Published July 14, 2026

Private Schools in the Huntsville, Madison Alabama Metro Area

Written by Robert Hussey

Private Schools in the Huntsville, Madison Alabama Metro Area header image.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Madison County, Alabama, has independent, Christian, Catholic, Montessori, and specialized private-school programs serving students from early elementary grades through high school. This guide compares grade levels, published tuition, reported ratios, academics, activities, athletics, and college preparation. School information changes, so families should verify current details directly before making enrollment or housing decisions.

One of the questions I often hear from people moving to the Huntsville area is where they can find dependable private-school information in one place. I organized this guide to give clients a practical starting point. It does not rank schools, and it does not replace a campus visit or a direct conversation with the school.

Key Takeaways

Madison County includes large PK-12 campuses, smaller academies, elementary and middle schools, and highly specialized educational programs.
Tuition, fees, admissions procedures, religious requirements, and available grade levels vary considerably.
A published student-to-teacher ratio is not necessarily the same as the number of students in a classroom.
A school reporting 100% college acceptance is not necessarily reporting 100% college enrollment or completion.
Smaller schools may offer personal attention, but families should verify which courses, teams, and activities will operate during the coming year.
School data can change annually and should be confirmed directly with the school.
From a real estate standpoint, daily travel time can matter as much as the school’s distance on a map.

Independent and College-Preparatory Schools

Randolph School

Huntsville | Grades PK4-12 | Independent, nonsectarian college preparatory

Enrollment: About 1,000.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Reported about 10:1.
Average class size: About 14.
Tuition and assistance: Sliding-scale Tailored Tuition.

Academics, programs, and activities: Advanced courses, languages, STEM, theater, music, visual arts, service and extensive college counseling.

Sports: Broad middle- and upper-school athletics; approximately 16 sports.

College information: Extensive published college-preparatory programming; current single enrollment percentage was not clearly published.

Practical strengths: Broad curriculum, strong college counseling, fine arts, athletics, facilities and a nonsectarian environment

Important considerations: Among the highest-cost options before assistance. The academic environment can be demanding, and the two-campus arrangement may affect transportation

Huntsville College Preparatory School

Huntsville | Grades K-12 | Small independent / individualized

Enrollment: About 55-70.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: About 10.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Individualized instruction and a small-school environment.

Sports: Limited sports.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Very small classes and potential flexibility for students who need individual attention

Important considerations: Limited sports, electives and peer groups. Accreditation, diploma requirements and advanced-course delivery should be verified

Larger Christian K-12 Schools

Madison Academy

Madison | Grades PK4-12 | Christian college preparatory

Enrollment: Approximately 875+.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: School reports small classes by grade.
Tuition and assistance: Current schedule available from school; need-based assistance offered.

Academics, programs, and activities: AP, dual enrollment, arts, missions, clubs and service.

Sports: Approximately 16 interscholastic sports with a substantial athletic program and published championship history.

College information: School reports 100% college acceptance and more than $6 million in scholarships for a recent class.

Practical strengths: Broad athletics, established school community, advanced coursework, Christian instruction and a full PK-12 experience

Important considerations: Tuition and activity costs can be significant. Athletic culture is prominent. Transfer athletic-eligibility rules should be reviewed

Whitesburg Christian Academy

Huntsville | Grades TK-12 | Baptist / evangelical Christian

Enrollment: 935 reported for 2025-26.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Grammar school reported 14:1.
Average class size: Current grade-level class-size information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: 2025-26 first-child tuition about $11,600-$13,500 plus fees.

Academics, programs, and activities: Band, fine arts, clubs, service, advanced coursework and biblical-worldview instruction.

Sports: 26 high-school teams reported.

College information: Current actual college-enrollment percentage was not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Broad PK-12 programming, a large peer group, athletics, band, fine arts and service opportunities

Important considerations: Religious instruction is central. Families should verify actual class sizes and current college outcomes

Westminster Christian Academy

Madison / Huntsville | Grades Preschool-12 | Presbyterian / Reformed Christian

Enrollment: Approximately 750+ in directory data.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: About 18 in independent data.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Athletics, fine arts, service, academics and Christian discipleship.

