The Best Private Schools in Lebanon, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lebanon. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Friendship Christian School
Independent Christian School
Friendship Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving Lebanon and surrounding communities. The school offers comprehensive college preparatory education from Pre-K through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with strong athletic programs and extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics, drama, and community service.
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Mount Juliet Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located just minutes from Lebanon in neighboring Mount Juliet, MJCA serves students from Wilson County and surrounding areas. The school provides a classical Christian education model with rigorous academic standards and biblical integration across all subjects. Features include advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, competitive athletic teams, and comprehensive fine arts programs. The campus includes modern facilities, technology integration, and dedicated spaces for STEM education and performing arts.
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Donelson Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Donelson Christian Academy, located in nearby Nashville, serves families throughout Middle Tennessee including Lebanon residents. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and competitive athletic programs. DCA features modern facilities including science laboratories, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes both academic excellence and character development, with many graduates attending top-tier universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lebanon, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Lebanon, Tennessee, and what are their key characteristics?
Lebanon, TN, is served by several well-regarded private schools, though many are located in nearby communities, making them accessible to Lebanon residents. The top options include Friendship Christian School (in Lebanon), known for its strong college-prep curriculum and expansive athletic facilities; Mount Juliet Christian Academy (in Mount Juliet), which offers a Biblical worldview integration and a notable fine arts program; and Donelson Christian Academy (in Nashville), providing a comprehensive K-12 program with advanced placement and dual enrollment options. Parents in Lebanon should consider commute times to these schools, as traffic on I-40 can be a factor. Additionally, smaller parochial schools affiliated with local churches serve the younger grades within Lebanon city limits.
How does tuition for private schools in the Lebanon, TN, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the primary private schools serving Lebanon, TN, varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000 to $12,000 for elementary grades and $10,000 to $15,000 for high school, with Donelson Christian Academy often at the higher end due to its extensive programs. Tennessee offers the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which can provide significant funding for eligible families to use at participating private schools. All the major schools mentioned offer need-based financial aid and sibling discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly about scholarship opportunities, as many schools have locally funded scholarships, and some participate in Tennessee's Individualized Education Account (IEA) program for students with certain disabilities.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lebanon, Tennessee, offer that differentiate them?
Private schools in the Lebanon area provide specialized programs that cater to diverse interests. Friendship Christian School features a prominent STEM lab and a highly competitive athletics program, particularly in football and baseball. Mount Juliet Christian Academy has a dedicated Scholars Program for gifted students and a strong emphasis on theater and music. Donelson Christian Academy offers a robust selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges like Vol State and Lipscomb University, allowing students to earn college credit. For families in Lebanon interested in agriculture, several area schools have FFA chapters or related agriscience programs, which is a notable consideration in Wilson County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Lebanon, Tennessee, and when should parents start?
The enrollment process for private schools in the Lebanon area generally begins in January or February for the following fall semester, with re-enrollment for current families opening first. Open houses and shadow days typically occur in the winter. For schools like Friendship Christian, Mount Juliet Christian Academy, and Donelson Christian Academy, applications are due by March or April, though they may accept applications on a rolling basis if space remains. Due to high demand, especially for kindergarten and middle school transition grades, parents in Lebanon are advised to start researching and touring schools a full year in advance. Most schools require application fees, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview as part of the admissions process.
For a family living in Lebanon, what are the key considerations when choosing between the Wilson County public school system and a local private school?
The decision hinges on several Lebanon-specific factors. Wilson County public schools, like Lebanon High School, are large, well-funded, and offer a wide array of AP courses, career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and extracurriculars. Private options offer smaller class sizes, a consistent faith-based education (if desired), and often a more structured environment. A major practical consideration is commute: Lebanon's public schools are zoned, while private schools require daily travel to Mount Juliet or Nashville, impacting family logistics. Financially, private tuition is a significant investment versus the no-tuition public option, though ESA funds can help. Academically, parents should compare specific program strengths, such as Lebanon High's engineering academy versus a private school's classical or college-prep focus, to match their child's needs.
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