The Best Private Schools in Covington, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Covington. 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 highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving girls from age 2 through grade 12. Located in Memphis, approximately 45 minutes from Covington, it serves students from across the greater Memphis metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts offerings, and championship athletic programs. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, personalized attention and academic excellence are hallmarks of the St. Mary's experience. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes.
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Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School
Lausanne Collegiate School is an independent, coeducational day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Located in Memphis, it serves families throughout the Memphis metropolitan area including Covington. Lausanne is known for its comprehensive International Baccalaureate program, being one of only a few schools in the region to offer the full IB continuum. The school emphasizes global education and diversity, with students from over 50 countries. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities worldwide.
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Hutchison School
Hutchison School
Hutchison School is an independent college preparatory school for girls from early childhood through grade 12. Serving the greater Memphis area including Covington families, Hutchison combines academic excellence with character development. The school offers a robust STEM program, extensive arts curriculum, and competitive athletic teams. Notable facilities include the Sue H. Hyde Sports and Science Center, Campbell Art Gallery, and state-of-the-art technology labs. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized education and maintains strong college placement records. Hutchison's campus spans 52 acres with comprehensive academic, athletic, and arts facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Covington, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Covington, Tennessee, and are there any located directly in the city?
While Covington itself has a limited number of private schools, families in the area often consider prestigious institutions in the greater Memphis metropolitan region, which is about a 30-45 minute commute. The schools frequently considered include St. Mary's Episcopal School, Lausanne Collegiate School, and Hutchison School, all located in Memphis. Locally within Tipton County, options may include smaller faith-based academies. It's important for Covington parents to factor in transportation logistics when exploring the top-tier private schools in the region.
How does tuition for major private schools near Covington, TN, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available to Tennessee residents?
Tuition for schools like Lausanne, St. Mary's, and Hutchison is typically higher than the Tennessee private school average, often ranging from $25,000 to $30,000+ annually for upper grades. Tennessee offers specific financial aid programs that Covington residents can access, most notably the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded accounts for eligible students to use for private school tuition and other expenses. Additionally, most independent schools offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school's financial aid office, often using the SSS (School and Student Services) platform.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Covington, TN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools like Lausanne Collegiate School offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, a globally recognized program less commonly found in public districts. St. Mary's and Hutchison provide robust college preparatory curricula with extensive advanced placement (AP) offerings and signature programs in STEM, arts, and leadership. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialized college counseling, and unique extracurriculars such as competitive robotics, championship-caliber sports teams, and international travel opportunities that may be more limited in Covington's public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Memphis area for a family moving to Covington?
The admission process for top Memphis private schools is highly structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January deadlines, completing student assessments and interviews (often in January-February), and receiving decisions in March. For families moving to Covington mid-cycle, it's essential to contact admissions offices immediately, as some schools may have rolling admission or waitlists for certain grades. Given the commute, many schools will discuss transportation and carpool options with incoming Covington families.
For a family in Covington, what are the major considerations when deciding between the local public school system and a private school in Memphis?
The decision hinges on several factors unique to the Covington location. Academically, it involves comparing the specific programs and class sizes of Covington High School against the specialized curricula (like IB) and resources of Memphis private schools. Logistically, parents must consider the daily commute time (up to 1.5 hours round-trip) and its impact on family life and student extracurriculars. Financially, they must weigh the cost of tuition and gas against the potential benefit of state ESA funds. Culturally, some families value the close-knit, community feel of Covington public schools versus the expansive network and diversity offered by larger independent institutions.
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