5 Best Private Schools In Memphis

Finding the right private schools is a pretty daunting task, although the “Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” has plenty of lucrative options to select from. In 2023 there were a total of 76 private schools serving close to 16,356 students in the city of Memphis, and interestingly 13% of all the students taking a K-12 education are enrolled in private schools. 

Recommended Reading: Is Private School Worth It?

There are multiple reasons why parents today prefer private schools. One is the importance of college completion in terms of higher income earned! The emphasis on providing students with a college preparatory environment is higher in private schools.

Let’s dive in and explore the curated list of the 5 best private schools in Memphis!

1) St. Mary’s Episcopal School

St. Mary’s Episcopal School is a private all-girls school in Memphis, Tennessee. It was founded in 1847 and has since grown into a prestigious institution that offers a challenging academic program in a supportive and caring environment. The school serves girls from preschool to 12th grade, focusing on developing young women of character and intellect.

Academics at St. Mary’s are rigorous, and the curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students. The school offers a range of courses in various disciplines, including mathematics, science, social studies, language arts, and foreign languages. Students can take advanced courses and participate in honors and AP programs.

The faculty at St. Mary’s is highly qualified and dedicated to helping each student reach her full potential. Teachers encourage critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning. The school is highly dedicated to ensuring that students are provided with the right college counseling sessions, and the numbers look nothing but impressive.

A total of 67 girls got acceptance letters from 129 colleges and universities in the US and abroad, and nearly 85% of the students from the class of 2022 gained admission to institutions out of the state!!

Beyond the classroom, St. Mary’s offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to engage students and foster their interests. The school has a strong arts program, including music, theater, and visual arts. Students can also participate in various athletic teams, including basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and cross country. 

St. Mary’s is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. The school values each student and celebrates their unique backgrounds and perspectives. The community is supportive and nurturing, with a focus on creating a sense of belonging and fostering lifelong friendships.

1. Website: https://www.stmarysschool.org/ 
2. Contact: (901) 537-1472
3. Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
4. College Preparation: Yes
5. Graduation Rate: 100%
6. Average SAT Score: 1340
7. Average Financial Aid: $9,000
8. Yearly Tuition: $24,475
9. Location and Address: 60 PERKINS EXT, MEMPHIS, TN 38117
10. Safety and Security: 88% of students agree that they feel safe at their school

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2) Lausanne Collegiate School 

A co-educational and independent school, Lausanne Collegiate School was founded in 1926, and over the period of 90 years, it has become one of the premier independent schools in the region, with a mission to foster the development of each student’s unique talents, interests, and character. Lausanne Collegiate School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and has a total enrollment of around 900 students from over 70 different countries showing its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The school has an average class size of 14 and offers a rigorous academic program with a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity to help them prepare for success in college and beyond. The school has placed special emphasis on college preparation and has successfully ensured the acceptance of around 167 students in over 66 colleges and universities.

In addition to its strong academic program, Lausanne Collegiate School also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, fine arts, and community service. The school has a rich tradition of athletic excellence, with numerous state championships in a variety of sports. 

The fine arts program is equally strong, with students consistently earning top honors in regional and national competitions. Community service is also a key component of the school’s mission, and students are encouraged to participate in various service projects throughout the year.

1. Website: https://www.lausanneschool.com/ 
2. Contact: (901) 474-1000
3. Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
4. College Preparation: Yes
5. Graduation Rate: 100%
6. Average SAT Score: 1330
7. Average Financial Aid: Available but not disclosed
8. Yearly Tuition: $26,910
9. Location and Address: 1381 WEST MASSEY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38120
10. Safety and Security: 93% of students agree that they feel safe at their school

3) Hutchison School

The next school on our list is Hutchison School, which is an all-girls independent school and was founded in 1902 by Mary Grimes Hutchison and is named in her honor. The school is known for providing a rigorous academic curriculum while also emphasizing the development of character, leadership, and creativity in its students.

Hutchison School offers education from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Lower School (Pre-Kindergarten-4th grade) and Middle School (5th-8th grade) are located on a separate campus from the Upper School (9th-12th grade). The school’s campus is on over 52 acres of land, providing ample space for athletic fields, outdoor classrooms, and nature trails.

The school’s academic program is rigorously designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond, with a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and a focus on developing hands-on learning and problem-solving skills. Students aim to ace various subjects such as English, math, science, and social studies, as well as courses in foreign languages, the arts, and physical education. 