Sports: Broad middle- and upper-school offerings.

College information: Current college-enrollment percentage was not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Established K-12 pathway, clearly defined Reformed Christian education, athletics and arts

Important considerations: At least one parent generally must profess the Christian faith and support the school's beliefs. Separate lower- and upper-school campuses can affect transportation

Valley Fellowship Christian Academy

Huntsville | Grades K-12, with early education | Nondenominational Christian

Enrollment: About 390.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Independent source reported about 6:1.
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Independent estimates near $8,000 at highest grade.

Academics, programs, and activities: STEM, dual enrollment, intervention services, arts, missions and clubs.

Sports: Multiple sports including volleyball, soccer, basketball and baseball.

College information: School reports 100% college acceptance.

Practical strengths: Mid-sized environment, broad programming, intervention support, arts, missions and dual enrollment

Important considerations: Families should request actual college-enrollment results, the current course schedule and a complete tuition-and-fee statement

Huntsville Christian Academy

Huntsville | Grades PK-12 | Nondenominational Christian

Enrollment: About 100-125.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Reported about 12:1.
Average class size: About 12 in independent data.
Tuition and assistance: Recent independent estimate near $5,350.

Academics, programs, and activities: STEM, robotics, arts and Christian instruction.

Sports: Limited program compared with larger schools.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Small classes, comparatively moderate published tuition and opportunities for individual participation

Important considerations: Small enrollment limits the number of sports, electives, advanced classes and peer groups

Oakwood Adventist Academy

Huntsville | Grades K-12 | Seventh-day Adventist

Enrollment: Approximately 215-315 depending on reporting year.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Published rates have ranged about $5,400-$7,800 by grade and membership status.

Academics, programs, and activities: Faith, service, academics and connection to the Oakwood University community.

Sports: Current sports information was not publicly available

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Established K-12 program, university connection and comparatively moderate published tuition

Important considerations: Adventist beliefs and lifestyle expectations are part of school life. Current ratios, electives and outcomes should be confirmed

Smaller Christian Academies

Life Christian Academy

Harvest area | Grades K-12 | Christian

Enrollment: Historically about 180-215.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Current information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Small-school Christian education.

Sports: Current sports information was not publicly available

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: K-12 continuity and a northwestern Madison County location

Important considerations: Current tuition, ratio, accreditation, athletics and college outcomes require direct verification

Pineview Christian Academy

Harvest | Grades PK-12 | Christian

Enrollment: Historically around 180.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Current information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Full-grade Christian program.

Sports: Current sports information was not publicly available

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Full grade range, small-school setting and northwestern Madison County location

Important considerations: Limited current public information concerning accreditation, advanced courses, ratios, athletics and outcomes

Calvary Baptist Academy

Huntsville | Grades PK-12 | Baptist

Enrollment: Historically fewer than 60.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Likely small.
Tuition and assistance: Current information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Faith-based small-school instruction.

Sports: Limited by enrollment.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Close-knit setting and potential for significant individual attention

Important considerations: Very small enrollment can limit sports, laboratories, electives and the size of the high- school peer group

Big Cove Christian Academy

Owens Cross Roads | Grades Elementary-middle; distance high school options | Seventh-day Adventist

Enrollment: About 35.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Reported about 12:1.
Average class size: About 10.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Small classes, faith and service; upper grades may use distance learning.

Sports: Limited.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Personal setting and convenient southeastern Madison County location

Important considerations: Remote high-school instruction, limited sports, electives and peer groups. Families should review how upper grades operate

Bethlehem Christian Academy

Hazel Green | Grades PK3-9; adding grade 10 | Baptist

Enrollment: About 100.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Small classes reported.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Christian instruction and developing upper school.

Sports: The athletic program is developing; current offerings were not publicly available

College information: No established four-year high-school college record yet.

Practical strengths: Hazel Green location, small classes and planned upper-school growth

Important considerations: The high-school program is still developing, so course breadth, athletics and college counseling may be limited during expansion

Catholic Schools

St. John Paul II Catholic High School

Huntsville | Grades 9-12 | Catholic college preparatory

Enrollment: About 350-360.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Reported about 8:1 to 12:1 by source.
Average class size: About 15-16.
Tuition and assistance: Approximately $11,400 at highest grade in recent independent data.

