The Best Private Schools in Sewanee, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sewanee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Andrew's-Sewanee School
Independent Episcopal School
St. Andrew's-Sewanee School is a highly regarded co-educational, Episcopal, college-preparatory school serving grades 6-12. It boasts a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes, a 550-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on outdoor education. The school is known for its excellent college placement, robust arts programs, and diverse extracurricular activities, including sports and community service. Parent satisfaction is high due to its supportive environment and dedicated faculty.
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St. Mary's School
Catholic Diocese of Nashville
St. Mary's School is a Catholic elementary and middle school serving pre-K through 8th grade, with a reputation for academic rigor and faith-based learning. It features a well-rounded curriculum emphasizing STEM, arts, and community service, supported by updated facilities and technology resources. The school is praised for its family-oriented atmosphere, high teacher quality, and strong parent involvement, making it a top choice for families in the Sewanee region.
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Winchester Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Winchester Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered education for students in grades K-12, serving the Sewanee area with a focus on academic excellence and character development. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced placement courses, athletic teams, and fine arts programs. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and sports fields. It has a strong parent satisfaction record due to its safe, nurturing environment and committed teachers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sewanee, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available in Sewanee, Tennessee, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Sewanee, TN, is home to a small but distinctive set of private schools. The most prominent is St. Andrew's-Sewanee School (SAS), a co-ed Episcopal day and boarding school for grades 6-12, known for its college-preparatory curriculum, outdoor program, and emphasis on arts and community service. Winchester Christian Academy, located a short drive away in Winchester, offers a K-12 education rooted in a Christian worldview. St. Mary's School is a small, private school serving younger students. The presence of the University of the South ("Sewanee") also uniquely influences the local educational environment, with some schools leveraging university resources and faculty.
How does the boarding school component of St. Andrew's-Sewanee School benefit local day students and families in the Sewanee area?
The boarding program at St. Andrew's-Sewanee School creates a uniquely diverse and immersive educational community that directly benefits local day students. It brings students from across the country and around the world to the Sewanee campus, fostering a global perspective and a 24/7 campus life. Local day students have access to extended academic support, evening study sessions, weekend activities, and a broader range of extracurriculars and friendships. This model combines the close-knit feel of a small community school with the enriched resources and cultural exposure typically found at larger, national boarding institutions.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools in and around Sewanee, Tennessee, and are there financial aid options specific to the state?
Tuition in the Sewanee area varies significantly by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Andrew's-Sewanee School's day student tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $25,000, while boarding tuition is higher. Winchester Christian Academy's tuition is generally lower, often in the $6,000-$9,000 range for K-12. All schools offer need-based financial aid. Importantly, Tennessee residents may also qualify for state-specific programs like the Education Savings Account (ESA) pilot program, which provides public funds for eligible students to attend private schools, though availability and eligibility criteria should be verified directly with the schools.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Sewanee's private schools leverage the unique resources of the University of the South?
Private schools in Sewanee, particularly St. Andrew's-Sewanee School, have a symbiotic relationship with the University of the South. This provides exceptional opportunities such as: dual-enrollment courses for high school students to earn college credit, access to university libraries and laboratories, guest lectures from university professors, and the ability to participate in university-level arts performances and lectures. The 13,000-acre Domain (the university's forested campus) serves as an outdoor classroom for environmental science and recreation. This deep integration offers a preparatory experience that is rare for a small-town private school setting.
For families considering a move to Sewanee, what are the key enrollment timelines and considerations for securing a spot at a private school here?
Enrollment timelines in Sewanee are crucial due to limited seats, especially in the smaller schools. St. Andrew's-Sewanee School, with its boarding component, has a rolling admissions process but encourages applications by February 1st for the following fall, with decisions released in March. Winchester Christian Academy may have more flexibility but still advises early inquiry. A key consideration is the difference between day and boarding applications; local day spots can be competitive. It is highly recommended to initiate contact in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, schedule a campus visit (which is essential in this community-focused town), and inquire about both admissions and financial aid deadlines simultaneously.
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