The Best Private Schools in Crawford, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Crawford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Good Samaritans School
Good Samaritans School
Good Samaritans School is a highly-regarded private Christian school located just 15 miles from Crawford in Crossville. Established in 1989, the school serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The academic program emphasizes critical thinking, character development, and spiritual growth, with graduates consistently attending top colleges and universities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, fine arts programs, and community service opportunities.
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St. Anthony Catholic School
Diocese of Nashville
St. Anthony Catholic School serves families throughout the Cumberland County region, including Crawford residents. Founded in 1999, this parochial school offers education from pre-K through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The school features a rigorous curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, and STEM integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated chapel, computer lab, and playground areas. The school is known for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and comprehensive music and arts programs that complement the academic experience.
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Christian Academy of the Cumberlands
Christian Academy of the Cumberlands
Christian Academy of the Cumberlands is a respected private Christian school located in Sparta, serving students from Crawford and surrounding communities. Established in 2004, the school offers education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The academic program includes college preparatory courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive biblical integration across all subjects. The school features modern facilities, including science laboratories, computer labs, and athletic facilities supporting competitive sports programs. Known for its strong family atmosphere and committed faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Crawford, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Crawford, Tennessee?
Crawford, TN, is a small community, and most private school options are found in the broader surrounding Cumberland region. The most prominent local options include Good Samaritans School, St. Anthony Catholic School, and Christian Academy of the Cumberlands. Due to Crawford's rural setting, many families also consider private schools in nearby larger towns like Crossville. It's important to visit each school, as they offer distinct environments: Good Samaritans and Christian Academy of the Cumberlands provide Protestant Christian education, while St. Anthony offers a Catholic curriculum. Transportation can be a key consideration given the distances involved in rural Cumberland County.
How does tuition at private schools in the Crawford, TN, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Tennessee?
Tuition in the Crawford area is generally more affordable compared to major metropolitan areas in Tennessee, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect a range of approximately $4,000 to $8,000 annually for the local faith-based schools. Tennessee offers specific financial aid programs that Crawford families can utilize, most notably the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state funds for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, individual schools may offer sibling discounts, need-based scholarships, and payment plans. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid packages and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Crawford, Tennessee, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Cumberland Plateau region often integrate the unique local geography and culture into their programs. For instance, schools like Christian Academy of the Cumberlands may emphasize outdoor education, leveraging proximity to the Cumberland Mountains and state parks for science and PE activities. Agricultural science or stewardship programs can be a focus due to the rural setting. Furthermore, these schools typically have strong community service components, reflecting the close-knit nature of towns like Crawford. St. Anthony Catholic School will include sacramental preparation and Catholic faith formation as core to its curriculum, while others may emphasize college preparatory tracks with smaller class sizes for personalized attention.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Crawford, Tennessee families?
The enrollment process for private schools in this region often begins in the winter or early spring (January-March) for the following fall semester. Given the limited seats in small schools, early inquiry is recommended. The process typically involves: 1) a campus tour and meeting with administration, 2) submission of an application with a fee, 3) providing previous academic records, 4) a student assessment or shadow day (for older grades), and 5) a family interview. Some schools, particularly those with religious affiliations, may require a statement of faith or pastor's reference. Rolling admissions may be available, but priority is usually given to siblings of current students and members of the supporting church community.
For a family in Crawford, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public schools and the available private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. Cumberland County public schools provide a standardized education with broader extracurricular offerings, but private schools near Crawford offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students) and more individualized attention. A major differentiator is faith-based education; if integrating religious values into daily learning is a priority, then a local private school is the primary option. Logistically, private schools require tuition and potentially longer commutes, while public schools offer free transportation within designated zones. Academically, private schools in the area may offer more consistent college preparatory tracks, but it's essential to compare specific standardized test scores and graduation outcomes with Cumberland County Schools data.