The Best Private Schools in Harrison, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Harrison. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
McCallie School
Independent
McCallie School is a distinguished all-boys college preparatory school that serves families throughout the Chattanooga metropolitan area, including Harrison. Founded on an honor code and Christian values, McCallie offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. The school provides comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics programs, and extensive arts offerings. McCallie's 100-acre campus features modern academic buildings, athletic facilities, and arts centers. The school emphasizes character development, leadership, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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Baylor School
Independent
Baylor School is a highly prestigious co-educational college preparatory school serving the greater Chattanooga area, including Harrison. Founded in 1893, Baylor offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 690-acre campus along the Tennessee River features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic facilities. Baylor's comprehensive curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. The school maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Girls Preparatory School
Independent
Girls Preparatory School is an acclaimed all-girls college preparatory school serving students from Harrison and the surrounding region. GPS provides a challenging academic environment with a focus on developing confident, capable young women. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including 22 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, competitive athletics, and vibrant arts programs. GPS features modern facilities including the Frierson Theatre, STEM labs, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and personalized college counseling, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Harrison, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Harrison, TN, and are they day or boarding schools?
While Harrison itself is a residential community, it is part of the greater Chattanooga area, which hosts several nationally renowned private schools. The most prominent are Baylor School (co-ed, day and boarding), Girls Preparatory School (GPS, all-girls, day only), and McCallie School (all-boys, day and boarding). These schools are located in nearby Chattanooga, a short commute from Harrison. There are also smaller parochial and independent schools in the region. For Harrison residents, these top-tier institutions function as the primary private secondary options, with many families choosing them for their rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular programs.
How does tuition at top private schools like Baylor, GPS, and McCallie compare for Tennessee residents, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year at these schools typically ranges from approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for day students, with boarding costs significantly higher. As Tennessee does not have a state-funded voucher or ESA program broadly available to all families, financial assistance is primarily provided directly by the schools through need-based financial aid. All three schools have substantial endowments dedicated to making their programs accessible. Families must submit financial documentation through systems like SSS (School and Student Services) to determine eligibility. It's crucial to apply for aid concurrently with the admission application, as funds are allocated on a rolling basis.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Harrison-area private schools offer that leverage the local Tennessee environment?
Schools in the Chattanooga/Harrison area uniquely integrate the local geography and economy into their curricula. Baylor, GPS, and McCallie all have robust outdoor programs utilizing the nearby Tennessee River, mountains, and caves for leadership and environmental science. Baylor's "May Term" and McCallie's "Wilderness Program" are prime examples. Furthermore, partnerships with Chattanooga's booming innovation district (like the INCubator) provide STEM and entrepreneurship opportunities rarely found elsewhere. GPS emphasizes women in engineering and technology with local corporate partnerships. This connection to a vibrant, mid-sized city surrounded by natural beauty defines the experiential learning component here.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like McCallie or GPS for a family moving to Harrison?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For entry in fall, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months prior. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January/February (with standardized testing like the SSAT or ISEE), and completing interviews and campus visits by winter. Admission decisions are typically released in March. For families moving to Harrison mid-cycle, it is essential to contact the admission office immediately, as some spaces may be available in certain grades, but the process may be expedited. Sibling and legacy considerations exist but do not guarantee admission at these highly selective schools.
For a family in Harrison considering the local public schools (like Central High School) versus a private option, what are the key differentiating factors?
The decision often hinges on educational approach, resources, and community. Harrison's public schools, part of the Hamilton County system, offer a solid education with recent investments. The key differentiators with private options like Baylor, GPS, and McCallie are: significantly smaller class sizes (often 12-15 students), a college-preparatory curriculum with extensive AP/advanced course options, dedicated college counseling with national reach, and vast resources in arts, athletics, and facilities (like state-of-the-art labs and theaters). The private schools also offer a distinct culture and tradition, often with a boarding component that adds a global perspective. The trade-off, of course, is the substantial financial commitment versus a tax-funded public education.
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