The Best Private Schools in Moran, Wyoming
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Moran. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Jackson Hole Community School
Independent
Jackson Hole Community School is a highly regarded independent private school serving students in grades 9-12. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum and small class sizes, the school emphasizes college preparation with a 100% college acceptance rate. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic amenities. With a strong focus on personalized learning and outdoor education leveraging the Teton region, it maintains exceptional teacher-student ratios and offers diverse extracurricular activities including competitive sports, community service, and environmental programs.
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Journeys School
Teton Science Schools
Journeys School is an accredited private school offering education from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, with a unique focus on place-based and experiential learning. As part of the Teton Science Schools network, it provides a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program and emphasizes sustainability and global citizenship. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. With highly qualified faculty and a commitment to student development, it offers robust arts, athletics, and outdoor adventure programs, fostering a close-knit community that serves families throughout Teton County.
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Jackson Hole Classical Academy
Independent
Jackson Hole Classical Academy is a private school offering a classical education model for students in grades K-12, focusing on the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. The school is celebrated for its rigorous academic standards, emphasis on Western tradition, and character formation. Facilities include dedicated classrooms, a library, and arts spaces, supported by a low student-teacher ratio. The curriculum integrates Socratic discussion, fine arts, and physical education, with extracurriculars like debate, music, and outdoor activities. It has quickly gained a reputation for academic excellence and strong parent satisfaction in the Jackson Hole region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Moran, Wyoming
What are the private school options for families residing in Moran, Wyoming, and are there any located directly in the town?
While Moran itself is a very small, unincorporated community, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the broader Teton County region, primarily located in Jackson, about a 30-45 minute drive south. The top options include Jackson Hole Community School (grades 9-12), Journeys School (a pre-K through 12 International Baccalaureate World School), and Jackson Hole Classical Academy (K-12). There are no private school campuses within Moran's immediate boundaries, so commuting is a standard consideration for local families seeking private education.
How does the tuition for private schools near Moran, WY, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at private schools in the Jackson Hole area is significantly higher than the Wyoming state average for private education, reflecting the region's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to over $30,000 annually. However, all major schools offer robust financial aid and scholarship programs for qualifying families. It's crucial to apply for aid early in the admission process. Wyoming also has no state-funded voucher or tax-credit programs, so aid is primarily provided directly by the schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Moran offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Teton County area uniquely integrate the surrounding ecosystem and mountain culture into their curricula. Journeys School emphasizes place-based, experiential learning with outdoor education and sustainability as core pillars. Jackson Hole Community School offers specialized January-term courses focused on wilderness skills, environmental science, and local history. Jackson Hole Classical Academy incorporates outdoor leadership and character development aligned with its classical model. All provide exceptional access to skiing, climbing, and environmental stewardship programs that are distinctive to this region of Wyoming.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools serving Moran, given the competitive nature and limited seats?
The admission process for schools like Jackson Hole Classical Academy, Journeys School, and Jackson Hole Community School is highly competitive and operates on an early winter timeline. Key steps typically include: submitting applications between November and February, student visits/interviews, and notification by mid-March for the following fall. Given the limited seats and high demand from both local and out-of-state families, it is strongly advised to begin the process over a year in advance. Sibling and legacy preferences exist, so Moran families should contact admissions offices as early as possible.
For a family in Moran, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school (Moran Elementary) and a private school in Jackson?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, commute, and community. Moran Elementary (K-8) is a small, rural public school with multi-grade classrooms and a tight-knit community, eliminating a long commute. For high school, students are bused to Jackson Hole High School. Private options offer specialized curricula (IB, Classical, college-prep), smaller class sizes, and continuity from elementary through high school, but require a daily commute to Jackson. Families must weigh the value of a localized community school against specialized programs and the logistical and financial investment of private education in a remote Wyoming setting.