Academics, programs, and activities: AP, honors, fine arts, service, faith activities and more than 50 clubs.

Sports: Approximately 19 sports.

College information: School reports 100% college acceptance; an independent directory reported very high four-year enrollment.

Practical strengths: Small high-school environment, advanced coursework, substantial activities, athletics, Catholic formation and college counseling

Important considerations: High school only. Catholic theology and religion courses are part of the program. Transfer and graduation requirements should be reviewed carefully

Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School

Huntsville | Grades PK4-8 | Catholic

Enrollment: More than 450.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Sources report about 14:1-16:1.
Average class size: Current grade-level class-size information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: 2025-26 about $6,942-$8,792 for first child by grade/status.

Academics, programs, and activities: Catholic formation, academics, service and clubs.

Sports: Basketball, soccer, volleyball and other activities.

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Established Catholic elementary and middle school with a natural pathway to Catholic high school

Important considerations: Ends after eighth grade. Some grades may have larger classes than families expect from private education

St. John the Baptist Catholic School

Madison | Grades K4-8 | Catholic

Enrollment: About 380.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Reported about 13:1.
Average class size: Current grade-level class-size information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Parishioner and nonparishioner schedules; confirm current rate.

Academics, programs, and activities: Catholic academics, activities, uniforms and school-choice participation.

Sports: Current sports information was not publicly available

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Madison location, established Catholic education and a pathway to St. John Paul II

Important considerations: No high school. Tuition differs by parish status, and families should verify actual class sizes

Holy Family School

Huntsville | Grades PK-8 | Catholic

Enrollment: About 191.
Student-to-teacher ratio: School reports 12:1.
Average class size: Current grade-level class-size information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Recent independent estimate near $8,000.

Academics, programs, and activities: Catholic education and aftercare.

Sports: Athletics and activities.

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Smaller Catholic-school setting and established parish community

Important considerations: Ends after eighth grade and offers fewer activities than larger schools

Lutheran, Montessori, and Other Faith-Based Schools

Grace Lutheran School

Huntsville | Grades PK-8 | Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Enrollment: About 180.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Federal data about 10.9:1.
Average class size: About 15 in independent data.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Band, drama, honor society, student council, art, Lego and STEAM.

Sports: Athletics offered.

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Small classes and a broad activity program for an elementary and middle school

Important considerations: Ends after eighth grade, and current tuition should be confirmed directly

Montessori School of Huntsville

Huntsville | Grades Preschool-8 | Montessori

Enrollment: About 155-160.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Mixed-age classrooms.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Self-directed, hands-on and experiential learning.

Sports: Traditional competitive athletics are not the central focus.

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Individual pacing, independence and an alternative to conventional classroom instruction

Important considerations: Montessori is not the right fit for every student. Transition into a conventional high school may require adjustment

Islamic Academy of Huntsville

Huntsville | Grades Approximately PK-5 or PK-6 | Islamic

Enrollment: About 55-60.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Small classes reported current figure.
Average class size: About 8 in independent data.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Islamic studies, Arabic and elementary academics.

Sports: Limited.

College information: Not applicable.

Practical strengths: Faith and cultural instruction, small classes and personal attention

Important considerations: The program ends before high school and possibly before completion of middle school. Confirm the current terminal grade

Union Chapel Christian Academy

Huntsville | Grades PK-7 | Christian

Enrollment: About 80 historically.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Current information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Small faith-based program.

Sports: Current sports information was not publicly available

College information: Not applicable.

Practical strengths: Personal setting and Christian instruction

Important considerations: Ends before high school. Tuition, accreditation, ratio and extracurricular offerings require direct verification

Julius R. Scruggs Child Development Center and Academy

Huntsville | Grades Early childhood to about grade 4 or 5 | Baptist

Enrollment: About 100+ historically.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Current information was not publicly available
Average class size: Current information was not publicly available
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Early-childhood and elementary faith-based education.

Sports: Limited.

College information: Not applicable.

