The Best Private Schools in Georgetown, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Georgetown. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Baylor School
Independent
Baylor School is a prestigious co-educational college preparatory school located just 20 minutes from Georgetown. Founded in 1893, Baylor offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 690-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Baylor's comprehensive program includes advanced placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities and maintains a strong community atmosphere with boarding and day student options.
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Silverdale Baptist Academy
Silverdale Baptist Church
Silverdale Baptist Academy is a highly-regarded Christian private school serving the greater Chattanooga area, including Georgetown families. The academy provides a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a Christian worldview. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and fine arts spaces. The school offers advanced placement courses, competitive sports programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's strong community values, dedicated teachers, and proven college preparation track record.
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Tennessee Christian Preparatory School
Independent Christian School
Tennessee Christian Preparatory School offers a classical Christian education to students from preschool through 12th grade, serving families throughout the region including Georgetown. The school emphasizes rigorous academics integrated with biblical worldview training. TCPS features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced coursework, fine arts, and athletics. The school's classical approach focuses on developing critical thinking skills and character development. Located approximately 30 minutes from Georgetown, TCPS has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and community involvement since its founding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Georgetown, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Georgetown, TN, and are they located within the city limits?
While Georgetown itself is a smaller community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the surrounding Hamilton County area. The most prominent options include Baylor School (a prestigious, co-ed college-preparatory day and boarding school in Chattanooga), Silverdale Baptist Academy (a Christ-centered school in Chattanooga affiliated with Silverdale Baptist Church), and Tennessee Christian Preparatory School (a smaller Christian school in Cleveland, TN, offering a classical education model). It's important to note that none of these top-tier schools are physically located within Georgetown's city limits, so daily commuting to Chattanooga or Cleveland is a standard consideration for Georgetown residents seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools near Georgetown, TN, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools serving the Georgetown area varies significantly and is generally above the Tennessee state average for private schools due to their extensive programs and facilities. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect day student tuition to range from approximately $12,000 to over $30,000 annually, with boarding costs at Baylor adding substantially more. Tennessee offers the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state-funded accounts for eligible students to use for private school tuition and other expenses. Additionally, all the mentioned schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Baylor and Silverdale, for example, have substantial endowment-funded aid programs. It is crucial to apply for financial aid early, as deadlines often precede admission decisions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Georgetown, TN, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Chattanooga area accessible to Georgetown families provide distinct specialized programs. Baylor School is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, exceptional STEM facilities, competitive rowing program on the Tennessee River, and global study opportunities. Silverdale Baptist Academy integrates a biblical worldview across all subjects and offers strong fine arts and athletic programs within a faith-based environment. Tennessee Christian Preparatory School emphasizes a classical, trivium-based education (grammar, logic, rhetoric) rooted in Christian principles. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specialized college counseling that can be different from the offerings at Bradley County or Hamilton County public schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Baylor for a family moving to Georgetown?
The enrollment process for top-tier schools like Baylor School is highly competitive and requires advanced planning. The timeline typically begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting an application by January or February for the following academic year, providing standardized test scores (such as the SSAT or ISEE), school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and completing a student interview and/or campus visit. Admissions decisions are usually released in March. For families relocating to Georgetown outside this cycle, it's essential to contact the admissions office immediately, as spaces may be limited. Silverdale Baptist Academy and Tennessee Christian Prep may have more flexible rolling admissions but still encourage early application.
For a Georgetown resident, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local public school and a private school in Chattanooga or Cleveland?
Georgetown parents must weigh several location-specific factors. The primary consideration is the daily commute, which can be 30-60 minutes each way to Chattanooga or Cleveland schools, impacting family schedules and transportation logistics. Financially, besides tuition, they must factor in gas, vehicle wear, and potential before/after-care costs. Academically, they are comparing the specialized, often college-prep-focused environment of a private school with the programs offered by the highly-regarded Bradley County Schools (for which Georgetown is zoned). Additionally, community involvement differs; attending a private school outside the area may mean your child's friends and extracurricular networks are less localized to Georgetown. Evaluating the alignment of the school's values (e.g., religious education at Silverdale or TCPS vs. secular at Baylor) with your family's priorities is also crucial.
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