Hutchison School is also heavily inclined towards technology as it became one of the first in the area to adopt a school-wise laptop program with a ‘One-To-One Laptop Program’ in place every girl in lower school today owns her own Chromebook, and in their fifth grade, the girls are assigned a laptop which they’re allowed to take home. The school has developed a secure technological infrastructure, and iPads, SMARTboards, mounted wireless projectors, and a high-speed internet are a common sight on this campus.

Apart from being academically focused, the school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, theater, and community service, and has a robust athletic program, with teams in sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer, cross country, and tennis. The school has won numerous state championships in various sports over the years. 

The school promotes equity and inclusion on the campus and in student’s lives, making it a popular choice for families in the Memphis area

1. Website: https://www.hutchisonschool.org/ 
2. Contact: (901) 762-6672
3. Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
4. College Preparation: Yes
5. Graduation Rate: 100%
6. Average SAT Score: 1310
7. Average Financial Aid: Available but not disclosed
8. Yearly Tuition: $23,650
9. Location and Address: 1740 RIDGEWAY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38119
10. Safety and Security: 100% of students agree that they feel safe at their school

4) St. Agnes Academy and St. Dominic School

St. Agnes Academy and St. Dominic School or collectively called the Dominican Community of Schools is a private Catholic school located in Memphis, Tennessee. The school was founded in 1851 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, and it has since grown to become one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the region.

Operating for 172 years, The Dominican Community of Schools currently serves students in grades PK-12, and it is divided into two distinct campuses: St. Agnes Academy for girls and St. Dominic School for boys. The schools share a campus and many resources, but they operate independently, with separate faculties and administrative structures.

St. Agnes Academy is a college preparatory school for young women, offering a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school’s academic program is grounded in the liberal arts, and it emphasizes critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical leadership. St. Agnes Academy also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and community service.

St. Dominic School is a preparatory Catholic college school for boys, serving students from PK-8. The school is dedicated to providing a rigorous academic program that fosters intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership. St. Dominic School offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, drama, and community service.

Both schools at St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School is committed to providing a values-based education that is rooted in the Catholic faith. Students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of personal responsibility, social justice, and service to others.

Overall, St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School is a highly regarded educational institution that offers a challenging and enriching academic program for students. Its strong commitment to Catholic values and its emphasis on character development make it a popular choice among parents residing in the city of Memphis.

1. Website: https://www.saa-sds.org/ 
2. Contact: (901) 767-1356
3. Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
4. College Preparation: Yes
5. Graduation Rate: 100%
6. Average SAT Score: 1220
7. Average Financial Aid: $7000
8. Yearly Tuition: $20,000
9. Location and Address: 4830 WALNUT GROVE RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38117
10. Safety and Security: 79% of students agree that they feel safe at their school

5. Pleasant View School 

A school founded in 1995 by a group of visionaries who wanted to create an alternative to the public school system. Pleasant View School is a private, co-educational, Islamic school and is known for its rigorous academic program, supportive community, and commitment to fostering the whole child.

The school has an enrollment rate of approximately 500 students are enrolled each year. They also have a strict ‘Uniform Policy’ which enlists a separate set of uniforms for both boys and girls in different grades and a separate uniform dress code for High Schoolers in order to ensure that students maintain modesty and study in a disciplined environment!!

Their curriculum is designed to challenge students at all levels, and teachers work closely with each student to ensure that they are engaged and supported in their learning. The school has a strong emphasis on the arts and physical education, with programs in music, drama, visual arts, and athletics. Students are encouraged to explore their own identities and perspectives and to learn from the experiences of their peers.

The school also places a strong emphasis on community service as students are given the opportunity to give back to their community through service projects, volunteer work, and other initiatives. These experiences help students develop empathy and compassion and give them a sense of responsibility for the world around them.

Pleasant View School’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, inclusivity, and community service make it a truly unique and valuable institution in Memphis.

1. Website: https://www.pleasantviewschool.org/ 
2. Contact: (901) 380-0122
3. Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
4. College Preparation: Yes
5. Graduation Rate: N\A
6. Average SAT Score: N\A
7. Average Financial Aid: Available but not disclosed
8. Yearly Tuition: $6,800
9. Location and Address: 1740 RIDGEWAY ROAD, MEMPHIS, TN 38119
10. Safety and Security: 100% of students agree that they feel safe at their school

So, there you go!! A well-curated list to ensure your child’s brighter future!! These five are a few of the best private schools in Memphis and are graded as well as analyzed by our team for you to choose only the best for your child’s education.

These schools not only hone your kids academically but also push them to explore their hidden talents, all the while evolving their inner genius to ensure they turn out to be leaders in this global community.

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