The Best Private Schools in Cedar Hill, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cedar Hill. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University Heights Academy
Independent
Located just across the state line in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, University Heights Academy serves students from throughout the region, including Cedar Hill, Tennessee. Founded in 1973, this independent college preparatory school offers a challenging academic environment with a strong focus on STEM education and character development. The school features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. UHA maintains small class sizes and offers a robust athletic program alongside strong arts and extracurricular offerings, preparing students for success in college and beyond.
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Clarksville Academy
Independent
Clarksville Academy is a premier independent school serving the greater Clarksville area, including Cedar Hill. Established in 1970, this college preparatory school offers a comprehensive educational experience from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features small class sizes, rigorous academic programs including Advanced Placement courses, and a strong emphasis on character development. Their 60-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Good Shepherd Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Nashville
Good Shepherd Catholic School provides a faith-based education to students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, serving families throughout Montgomery County including Cedar Hill. Established in 2000, the school combines strong academic preparation with Catholic values and traditions. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science with laboratory experiences, and Spanish language instruction from early grades. The school features modern technology integration, a STEM lab, art studio, music program, and competitive athletic teams. The close-knit community and dedicated faculty create a nurturing environment focused on academic excellence and character formation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cedar Hill, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Cedar Hill, Tennessee?
While Cedar Hill itself is a small, unincorporated community, families typically look to nearby cities for private education. The most prominent options include Clarksville Academy (a Pre-K through 12th grade college-preparatory school in Clarksville), University Heights Academy (a Pre-K through 12th grade Christian school in Hopkinsville, KY, just across the state line), and Good Shepherd Catholic School (a Pre-K through 8th grade school in Clarksville). Given Cedar Hill's rural location, commuting to Clarksville, TN, or Hopkinsville, KY, is standard for private school families, with drive times typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes.
How does tuition at private schools near Cedar Hill, TN, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for schools serving the Cedar Hill area is generally competitive for the region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Clarksville Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $10,000 for lower school to $13,000 for upper school. Good Shepherd Catholic School is typically lower, often around $6,000-$8,000 for parishioners. As a Kentucky school, University Heights Academy has its own fee structure. Importantly, Tennessee offers the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which can provide state funds for eligible students to attend private schools. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs, which Cedar Hill residents are encouraged to apply for during the admissions process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Cedar Hill offer that leverage the local community?
Schools in the Clarksville/Fort Campbell area cater to a diverse population, including military families. Clarksville Academy offers robust Advanced Placement (AP) programs and partnerships with local Austin Peay State University for dual enrollment. Its location near Fort Campbell also influences community service and cultural exchange programs. University Heights Academy emphasizes a Christian worldview integrated with STEM and arts. Good Shepherd Catholic School provides a faith-based foundation with a strong focus on service learning. A unique consideration for Cedar Hill students is that these schools often have experience with students from rural communities, providing structured environments and transportation options that accommodate longer commutes.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Cedar Hill, Tennessee families?
The enrollment process for schools like Clarksville Academy and Good Shepherd Catholic School usually begins in the fall or early winter for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (often held October-January), 2) Submitting an application by January-February for priority consideration, 3) Completing student assessments and/or shadow days, and 4) Receiving admission decisions by March. Due to Cedar Hill's location, it's crucial to inquire about transportation early; while some schools offer limited bus service to broader areas, most families arrange private transportation. We recommend contacting admissions offices by October of the year prior to desired enrollment to secure testing and tour dates.
For a family in rural Cedar Hill, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school (Montgomery County Schools) to private options in Clarksville or Hopkinsville?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and class size. Montgomery County public schools provide a no-transportation-cost option, but private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25+ in public) and specialized attention. For college preparation, private schools like Clarksville Academy have near-100% college acceptance rates with dedicated counseling. The commute from Cedar Hill to a Clarksville private school is similar to commuting to a centralized public middle or high school. Furthermore, private schools can offer more consistent programming unaffected by county rezoning. Families should also consider the Tennessee ESA funds, which can make private school financially comparable when factoring in potential savings on supplemental educational services.
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