The Best Private Schools in Yuma, Tennessee
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Yuma. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Episcopal School
Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee
St. Mary's Episcopal School is a highly regarded independent day school serving girls from infancy through 12th grade, drawing students from across West Tennessee including the Yuma area. Founded in 1946, the school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic outcomes. The campus features advanced science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. St. Mary's emphasizes leadership development, community service, and character education within an Episcopal tradition. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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University School of Jackson
Independent
University School of Jackson is a premier independent college preparatory school serving West Tennessee, including the Yuma area. Established in 1975, USJ offers comprehensive educational programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, state-of-the-art STEM facilities, competitive athletics programs, and extensive fine arts offerings. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, USJ maintains a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus includes modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities serving students across the region.
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Tipton-Rosemark Academy
Independent Christian School
Tipton-Rosemark Academy is a respected Christian college preparatory school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade across West Tennessee, including the Yuma region. Established in 1965, TRA offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values and principles. The school features a robust college preparatory curriculum, competitive athletic programs, vibrant fine arts department, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. With modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes, TRA provides a well-rounded education focused on academic excellence and character development. The school maintains strong college placement records and serves as a regional educational leader.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Yuma, Tennessee
What are the primary private school options available for families in or near Yuma, Tennessee, and what are their key characteristics?
While Yuma itself is a small unincorporated community, families in the area typically look to private schools in nearby Jackson or the greater West Tennessee region. The most prominent options include University School of Jackson (USJ), a co-ed college-preparatory day school serving Pre-K through 12th grade; St. Mary's Episcopal School, an all-girls school in Memphis with a strong academic and spiritual foundation; and Tipton-Rosemark Academy (TRA) in nearby Rosemark, which offers a Christian-based education from Pre-K to 12th grade. For Yuma residents, commuting to Jackson (approx. 30-40 minutes) or the Memphis area is a common consideration, making transportation and school-provided bus routes an important factor in the decision.
How does tuition at private schools serving Yuma, TN, compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect a range. University School of Jackson's tuition can range from approximately $12,000 for lower school to over $18,000 for upper school. Tipton-Rosemark Academy generally has a lower tuition range, often starting around $8,000-$10,000, reflecting its different operational scale and location. St. Mary's in Memphis is at a higher tier, with tuition exceeding $20,000. Importantly, all these schools offer need-based financial aid, and many participate in Tennessee's Education Savings Account (ESA) program, which can provide state-funded assistance to eligible families for tuition at participating private schools. It's crucial to contact each school's admissions office directly for the most current figures and detailed aid application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Yuma, TN, offer that might not be available in local public schools?
Schools in this region often leverage their independence to offer specialized tracks. University School of Jackson features a renowned STEM program with dedicated labs and robotics teams, as well as extensive arts and a global studies diploma. Tipton-Rosemark Academy emphasizes its Christian worldview integration across all subjects and offers strong agricultural science and FFA programs, which resonate with the rural character of communities like Yuma. St. Mary's provides exceptional college counseling, leadership institutes, and unique partnerships with Memphis cultural institutions. For families in Yuma seeking a specific religious foundation, advanced college-prep curriculum, or low student-teacher ratios, these programs are a key differentiator from the public school offerings in Crockett County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like USJ or TRA for a family moving to the Yuma area?
Planning ahead is essential. The main admission cycle for these schools often begins in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with application deadlines typically between January and March. Key steps include: 1) Attending an open house or scheduling a campus tour (often in the fall). 2) Submitting an application with fees, academic records, and teacher recommendations by the deadline. 3) Completing a student assessment or visit day. 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently (using platforms like SSS). For families arriving in Yuma mid-year, it's important to contact the admissions office immediately, as some schools may have rolling admission or spaces available depending on the grade level. Waitlists are common for popular entry grades.
For a family in rural Yuma, TN, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school a significant drive away?
This decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First, evaluate the daily commute (30-60+ minutes each way) to Jackson or Memphis, including the impact on family time, extracurricular participation, and transportation costs. Some private schools offer bus service, but routes to Yuma may be limited. Second, consider the community aspect: Crockett County public schools offer a tight-knit, local community, while private schools provide a different social and academic network that extends beyond the immediate area. Third, assess the academic and programmatic fit against your child's needs—whether it's the advanced curriculum, religious education, or specific extracurriculars not available locally. Finally, run a detailed cost-benefit analysis that includes tuition, aid, commute expenses, and the value you place on the private school's specific offerings.
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