The Best Private Schools in Five Points, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Five Points. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy
Columbia Academy is a premier private Christian school serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. With over 50 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong community values and academic rigor, Columbia Academy serves families throughout Middle Tennessee, including the Five Points area.
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St. Catherine of Siena School
Catholic Diocese of Nashville
St. Catherine of Siena School provides a faith-based education grounded in Catholic traditions while offering strong academic programs for students from pre-K through 8th grade. The school features a comprehensive STEAM curriculum, early Spanish language instruction, and competitive sports programs. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. The campus includes modern classrooms, a library, computer lab, and gymnasium, serving families throughout Maury County including Five Points.
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Sacred Heart School
Catholic Diocese of Nashville
Sacred Heart School is a long-established Catholic school serving students from pre-K through 8th grade in Lawrence County and surrounding areas, including Five Points. The school offers a strong academic foundation with emphasis on reading and mathematics, complemented by religious education and character development. Facilities include updated classrooms, a library, computer lab, and playground areas. With a reputation for academic excellence and family-oriented community, Sacred Heart provides bus transportation that serves the broader region, making it accessible to Five Points families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Five Points, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options serving families in Five Points, Tennessee, and what are their educational approaches?
The primary private school options for families in the Five Points, TN area are Columbia Academy, St. Catherine of Siena School, and Sacred Heart School. Columbia Academy is a non-denominational Christian school offering a college-preparatory curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade, with an emphasis on character development and a wide range of extracurriculars. St. Catherine of Siena and Sacred Heart are both Catholic schools, providing faith-based education integrated with academic rigor. St. Catherine serves pre-K through 8th grade, while Sacred Heart offers classes from pre-K through 6th. These schools represent the core of private education accessible to residents of Five Points, with many families commuting to nearby Columbia for these options.
How does tuition for private schools in the Five Points, TN area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Tennessee?
Tuition varies among the schools serving Five Points. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Columbia Academy's tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 for elementary to over $10,000 for high school. The Catholic schools (St. Catherine and Sacred Heart) typically have lower tuition, often between $5,000 and $7,000, with discounted rates for parish members. Importantly, Tennessee offers state-specific financial assistance through the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides eligible families with public funds that can be used for private school tuition and other educational expenses. All three schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs, and families are encouraged to apply early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Five Points, Tennessee?
Private schools near Five Points offer distinct programs that set them apart. Columbia Academy features a strong STEM program, competitive athletics (TSSAA Division II), and agriculture/FFA opportunities reflective of the region. St. Catherine of Siena School emphasizes its STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, Math) curriculum and Spanish language instruction from an early age. Sacred Heart School is noted for its small class sizes and individualized learning plans, along with a strong focus on community service. Given Five Points' rural setting, these schools often provide a close-knit community feel while leveraging resources in the larger Columbia area for arts and sports collaborations.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Five Points, Tennessee area?
The enrollment process for schools like Columbia Academy, St. Catherine, and Sacred Heart generally begins in January or February for the following fall. Priority is often given to current families and siblings, so interested Five Points residents should initiate inquiries by early winter. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a student assessment or shadow day. For the Catholic schools, baptismal certificates are required. Many schools host open houses in the fall. Due to limited seats, especially in popular elementary grades, early application is strongly advised. Rolling admission may continue if spaces remain, but key deadlines are usually in the spring.
For a family in rural Five Points, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Wayne County schools) and a private school in Columbia?
The decision involves several location-specific factors. The public school option, Wayne County schools, offers proximity and no tuition. However, families in Five Points considering private schools in Columbia (a 20-30 minute commute) often seek smaller class sizes, specific religious education, or different academic pacing. Private schools may offer more consistent extracurricular availability, which can be a consideration in a rural area. Transportation is a major factor, as private schools do not provide bus service from Five Points. Families should weigh the community environment, the potential use of Tennessee ESA funds to offset tuition, and the long-term educational philosophy against the convenience and cost of the local public system.