Practical strengths: Elementary focus within a faith-based setting

Important considerations: The reported terminal grade has varied. Families should confirm the current grade range and continuity plan

Specialized Educational Programs

These programs should be evaluated according to a student’s documented educational or therapeutic needs rather than compared directly with conventional private schools.

Greengate School

Huntsville | Grades 1-8 | Specialized dyslexia education

Enrollment: About 60.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Very small instructional groups.
Average class size: Reported near 3 in specialized instruction.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Language-based dyslexia remediation and transition planning.

Sports: Limited traditional athletics.

College information: Not applicable as a high school.

Practical strengths: Highly individualized instruction for students with dyslexia and related language-based needs

Important considerations: Not a general private-school alternative for every student. Ends after eighth grade and has limited traditional athletics

Huntsville Educational Service

Huntsville | Grades 1-12 | Specialized / individualized

Enrollment: Historically fewer than 20.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Highly individualized.
Average class size: Very small.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Alternative pacing and individualized instruction.

Sports: Minimal traditional athletics.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Potential support for students who have struggled in conventional classrooms

Important considerations: Limited traditional school life. Accreditation, diploma recognition and postsecondary outcomes should be reviewed carefully

The Pinnacle School

Huntsville | Grades Approximately 7-12 | Therapeutic / alternative

Enrollment: Historically about 20.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Highly individualized.
Average class size: Very small.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Therapeutic, emotional and behavioral support.

Sports: Limited.

College information: Current college-enrollment data were not publicly available.

Practical strengths: Structured education and therapeutic support for students with particular needs

Important considerations: Not a conventional college-preparatory high school. Placement should be based on professional and family evaluation

Riley Behavioral and Educational Center

Huntsville | Grades Approximately K-6 | Specialized behavioral / educational

Enrollment: Historically about 24.
Student-to-teacher ratio: Highly individualized.
Average class size: Very small.
Tuition and assistance: Current tuition information was not publicly available

Academics, programs, and activities: Behavioral and educational support.

Sports: Limited.

College information: Not applicable.

Practical strengths: Small setting and specialized early support

Important considerations: Not designed as a conventional private elementary school and offers limited traditional sports and activities

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Admissions

Private-school tuition in Madison County varies substantially by school, grade level, religious or parish status, and the services included. Tuition is rarely the complete cost. Application fees, registration charges, curriculum and technology fees, uniforms, meals, transportation, athletics, trips, tuition insurance, and before- or after-school care may be separate expenses.

Some schools offer need-based financial assistance, sliding-scale tuition, parish-based rates, or participation in approved education-funding programs. Alabama CHOOSE Act eligibility, available funding, and each school’s participation should be verified through official state information and the school. Admissions may involve records review, testing, interviews, recommendations, placement assessments, or agreement with a statement of faith. Waiting lists can also vary by grade even when a school advertises rolling admission.

What Is the Difference Between Student-to-Teacher Ratio and Class Size?

A student-to-teacher ratio divides total enrollment by the number of full-time-equivalent teachers; it does not necessarily show how many students sit in a particular classroom. Specialty teachers, counselors, coaches, librarians, and other faculty may be included in the calculation. Parents should ask for the actual number of students in the grade and classes they are considering.

Understanding College Statistics

College acceptance: A graduate was admitted to at least one college.
College enrollment: A graduate actually registered and attended.
Four-year enrollment: A graduate attended a four-year college or university.
Two-year enrollment: A graduate attended a community or junior college.
Trade-school enrollment: A graduate entered occupational or technical training.
Military service: A graduate entered a branch of the armed services.
College retention: A student returned after the first year.
College graduation: A student completed a degree.

A statement such as “100% college acceptance” does not establish that 100% of graduates attended college, attended a four-year institution, remained enrolled, or completed a degree. Small graduating classes can also produce percentages that change considerably based on only one or two students.

