The Best Private Schools in Westmoreland, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Westmoreland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph School
Diocese of Nashville
St. Joseph School is a highly-regarded Catholic elementary and middle school serving families throughout the northern Middle Tennessee region. The school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on academic fundamentals, faith formation, and character development. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive extracurricular programs. The school consistently achieves high standardized test scores and prepares students for success in competitive high school programs.
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Pope John Paul II Preparatory School
Diocese of Nashville
Pope John Paul II Preparatory School is a Catholic college-preparatory high school serving students from multiple counties including Sumner County where Westmoreland is located. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 22 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Davidson Academy
Independent Christian School
Davidson Academy is an accredited Christian school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade, with many families commuting from surrounding counties including Sumner County. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with dual enrollment opportunities, Advanced Placement courses, and specialized STEM programs. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian environment and maintains strong college placement records with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Westmoreland, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families in and around Westmoreland, Tennessee?
While Westmoreland itself is a smaller town, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Sumner County and Middle Tennessee region. The most prominent options include Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville (a Catholic, co-ed high school), St. Joseph School in Madison (a Catholic elementary and middle school), and Davidson Academy in Nashville (a non-denominational Christian K-12 school). For Westmoreland residents, these schools involve a commute, making transportation logistics an important local consideration. There are also smaller, local church-affiliated academies closer to Westmoreland that serve K-8 grades.
How does tuition at private schools near Westmoreland, TN, compare, and are there Tennessee-specific financial aid options?
Tuition varies significantly based on grade level and affiliation. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Pope John Paul II High School tuition is approximately $16,000, St. Joseph School ranges from $8,000-$10,000, and Davidson Academy is around $12,000. A key Tennessee-specific financial consideration is the Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which provides state funds for eligible students to attend private schools. Additionally, many schools offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Tennessee also has scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) that provide tax-credit scholarships, which these schools typically accept.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Westmoreland students offer?
Schools in this region provide distinct programs leveraging their locations near Nashville. Pope John Paul II Prep offers a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and arts programs, plus access to collegiate-level sports facilities. St. Joseph School emphasizes a faith-based foundation with Spanish instruction from an early age. Davidson Academy provides a comprehensive K-12 experience with advanced placement courses and extensive fine arts. For Westmoreland families interested in agriculture or equestrian pursuits, some area private schools offer FFA chapters or riding clubs, connecting to the county's rural character.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Westmoreland, TN, area?
The process is competitive and begins early. Most schools (like JPII, St. Joseph, and Davidson) open applications in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment. Key steps include submitting an application (often by January or February), providing records and teacher recommendations, and completing an entrance assessment and family interview. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. For Westmoreland residents, it's crucial to inquire about transportation options or carpool networks early, as acceptance does not guarantee provided bus service from the Westmoreland area.
How do the educational environments of private schools near Westmoreland compare to the local public schools in Sumner County?
The choice often centers on educational approach, class size, and religious affiliation. Sumner County public schools, including Westmoreland High School, offer a solid education with recent investments in facilities. Private options provide smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students vs. 25-30+), a specific religious or values-based curriculum, and often more rigorous college preparatory tracking starting in younger grades. For Westmoreland families, a major practical difference is the commute to a private school versus the community-centered, locally accessible public system. Private schools may also offer more specialized support for learning differences or accelerated learners than what is available in the local public school setting.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Autism Support: Top Private Schools in Westmoreland, TN
For parents in Westmoreland, Tennessee, searching for the right educational environment for a child with autism can feel like a deeply personal journey. The phrase “private schools for autism near me” often leads to broader regional searches, as specialized autism-focused private schools are more commonly found in larger metropolitan areas like Nashville, which is about an hour’s drive from Westmoreland. However, this doesn’t mean local private education options are off the table. In fact, understanding the landscape in Sumner County and the surrounding region is the first step toward finding a supportive and effective placement for your child.
The private schools within Westmoreland itself, such as St. Joseph School and Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, offer structured environments with typically smaller class sizes, which can be beneficial. It’s crucial to initiate a direct conversation with their admissions and administrative teams. Inquire specifically about their experience with and resources for neurodiverse learners. Do they have learning specialists on staff? What is their approach to individualized accommodations? Many traditional private schools can provide excellent support through tailored plans, but their capacity and specialized training for autism spectrum disorders will vary greatly. A visit is essential to gauge the school’s culture and openness to differentiation.
Expanding your search “near” Westmoreland is a practical necessity. Davidson Academy, while also a traditional preparatory school, may have different resources or partnerships worth exploring. The greater Nashville area hosts several private schools with dedicated autism programs or therapeutic models. Schools like the Currey Ingram Academy in Brentwood or the Gateway School offer programs specifically designed for students with learning differences, including autism. While this involves a commute, many families find the specialized instruction, speech and occupational therapy integration, and peer environment to be worth it. It’s important to factor this travel into your long-term planning and consider carpool possibilities with other local families.
When evaluating any school, whether local or a commute, focus on the specific needs of your child. Look for evidence of structured routines, sensory-friendly spaces, and staff trained in methodologies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or the TEACCH approach. Connect with other parents in the Westmoreland and Gallatin area through local support groups or online forums; their firsthand experiences with various schools are invaluable. Additionally, explore the possibility of an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) in a private setting, which can outline specific services, though it differs from a public school IEP.
Ultimately, your search for “private schools for autism near me” from Westmoreland, TN, will likely blend investigating the supportive potential of local institutions with serious consideration of specialized schools in the Nashville region. The goal is to find a place where your child is understood, challenged appropriately, and welcomed fully. By starting conversations locally, casting a wider net for specialized programs, and leveraging community insights, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your child’s unique learning profile and your family’s life in Sumner County.
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