The River Region is blessed to have a large number of very good private schools.  The 2010 Private School guide will give you all the initial information you'll need to decide which private schools might be a good match for your child.  To help you to know which schools advertise in Montgomery Parents their names are colored blue.

INDEPENDENT

• Autauga Academy
497 Golson Rd., Prattville
Phone: 365-4343; Founded: 1969
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Website: www.autaugaacademy.org
Principal: Gerald Carter
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K3 through 12th
Curriculum: College Prep
Testing Requirements: Entrance/admission exam
Registration Deadline: Now accepting applications
Accreditation: AISA and SACS
Sports: Football, basketball, track, cheerleading, baseball, soccer, golf, softball & volleyball
Clubs: Beta, Science, Math, Yearbook, SGA, FCA, computer and School Newspaper.
Other: Academic scholarships available for grades 1-11.
Tuition: Please call for rates. Annual fee $1,200 per year per family. New families’ fee is reduced to $600 for 1st year. Extended Care Fees: Call for additional information.

• Browns Private School
1130 Bellview Street
Phone: 264-2971; Founded: 1940
Principal: Mr. Bennie Johnson
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Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K-2 through 2nd
Curriculum: Same textbooks as Public Schools.
Testing Requirements: None
Registration deadline: Begins January
Other: All certified teachers, computer classes.
Tuition: $300/mo.for nine months
Uniforms Required

• Canterbury High School
2005B North Country Club Dr.
Phone: 834-2273; Founded: 1994
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Administrator: Dianne Causey
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: 9 - 12
Curriculum: Regular & Advanced placement. Meets State of Alabama curriculum guidelines for 4x4 diplomas
Testing Requirements: None
Accreditation: SACS
Clubs: Student Government and Yearbook
Other: William Glasser Quality High School. Specialize in students with ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. School year is year-round, divided into four quarters.
Tuition: Please call for pricing.

• East Montgomery Montessori School
6801 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery
Phone: 272-5097; Founded: 2001
Website: www.eastmontgomerymontessori.com
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Administrator: Starlene Luker
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: 18 months through 5th grade
Curriculum: Traditional Montessori Education
Sports/Activities: The Big Green Bus Gymnastics, Orff Music, Gymboree and Visual Art class.
Foreign Languages: None
Other: Focus on families that value quality education by a Montessori-trained teacher and believe that with proper guidance, every child can reach his/her social and intellectual potential.
Tuition: Call for tuition rates or visit our website. Extended day available. Application and material fees only.

• Edgewood Academy
P.O. Box 160, 5475 Elmore Rd, Elmore
Phone: 567-5102
Headmaster: Frankie L. Mitchum
Ages/Grades: K-12
Website: www.edgewoodacademy.org
Curriculum: Offers 2 diplomas - standard, advanced; including advanced placement courses.
Testing Requirement: Admissions test & evaluation of scholastic record
Registration deadline: Applications accepted all year; testing begins January on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Accreditation: AISA since 1974, SACs and CITA
Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, dance team, track, golf and Pee-Wee/Termite football.
Clubs: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, SGA, FCA, Spanish, Youth in Government, Drama, Beta, Accounting Team, First Priority, Math Team and Robotics Team.
Other: 1997 and 2001 Presidential Award for Academic Excellence by the AISA. Blue Ribbon School seven years in a row. 2008 2A Football State Champions. Chairman’s Award for recognizing schools for athletic achievement. At least 60% of faculty holds a masters degree.
Tuition: Please call for tuition rates.

• Hill & Lowe Educational Services-
Exploratorium Academy
9013 Wares Ferry Road - Montgomery
Office: 334-279-9700; Fax: 334-279-9671
Website: www.hillandloweeducationalservices.org
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Director - Dr. Mary Hill Lowe, Ed.S., Ed.D.
Grades 7-12; Individual Hours of Specialized Instruction. Certified Instruction, Highly Qualified/Certified Teachers. We offer year-round classes. No Graduation Exam required - Students earn a fully accredited and recognized Alabama High School Diploma.
Accreditation - Regionally and Nationally Accredited by: The National Private School’s Accreditation Alliance.
Special Tuition Prices Due To Economic Hardship - Effective January 2009. (Call for tuition prices).
Please call for an appointment. All e-mails are welcomed.

