The Best Private Schools in Brighton, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brighton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Episcopal School
St. Mary's Episcopal School
St. Mary's Episcopal School is a premier independent school serving girls from age 2 through grade 12, located approximately 30 minutes from Brighton. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes, with 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges. Features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular programs including championship athletic teams and renowned arts programs.
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Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School is an internationally recognized independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, located about 25 minutes from Brighton. As Memphis's only full International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the IB Diploma Programme alongside comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school features a diverse student body with students from over 40 countries, exceptional faculty with advanced degrees, and outstanding facilities including technology-rich classrooms, science laboratories, and extensive athletic facilities. Known for producing National Merit Scholars and strong college placement.
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Tipton-Rosemark Academy
Tipton-Rosemark Academy
Tipton-Rosemark Academy is a Christian college preparatory school located just 15 minutes from Brighton, serving students from pre-K3 through 12th grade. The school offers a comprehensive academic program grounded in Christian values with small class sizes and individualized attention. Features strong athletic programs with multiple state championships, vibrant fine arts department, and modern facilities including STEM labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. Known for its family atmosphere, strong community involvement, and consistent college acceptance rates near 100%.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brighton, Tennessee
What are the main private school options for families living in Brighton, Tennessee, and are they located directly in Brighton or in nearby areas?
While Brighton itself is a smaller suburban community, families typically look to private schools in the broader Memphis metropolitan area. The most prominent options near Brighton include Tipton-Rosemark Academy (TRA) in nearby Millington, which is a popular choice for many Brighton residents due to its proximity and Christian-based education. For families willing to commute further into Memphis, highly-regarded institutions like St. Mary's Episcopal School (all-girls) and Lausanne Collegiate School (co-ed, International Baccalaureate) are also accessible. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically located within Brighton's city limits, so commuting is a standard expectation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Brighton, TN area compare, and are there Tennessee-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Brighton area varies significantly based on the school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Tipton-Rosemark Academy (closest major option) has tuition ranging from approximately $10,000 to $15,000 depending on grade level. Schools in Memphis like Lausanne and St. Mary's can exceed $30,000 annually. Tennessee offers specific financial aid through the Individualized Education Account (IEA) program for students with certain disabilities, and the Education Savings Account (ESA) pilot program, which can provide funds for eligible students in certain districts to attend private schools. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible to Brighton residents?
Private schools serving Brighton families offer distinct specializations. Lausanne Collegiate School is notable for its full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum program, providing a globally-focused curriculum. St. Mary's Episcopal School offers a rigorous college-prep environment with renowned arts and STEM initiatives specifically for girls. Closer to home, Tipton-Rosemark Academy provides a Christ-centered education with strong athletics, particularly in baseball and basketball, and dual-enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Many of these schools also have robust robotics, fine arts, and community service programs that leverage resources from the greater Memphis area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Brighton, Tennessee, and when should applications be submitted?
The enrollment process for competitive private schools in the Memphis area typically begins a full year in advance. For fall admission, applications for schools like Lausanne and St. Mary's often open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. This usually involves standardized testing (like the ISEE), interviews, teacher recommendations, and campus visits. Tipton-Rosemark Academy may have a slightly more flexible timeline but still encourages early application, often by March. It is crucial for Brighton parents to plan ahead, as waiting lists are common, and commuting logistics may be a factor in admissions considerations.
For Brighton parents considering the choice, what are the key differences between the local public schools (Tipton County Schools) and the available private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curriculum focus, and religious affiliation. Brighton's public schools are part of the Tipton County School District, which offers a solid education with no tuition. Private options like TRA provide much smaller class sizes, a mandatory Christian curriculum, and often more individualized attention. Memphis-based private schools offer elite college preparatory tracks, extensive resources, and diverse student bodies, but come with high tuition and a significant commute. The decision often hinges on a family's priorities for religious education, specific academic programs (like IB), and willingness to manage the commute into Shelby County for the top-tier options.