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Guide to the 11 Best Private Schools in Springfield, MO

While our local public school systems have an amazing student success record, Springfield’s private schools provide options for a different learning environment ideal for some students. Currently, our community offers diverse private school options ranging from preparatory and faith-based models to a unique, classical curriculum that spans elementary school through high school.

Springfield PREPARATORY & LABORATORY SCHOOLS

While laboratory and prep schools are designed to prepare students for college and higher education, Springfield’s preparatory schools provide significant and distinct opportunities for students and their families. If you are new to Springfield and need recommendations for the top performing private preparatory schools in the area, check out the following three schools available to you and your student.

Based on the world-renowned teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, the Discovery Garden emphasizes independent learning, mixed-age classrooms and mutual teaching in an effort to cultivate each child’s natural love of learning. The Discovery Garden offers hands-on learning programs for children ages 16 months to 5th grade, as well as after-school and summer enrichment programs.

Greenwood Laboratory School, established in 1908, is a comprehensive K–12 school affiliated with Missouri State University and located on the main campus Springfield.

Greenwood focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and is accredited by Cognia. Noted for exceptional academic excellence, student ACT scores are typically four to six points above the national average, and 100% of students go on to pursue higher education. Greenwood Laboratory School

Since 2004, The Summit Preparatory School has fostered student learning through the development of curiosity, creativity, and critical-thinking skills.

Accepting students from pre-K through 12th grade, this unique facility fosters the joy of learning through small class sizes, individualized attention and integrated learning experiences that utilize “specials” including art, music, physical education/yoga, Spanish, and STEM.

Additionally, The Summit offers a variety of athletic opportunities for junior high and high school students, and is a member of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).

Springfield FAITH-BASED LEARNING

The Springfield community has a strong faith-based private school system with a diverse collection of options available for families to choose from. Each faith-based private school has its own specialties and strengths, but all are well-suited to propel your student’s education forward. See our top faith-based private school options below.

Christian Schools of Springfield is a ministry of Baptist Temple, a local church, and was created under the direction of Dr. Harry Vickery in 1963, who sought to provide a quality Christian education for children of all ages.

CSOS is an academically challenging experience incorporating traditional values and Bible-based teachings for students age two through grade eight. A strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and other skills in addition to the development of Christian character.

Gloria Deo Academy is a Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade school focused on delivering a Christian classical education. Gloria Deo is a full member of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS). GDA teachers partner with parents to educate students in a historic biblical worldview.

Notable distinguishing factors that makes GDA stand out is that it is the only private classical school in Springfield that offers math through Calculus, and their Speech and Debate programs rank in the top 20% in the nation.

Grace Classical Academy is a faith-based school that aims to help children strive for excellence in knowledge, wisdom, and service. GCA offers classes for grades PreK-12 and uses a classical approach to education that recognizes three phases of learning: grammar, logic and rhetoric.

New Covenant Academy is a private christian school that represents more than 90 area churches in Springfield, MO. NCA is an accredited, private, not-for-profit, Christian college preparatory school that integrates faith and learning at every grade level from preschool to high school.

A factor which makes NCA unique in the Springfield private school community is that NCA offers dual college credit opportunities for high school students through Missouri State University and Drury University, with both in-seat and online options.

Furthermore, Graduates who have been enrolled at NCA for both their junior and senior year are offered 50% discount in tuition at Evangel University for in-seat courses, and 10% discount for online and Master’s degree programs, helping promote a continued local education experience.

The oldest and largest private school system in town, Springfield Catholic has three elementary schools and one high school. The names of the elementary schools located in Springfield are Immaculate Conception, St. Agnes, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. 

Across all academic locations, students are exposed to a challenging curriculum and must log a minimum of 60 hours of community service throughout high school.

Furthermore, Springfield Catholic High School prides itself on a high percentage (98%) of college-bound graduates who are pursued by prestigious colleges across the country.

Springfield Lutheran School (SLS) was established in 1984 and provides a rigorous academic curriculum for ages 3 through 8th grade, as well as childcare services. SLS is a ministry of Redeemer Lutheran Church, yet accepts students from both Lutheran and non-Lutheran area churches.

Springfield Lutheran Schools offers students the opportunity to participate in sports, including cross country, basketball, volleyball, archery, track, cheerleading, and scholar bowl. State competitions are through the Lutheran Sports Association of Missouri (LSAM), or the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Springfield Seventh-day Adventist Junior Academy is affiliated with the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist school network. Offering education for Grades K-10, this school incorporates faith, service to others, and learning as daily components of a Christ-centered curriculum.

Springfield SDA Jr Academy is a ministry of the Springfield Seventh-day Adventist Church, and is accredited by the Adventist Accreditation Association. 

St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a small, faith-filled school that offers a challenging curriculum and encourages students ages preschool through 8th grade to reach their full potential and become problem solvers. Online learning focuses on higher-level thinking, small group interaction and student engagement.

Private School Resources