seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Arlington, TN, area compare, and are there Tennessee-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the premier private schools serving Arlington families is significant and competitive with national averages. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $15,000 to over $30,000 annually depending on the grade level and school. Tennessee offers a unique financial aid option through the **Individualized Education Account (IEA) program**, which provides state-funded accounts for eligible students with certain disabilities to use for private school tuition and other educational expenses. Additionally, all major private schools in the area have their own robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's crucial to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission, as deadlines are strict.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Arlington, TN, offer that distinguish them from local public schools?
The private schools accessible to Arlington residents offer specialized programs not always available in public districts. For example, **Lausanne Collegiate School** is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, offering the full IB continuum from Primary Years through Diploma. **St. George's Independent School** is known for its strong college preparatory curriculum and distinctive global studies emphasis. **Briarcrest Christian School** offers extensive faith-based integration and competitive athletic programs within the TSSAA. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and unique electives like robotics, engineering, or intensive arts programs that provide a differentiated educational experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Memphis/Arlington, TN, area?
The enrollment process for top private schools near Arlington is highly structured and begins early. The key timeline is as follows: **Applications typically open in August or September** for the following fall. **Open houses and tours run from September through January.** Most schools have a **priority application deadline between January and February**, with decisions released in March. Key steps include submitting an application, standardized testing (like the ISEE or school-specific assessments), school records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For the most competitive grades (like kindergarten, 6th, and 9th), starting the process a full year in advance is strongly advised. Waiting lists are common, so prompt action is essential.
For an Arlington, TN, family, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the highly-rated Arlington public schools and a private school in the region?
Arlington Community Schools is an excellent, highly-rated public district, making the decision deeply personal. Major considerations include: **1. Commute:** Arlington public schools are neighborhood-based, while private options require a daily drive to Germantown, Collierville, or Memphis. **2. Educational Philosophy:** Public schools follow state standards, while private schools offer specific approaches (IB, faith-based, progressive). **3. Cost:** Public schools are tax-funded, whereas private tuition is a direct, significant expense. **4. Class Size:** Arlington public schools have good ratios, but private schools often offer even smaller, more personalized settings. **5. Extracurricular Scope:** Larger public high schools may offer more niche sports or activities, while private schools may offer more focused, high-level programs in specific areas. Many families in Arlington weigh the convenience and quality of the local public system against the specialized mission and community of a private institution.
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