• Green Gate School
3265 McGehee Rd., Montgomery
Phone: 281-3300; Fax: 286-4884
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Website: www.schoolgreengate.com
Founded in 1971 by Marjorie and Dick Payne
Headmaster: Kenneth Richardson
Director of Education: Yvonna Richardson
Religious Affiliation: Green Gate has no formal church affiliation and accepts students of all races and religions. Values for living are a part of all we teach.
Ages/grades: Young preschool through middle school (Preschool 12 months- 8th grade)
After school care: Available… Hours 7:00 - 6:00
Testing Requirements: Testing for all students. Interview may be required.
Curriculum: Green Gate school fosters the joy of learning and honors each student’s different learning style. Working together with parents, Green Gate places the needs of the student first, allowing bright students to cross teach up to higher grades with a more challenging curriculum. Students needing additional help in certain subjects are given the opportunity to work outside the class with a tutor to aide in their learning process. Green Gate emphasizes structure yet allows students the opportunity to choose activities or special subjects they enjoy. Green Gate offers a demanding Course of Study in basic subjects with established academic goals and also encourages children to think for themselves, preparing them for independent learning in the future.
Registration Deadline: None, Registration for following year begins in December
Accreditation: Southern Association for Colleges and Schools
Sports: Basketball
Pre-School Activities offered for younger children: Orff, Dance, Computer and Gymnastics
Clubs: Yearbook, government, student council, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts
Other: Spanish, art, library, computers, music, and physical education as part of our curriculum
Tuition: $5,1020, paid over 9 1/2 months. Includes all student fees, partial scholarships available.
Book and Lab fees can be paid in installments.

• Hooper Academy
380 Fischer Rd., Hope Hull
Phone: 288-5980; Founded: 1970
Website:www.hooperacademy.org
Headmaster: John Niblett
Religious Affiliation: None - secular
Ages/grades: K4 through 12th
Curriculum: Advanced and standard diplomas, music and computer K5-6th
Registration Deadline: Based on availability
Accreditation: AISA; SACS; NCPS
Sports: Include football (grades 3-12), volleyball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, track, softball, cheerleading and golf.
Clubs: Beta Club, Fine Arts, National Honor Society, Science Club, Math Club, SGA, Performing Arts, Yearbook/Journalism, FCA, and State/District Academic Competitions.
Other: Extended care program available. Licensed Day Care program available on campus.
Current annual tuition rates are: K-12, 1 child- $4,260; 2 children- $7,392; 3 children- $9,408; 4 children- $11,556
Tuition includes textbook rental, lab fees, admission to fine arts and home sporting events, locker fees and a yearbook for each student.

• Lowndes Academy
P. O. Box 99, Lowndesboro, Al.
Phone: (334) 278-3367; Fax: (334)278-4476
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Website: www.lowndesacademy.org
Headmaster: Chuck Insinga
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K4-12th
Curriculum: Elementary A Beka; college prep
Testing Requirements: None
Registration deadline: Open
Accreditation: AISA; SACS
Sports: Football (Pee-Wee, Jr. High & Varsity), Girls Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Track, Basketball and Cheerleading
Clubs: Beta Club, FCA, SGA, ACE, German and Mathematics
Other: Before & after school care, music, dance, gymnastics, piano, tennis, yearbook staff.
Hosts the district Spelling Bee each year. Very active booster club hosts deer hunt, annual fund raiser.
Tuition: Please visit website or call for more info.

• Macon-East Montgomery Academy
15396 Vaughn Road
Phone: 277-6566; Founded: 1995
Website: www.maconeast.net
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Headmaster: Jim Arrington; Lower School Director: Cathy Maxey; Upper School Director: Michael McLendon
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K3 - 12
Curriculum: College Prep, Honors
Testing Requirements: Tests given to K4, K5 & 1st grade; standardized scores 2-12
Accreditation: SACS, National Council for Private School Accreditation, AISA and Southern Association of Independent Schools
Sports: Basketball, football, baseball, golf, softball, volleyball, track, tennis and cheerleading
Clubs: Student Government, Camelot Club, Technology Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students, National Honor Society, Yearbook and Newspaper.
Other: Teacher-student ratio: Preschool: 12; K-6th: 18; grades 7-12: 24
Tuition rates for 2009-2010 year: K-12: $5,615 per child. Additional discounts for other children. Additional fees: New family Building fee ($ 200 per year, payable up to $1,200 per family), annual registration fee ($275 per family), other fees K3-K5 $435 per student per year, Grades 1st -12rh , $639 annual fee per student per year (includes student fee consisting of technology, activity and books - per student)
1st – 12th grade Uniforms are required

• Montessori Academy
1025 South Hull Street
Phone: 262-8685; Founded: 1982
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Website: www.montessorimontgomery.com
Executive Director: Dr. Virginia Remko
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: 12 months through 6 years /Montessori age-appropriate academic program
Curriculum: Montessori including language, pre-reading, reading, math, science, history, art and music (AMS affiliated).
Registration Deadline: Open as space permits
Testing Requirements: Personal interview
Sports & Clubs: Ballet, tap, gymnastics, computers, and foreign language
Other: Celebrating 26 years of Quality Education for the Crucial Early Years American Montessori Society certified teachers
Tuition: Please call for more information

• The Montgomery Academy
Upper School, 3240 Vaughn Rd.
Lower School, 1550 Perry Hill Rd.
Phone: 272-8210; Founded: 1959
Website: www.montgomeryacademy.org
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Interim Head of School: Ms. Vivian Barfoot (Mr.Dave Farace will begin July, 2010 as Head of School)
Director of Admissions: Ms. Susannah Cleveland
Religious Affiliation: Non-sectarian
Ages/grades: K - 12
Curriculum: College Preparatory; competitive admissions
Testing Requirements: An admissions test is given to all applicants. Applicants must also submit a transcript, and teacher recommendation forms.
Registration Deadline: November 2009 through February 2010 and then open as space permits.
Accreditation: The Montgomery Academy is jointly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The Academy is also a member of The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, School Scholarship Service, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, Cum Laude Society, and the National, Southern, and Alabama Associations of Independent Schools, and the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education. NAIS membership, in particular, is a hallmark of nationally competitive independent schools.
Mission: The mission of The Montgomery Academy is the pursuit of excellence within the four major spheres of Academy life: academics, the arts, athletics and activities. Implicit in this is the existence of an environment in which students are simultaneously supported and challenged. The ultimate component of this mission is to assist students in becoming adults of strong moral character who contribute to society in both their professional and community lives.
Sports: Interscholastic sports are very popular at the Academy. Two-thirds of Middle and Upper School students sport their cardinal and navy colors in the different sports available at the Academy. Because The Montgomery Academy is a smaller school, we are able to offer students more opportunities to play their chosen sports and to develop their athletic skills to the fullest. There are 29 teams for boys and girls in grades 7-12 including, basketball, soccer, football, golf, tennis, baseball, softball, track, cross country, volleyball, swimming and cheerleading. Many teams have earned state championships in their respective sports. Coaches are dedicated to bringing out the best in their players and to teaching the value of sportsmanship and teamwork. The Montgomery Academy is one of only two schools in the city to have its own track. All students participate in physical education classes where they can explore a variety of sports and fitness activities.
The Montgomery Academy’s Athletic Department provides all necessary equipment such as bats, balls, helmets, and all required padding for football. In addition, all team uniforms are provided with tennis being the only exception. Parents of students participating on MA sports teams may incur costs for team spirit packs. Spirit packs include items that enhance team spirit and unity, but are not required for participation.
Clubs: There are several clubs for students to join in the Lower School and Middle School divisions and more than 20 clubs and organizations for Upper School students to join. These include: Academy Ambassadors, Amnesty International, Architecture Club, Chamber Music Ensemble, Drama Club, Dance Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Forensics Teams, Foreign Language Clubs, Government Club, HEART-Community Service, Honor Council, Math Club, Outdoor Club, Peer Pals, Student Council, Student Newspaper, Video Games, Interact, Wildlife Conservation and the Yearbook.
Other: The Montgomery Academy is an independent, coed college-preparatory day school, enrolling students in grades K-12. The curriculum is designed to provide above average to superior students the preparation necessary for success, both in college and in later life. All Academy graduates attend a four-year college or university; many are selected to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation.
Members of the graduating class of 2009 were accepted to some of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the nation, and 82% of the senior class received $4.2 million dollars in merit scholarship offers (this figures does not include financial aid or need-based scholarships. Thirty Advanced Placement and Honors courses are offered and our students earn AP Scholar Awards annually. With small classes and an exceptional faculty, the Academy builds a caring supportive community in which students are challenged to perform to the maximum of their ability and potential. The Academy also boats its own state-of-the-art dedicated flexible theater space, which hosts up to three annual productions. Our Art Department is ranked in the top 10% nationwide and we are the only independent school to offer AP Art History on campus. Our award-winning chorus has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall and at Stanford University. The Academy’s Forensics (speech and debate) team has been named State Champions 12 of the past 15 years and has produced 106 individual State Champions since 1994. The Academy also boasts the largest speech and debate program in Alabama, and the National Forensic League also ranks the program in the top 1% nationwide.
Tuition for 2009-2010: K: $5,600; Grades 1-4: $10,092; Grades 5-6: $10,416; Grades 7-12: $11,100
Tuition covers a hot nutritious lunch for the year in grades 1-12, the enrollment deposit, admission to all home athletic events, most extracurricular and athletic team fees, a yearbook and all technology fees. A separate bill for books and supplies (which will vary from student to student and from year to year) and certain class trips are sent in the fall. Uniforms are required.

• Saint James School
6010 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery
Phone: 273-3000; Founded: 1955
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Website: www.stjweb.org
Ages/grades: Pre-K3 through 12th
Headmaster: Mrs. Melba Richardson
High School Principal: John Tatum
Middle School Principal: Cathy Pearson
Elementary Principal: Jim Terry
Religious Affiliation: None
Curriculum: College Prep
Testing Requirements: Admissions testing required. Contact Admissions Office for information.
Registration Deadline: Testing begins in January and is ongoing as space becomes available. Initial invitations for acceptance mailed early March. Later enrollment as openings occur.
Accreditation: SACS, NAIS, SAIS, AAIS, SACAC, NACAC and the College Board
Sports: Basketball, football and baseball, tennis, cross country, track, soccer, golf, wrestling, volleyball, softball and cheerleading and indoor track
Clubs: 30 clubs and organizations including ten honor societies, SGA, Show Choir, Band, Speech & Debate teams, Science Olympiad, Drama Club, Media Club, French Club, Spanish Club, Latin Club, Science Bowl, Community Volunteer Corps, school newspaper, Psychology Club, FCA, Key Club, Leo Club, SADD Club, Pep Club, Interpersonal Relations, Scrabble Team, Young Republicans, Young Democrats, and senior high Tri-Hi-Y
Other: Saint James School is the oldest nonsectarian, college preparatory school in Montgomery. At Saint James students find an educational environment that is engaging, caring and disciplined. Emphasis is placed on helping students realize their potential by challenging them to academic, artistic, and athletic excellence and teaching them to make personal responsibility, community service, and individual achievement lifelong habits. Advanced Placement, Honors, and advanced classes are offered in 35 areas, encompassing both middle and high school. Each academic classroom in Grades 1-12 contains a SMART Board interactive learning tool, enhancing classroom teaching and learning. The vigorous academic curriculum is balanced with outstanding offerings in the nationally recognized fine arts department and state championship athletic program. ESL tutoring is provided to foreign-born students, to assist with English comprehension, reading, and writing skills. Tuition: Approximate. Pre K3: $4,973; K4-K5: $5,433; Grades 1-5: $8,429; Grades 6-8: $8,942; and Grades 9-12: $9,318. Additional fees may be applied.
Mandatory drug testing, grades 6 - 12
Uniforms Required

• South Montgomery County
Academy
Phone: (334) 562-3235; Fax: (334) 562-9059
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: http://smcaraiders.org
Founded: 1970
Headmaster: Carolyn Hicks
Religious Affiliation: none
Ages/grades: Daycare starting at K3 - 12 grade
Curriculum: ABeka, Ala. high school courses of study
Registration Deadline: none
Testing Requirements: none
Accreditation: AISA & SACS
Sports & Clubs: Cheerleading, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, General club, Beta, FCA, SGA, Student Govt. and 4H Club.
Tuition: Call for Rates

• Three Rivers Academy
445 Cotton Gin Rd., Montgomery
Phone: (334) 517-1158
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Website: www.threeriversacademy.org
Founded: August of 2009
Headmistress: Dorinda W. Cooper
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K5 – 12 grade
Curriculum: College preparatory
Registration Deadline: Pre-enrollment until Jan. 15, 2010; New student enrollment begins Jan. 15
Testing Requirements: Entrance Exam required
Accreditation: Pending with NPSAG
Sports: Baseball, softball, soccer
Clubs: Student Government, Cultural Club, Yearbook, Newspaper, Bible Club, National Honor Society
Other: Only enroll 10 students per class, Before and after school care
Tuition: Call for rates

• Zelia Stephens Early Childhood
Center, Alabama State University
Phone: 229-4470; Fax: 229-4461
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.alasu.edu
Founded: 1971
Headmaster: Gloria Johnson
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages: 3 years to 3rd grade
Curriculum: Saxon and other
Registration: March 1st
Testing Requirements: None
Accreditation: SACS
Tuition: Nursery: $300 per month; Kindergarten: $185 per month; 1st grade: $175 per month; 2nd - 3rd: $170 per month
Uniforms required

UNIQUE LEARNING NEEDS

• Churchill Academy
395 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery
Website: www.churchillacademymontgomery.com
Phone: 270-4225; Founded: 1996
Administrator: Lisa Hanlon Schroeder, M.Ed.
Religious Affiliation: None
Ages/grades: K -12th
Curriculum: Individualized academic programs
Registration: Begins January
Testing Requirements: Previous diagnosis of learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or other, and average to above average intellectual functioning.
Accreditation: National Independent Private School Association
Clubs: Scouts and academic tutoring
Other: The only comprehensive school program in Montgomery specializing in educating bright children with unique learning differences. 12 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Certified educational specialists.
Tuition: Approximate. Grades K-8: $6,655.00; Grades 9-12: $7,502.00.
Uniforms required
ROMAN CATHOLIC

• Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School
3850 Atlanta Highway, (K-6) 5350 Vaughn Rd. (7-12) Saint Bede Campus (K-6): 272-3033 Middle School Phone (7-8): 272-2456 High School Phone (9-12) : 272-7220 Website: www.montgomerycatholic.org Founded: 1873 President: Anne Ceasar Elementary Principal: Susan Duke Middle School Principal: Maria Nolen High School Principal: Fran Taylor
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic, all classes attend weekly Mass
Ages/grades: K-12th Curriculum: College preparatory, Honors and A.P. courses available. Theology is required. Testing Requirements: Placement test (February, June and August.) Registration deadline: March of preceding year. Accreditation: SACS Sports: Football, volleyball, soccer, cheerleading, golf, wrestling, cross country, track, basketball, baseball, softball, & tennis.
Clubs: Concert Band, FCA, National Honor Society, Junior National Honor Society, Key Club, French Culture Club, Scrabble Club, Government Club, Forensics Club, Science Olympiad, Math Club, Respect Life Club, Ambassadors Club, Pep Club, Drama, SGA and Yearbook.
Other: High School Trimester scheduling allows students to study 5 courses per day (4 academic/1 elective), earning 7.5 credits per school year. A high percentage of graduates receive scholarships to attend college. Senior Service/Mentoring Projects pair students with senior citizens through their Social Concerns/Theology class. Class retreats offer time for students to bond with their peers through social, service and reconciliation activities. There is a strong parental involvement throughout our program and we have a very active Boosters Club. Uniforms required. Tuition: K-6: $3,883-4,893; 7-12: $4,990-6,777

• Resurrection Catholic School
2815 Forbes Dr., Montgomery
Phone: 265-4615; Founded: 1943
Website: www.rcmsouth.org
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Principal: Father Fred Briers, C.R.
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Ages/Grades: Preschool age Pre K- 8th
Curriculum: Basic; strong traditional skills core curriculum with extensive enrichment & acceleration. Religion classes required; technology emphasized; enrichment in arts & conversational Spanish; strong accelerated reading program in place. After school care, hot breakfast and lunches, computer technology. Writing to Read for K-2 and Title I.
Testing Requirement: Placement 1 - 8
Registration deadline: Begin registration Feb. for returning students and for new students. Open House
Accreditation: SACS
Sports: Soccer, cheerleading and basketball available
Clubs: Student Council, Drug-Free Club, Science Fair, Computer Club and Choir.
Tuition: Affordable; call for more information.
Family discounts available.
Uniforms Required

• St. Jude Educational Institute
2048 W. Fairview Avenue
Phone: 264-5376 (High School); 264-6669 (fax) Founded: 1934
Website: www.saintjudeei.org
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Interim Principal: Wanda Twitty
Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic
Ages/grades: 7th through 12th
Curriculum: College Preparatory
Testing Requirements: Ninth Grade Entrance Exam
Registration deadline: March
Accreditation: SACS
Sports: Football, basketball, track & field, and cheerleading.
Clubs: Student Government, Journalism, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Junior Society, National Honor Society, Art, Theatre, Government (Real Court) and Multi media. We offer many more…please see website.
Other: Choir, Coronation Ball
Tuition: Approximately $4,800
Uniforms required