The Best Private Schools in Somerville, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. George's Independent School
St. George's Independent School
St. George's Independent School is a premier private institution serving families throughout Shelby and Fayette counties, including Somerville residents. The school offers an exceptional college preparatory curriculum featuring the International Baccalaureate program alongside Advanced Placement courses. With three campuses across the Memphis area, St. George's provides a seamless educational journey from pre-K through 12th grade. The school emphasizes character education, global awareness, and academic excellence. Facilities include modern science laboratories, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. St. George's is known for its diverse student body, experienced faculty, and strong college matriculation record to top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Briarcrest Christian School
Briarcrest Christian School System
Briarcrest Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the greater Memphis metropolitan area, including Somerville families. Founded in 1973 through the merger of two established schools, Briarcrest offers comprehensive college preparatory education from pre-K through 12th grade. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. Academic programs include Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, and robust fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Briarcrest maintains strong academic outcomes and college acceptance rates. The school's Christ-centered approach integrates faith with learning while maintaining high academic standards.
Programs:
Fayette Academy
Fayette Academy
Fayette Academy is the local private school option located directly in Somerville, serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Established in 1969, this accredited institution provides a comprehensive educational experience with strong college preparatory curriculum and career technical education pathways. The school offers dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, allowing students to earn college credit while in high school. Fayette Academy features modern facilities including updated classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and athletic fields. With smaller class sizes and personalized attention, the school maintains strong academic standards while offering diverse extracurricular activities including competitive athletics, fine arts programs, and student organizations. The convenient Somerville location makes it easily accessible for local families.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerville, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Somerville, Tennessee, and what are their key characteristics?
While Somerville itself is a smaller city, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private institutions, though most are located in neighboring communities. The top options frequently considered include Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis (a large, faith-based K-12 school with extensive athletic and academic programs), St. George's Independent School with campuses in Collierville and Germantown (known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum and global focus), and Fayette Academy in Somerville's own Fayette County (a local K-12 option emphasizing a smaller community environment and Christian values. It's important to note that commuting to the Memphis-area schools is a significant consideration for Somerville residents.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Somerville, TN, area compare, and are there any Tennessee-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Somerville area varies significantly based on the school. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Fayette Academy, being the most local option, generally has lower tuition, often ranging in the $6,000-$9,000 range. Schools like Briarcrest and St. George's, located in the Memphis metro, have higher tuition, typically from $15,000 to $25,000+ annually. A critical Tennessee-specific resource is the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state funds for eligible students to attend private schools. Families in Somerville should thoroughly investigate their eligibility for the ESA program, as it can substantially offset costs. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools serving Somerville, TN, students that differ from local public schools?
Private schools in this region often offer specialized programs that may not be available in Fayette County public schools. For example, St. George's Independent School is renowned for its global studies curriculum and extensive international travel opportunities. Briarcrest Christian School offers a wide array of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and elite-level athletic facilities. Closer to home, Fayette Academy provides a strong emphasis on agricultural science and FFA, reflecting the rural character of Somerville and Fayette County, alongside a college-prep track. These schools also typically have smaller class sizes and more individualized attention as a standard feature.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Fayette Academy that serve Somerville, TN, directly?
For a local school like Fayette Academy, the enrollment process often begins in the winter (January-February) for the following fall semester. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many private schools in Tennessee, including those in the Memphis area that Somerville families consider, have rolling admissions but prioritize applications received by their stated deadlines. It is highly advisable to contact the admissions office of your target school a full year in advance, as spaces, particularly in specific grades, can be limited. Open houses are usually held in the fall and early winter.
For a family living in Somerville, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between a local private school like Fayette Academy and a Memphis-area school like Briarcrest or St. George's?
The decision heavily involves logistics, cost, and educational philosophy. Choosing Fayette Academy means a much shorter daily commute, a community where your child's peers are primarily from the immediate Somerville/Fayette County area, and a lower tuition cost. Opting for a Memphis-area school involves a significant commute (45-60+ minutes each way), which impacts family time and extracurricular participation. However, it provides access to larger facilities, a more diverse student body, and different programmatic offerings. Families must weigh the value of a "local community" school against the resources of a major metropolitan institution, considering the long-term daily time investment and transportation logistics.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private High Schools Near Somerville, TN for Your Child's Future
For parents in Somerville, Tennessee, beginning the search for “private high schools near me” can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re looking for an environment that aligns with your family’s values, offers strong academics, and prepares your teenager for the next chapter, all within a reasonable commute from our close-knit Fayette County community. The good news is that the Greater Memphis area, easily accessible from Somerville, is home to several exceptional private high schools, each offering distinct educational philosophies and communities. Your search isn't just about proximity; it's about finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs and your family’s aspirations.
When considering options, it’s essential to factor in the daily drive. Schools like Briarcrest Christian School, with its campuses in Memphis and Eads, represent a commitment to a Christ-centered education combined with robust academic and athletic programs. For many Somerville families, the route up I-269 makes this a feasible and worthwhile commute for an environment that emphasizes faith-based learning and character development. Similarly, St. George’s Independent School, with campuses in Collierville and Germantown, offers a prestigious, college-preparatory experience rooted in academic rigor and global awareness. The drive is a consideration, but parents often find the investment in time is balanced by the school’s outstanding reputation and comprehensive offerings.
Closer to home, Fayette Academy in Somerville itself provides a tremendous local option. This allows students to engage deeply in a school community where they likely know classmates from their neighborhood and local activities, minimizing commute time and maximizing involvement. Fayette Academy’s strong academic programs, arts, and athletics offer a well-rounded private education right here in our own backyard. It’s a perfect example of how “near me” can wonderfully mean “right here,” providing quality and convenience.
Your evaluation should go beyond websites and brochures. We encourage every Somerville parent to schedule campus visits. Experience the morning commute yourself. Observe the students and teachers in their environment. Ask detailed questions about curriculum, college counseling, spiritual life (if important to you), and how the school fosters a sense of belonging. For a student involved in agriculture or equestrian pursuits, which are part of our local fabric, inquire about related clubs or flexible scheduling. The right school will feel like a partnership.
Ultimately, the search for private high schools near Somerville, TN, is a deeply personal journey. It’s about matching your child’s learning style, interests, and character with a community that will challenge and nurture them. Whether you choose the local presence of Fayette Academy or the specialized programs of a Memphis-area school, you are investing in a tailored educational path. Take your time, visit campuses, and trust your instincts. The perfect fit is out there, offering a foundation that will support your teenager not just through high school, but into a confident and capable future.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities