As a parent, you have many different options for your children when it comes to schooling and education. Beyond public school systems, there are tens of thousands of private schools across the United States. From independent to religion-based to schools with special curricula, private schools offer students distinctive learning environments. Within the state of Indiana, some of the best private schools reside in Indianapolis.
What Are the Differences Between Private and Public Schools?
Private education is nothing new to the United States. Private or independent schools date all the way back to the founding of America. What makes private education different is the freedom of curriculum. Unlike public schools, private schools are free to set curriculum and requirements and create values and a culture of their choosing. The top private schools in Indianapolis are rooted in the belief that parents should have the choice to decide their children’s learning environment. Families often choose the best private schools in Indianapolis because they closely align with their worldview, religious values, or educational philosophy.
In short, public education is always free to attend and funded by the government, while private schools generate funding via tuition, private grants, and fundraising. If affording tuition is a concern, private schools can be more affordable than you may think. The best private high schools in Indianapolis have scholarship programs to help defray the cost of private schooling, and most private schools also provide a form of need-based or academic scholarships to students. There may also be community scholarships or national organizations that provide scholarships.
The top private schools in Indianapolis can set their own admissions standards while all charter and public schools must accept all students into their school or district. The best private high school in Indianapolis for your family depends on your child’s needs. It is important to get as much information as you can about the schools in your area before making a final decision on which option is the best for you.
While public school systems are led by elect boards of education, private schools are often governed by an appointed private board of directors. All states have a different set of rules for private education. Most states will require private schools to be accredited, registered with the state or licensed, and will regulate the minimum number of days a student must be in school per year.
How to Choose the Best Private School in Indianapolis for Your Family
Some of the best private schools in Indiana are within the city of Indianapolis. Vetting the top private high schools in Indianapolis will take some time and research to find the right fit for your family.
Here is a look at how you should approach your search.
Conduct a Search of Schools in Your Area
The very first step in choosing the best private school in Indianapolis for your family is to explore the private school options in your area. Private schools are very diverse, so chances are you are going to be able to consider various religious and non-religious schools.
If there is a private school that interests you, reach out to their admissions coordinator. Connecting with the administration via a phone call and setting up a visit or tour is a great way to begin. Be sure to ask questions about the school’s curriculum, transportation options, and extracurricular activities.
Inquire About Scholarships
When you’ve found a few schools you are interested in, ask what kind of scholarships or assistance are available. The best private schools in Indianapolis are happy to share information on scholarships opportunities within the school and local community. In 31 states across the United States, including the District of Columbia, you will find state-funded scholarship programs that help cover all or part of the cost of private education.
Look Into Assistance
There are over 650 private schools in the state of Indiana, and nearly 80% of students within the state are eligible for voucher or tax credit scholarships to help with the cost of private school tuition. Parents in Indiana can also take tax deductions for private school expenses. Through Indiana’s Tax-Credit Scholarship Program, low to middle income families are eligible for tuition-based scholarships.
Those same families may also be eligible for Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program. In 2021 Indiana started what is known as the Educational Savings Account (ESA) program. Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, this scholarship program and savings will provide flexible educational funding for those students with special needs.
Send in Applications
After you’ve narrowed your search to one or two of the best private schools in Indianapolis, it is time to apply. Depending on the school, the application process may require essays, interviews, or tests. If your student is accepted, you will then need to coordinate with your child’s previous school to have any records transferred to the new school. If your child has additional needs or service requirements such as an Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or medical response plan, a copy of that information will need to be sent, too.
Why Central Christian Academy Is the Top Private School in Indianapolis
Since 1971, Central Christian Academy (CCA) has been offering a premier Christ-centered education founded on a Biblical platform that has developed leaders and continued education at some of the nation’s top educational institutions.
Offering classes from Preschool to 12th Grade, CCA has been ranked as one of the top private schools in Indianapolis. With a nearly 80% acceptance rate, our co-ed institution boasts a 10:1 faculty to student ratio, which allows for student-centered education with a missional focus. School enrollment includes students from all different churches in the area, and all faiths are welcome at CCA.
Once in high school, CCA offers plenty of dual-credit options to prepare students for academic success in College and success in life. This is just another of the many reasons that make Central Christian Academy one of the top private schools in Indianapolis.
CCA also boasts championship athletic programs starting as early as elementary school. CCA high school athletes compete in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSA) competition and we offer competition in basketball, soccer, track and field, volleyball, softball, E-Sports, and cheerleading.
Be a part of the Central Christian Academy family. Start the application today for enrollment in the 2022-2023 school year.