Questions to Ask During a Private-School Tour

How many students will be in my child’s actual classroom?
What are the classroom teacher’s credentials and experience?
How many teachers left after the previous school year?
Which organizations currently accredit the school and the high-school diploma?
Which AP, honors, and dual-enrollment classes actually operated this year?
Are advanced classes taught on campus, online, or through another institution?
What support is available for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or other learning differences?
What happens when a student falls behind academically?
What are the discipline, suspension, dismissal, and withdrawal policies?
What religious participation is required of students or parents?
Which sports, arts programs, and clubs are active at my child’s grade level?
What expenses are not included in tuition?
Is there a waiting list for the grade being considered?
Are transportation and before- or after-school care available?
How many students began ninth grade and graduated four years later?
What percentage of recent graduates actually entered four-year colleges, two-year colleges, trade programs, military service, or employment?

Private-School Location and the Daily Commute

School location can materially affect a household’s daily schedule, even when the school appears close on a map. Families may need to account for morning and afternoon traffic, commutes to Redstone Arsenal, Cummings Research Park or downtown Huntsville, multiple campuses, children attending different schools, and travel connected with sports or other activities.

I recommend driving the proposed route during normal school and work hours. Tuition, childcare, transportation, property taxes, and overall housing expenses should also be considered together. School location is one part of a housing decision, not a substitute for a family’s independent evaluation of the school itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many private schools are in Madison County, Alabama?

The final client guide includes 26 active programs serving at least one grade from kindergarten through grade 12. The count includes conventional schools, faith-based schools, Montessori education, and specialized programs, while excluding daycare-only and preschool-only operations.

What private schools serve grades K-12 in Madison County?

Several Madison County schools serve a broad K-12 or PK-12 range, including Madison Academy, Whitesburg Christian Academy, Westminster Christian Academy, Valley Fellowship Christian Academy, Huntsville Christian Academy, Oakwood Adventist Academy, and several smaller Christian academies. Grade ranges should be verified because some schools are expanding or changing programs.

Are there nonreligious private schools in Huntsville?

Yes. Randolph School is an independent, nonsectarian college-preparatory school. Huntsville College Preparatory School is also presented as a small independent or individualized program. Families should review each school’s current admissions material, curriculum, and accreditation.

Which private schools in Madison County offer high school?

High-school programs are offered by several K-12 schools and by St. John Paul II Catholic High School. Some small schools may use online, distance-learning, or partnership arrangements for upper-level courses, so families should ask which classes are taught directly on campus.

Are there Catholic schools in Huntsville and Madison?

Yes. Madison County Catholic options include St. John Paul II Catholic High School, Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, and Holy Family School. Their grade ranges, parish-based tuition policies, and religious requirements differ.

Are there private schools near Redstone Arsenal?

Several private schools are located in Huntsville and Madison within driving distance of Redstone Arsenal. Travel time varies considerably by gate, work schedule, and school start time, so the route should be driven during normal morning and afternoon traffic.

Is there a Montessori school in Huntsville?

Yes. Montessori School of Huntsville serves preschool through approximately eighth grade and uses mixed-age, hands-on, self-directed education. Families should consider how the approach fits the student and how the eventual transition to a conventional high school may work.

Is there a private school for students with dyslexia in Huntsville?

Yes. Greengate School serves students in grades 1-8 and specializes in dyslexia and related language-based learning needs. It should be evaluated based on remediation methods, measurable progress, teacher training, and transition planning rather than conventional athletic or AP offerings.

How much does private school cost in Madison County?

Published tuition varies widely by school and grade. Recent figures in the client guide range from several thousand dollars annually at some faith-based schools to substantially higher tuition at larger college-preparatory programs. Registration, technology, uniforms, athletics, meals, trips, and care programs may cost extra.

Do Madison County private schools offer financial aid?

Some do. Published options include need-based assistance, sliding-scale tuition, parish or membership rates, and participation in approved education-funding programs. Eligibility, deadlines, funding availability, and participating schools should be confirmed directly.

What is the difference between student-to-teacher ratio and class size?

The ratio divides enrollment by full-time-equivalent teachers and may include specialty staff. Class size is the number of students assigned to a particular classroom. Parents should ask for the actual class size in the grade and subjects under consideration.

Does 100% college acceptance mean every graduate attends college?

No. It means the reported graduates who applied were accepted somewhere. It does not establish that every graduate enrolled, attended a four-year college, remained enrolled, or earned a degree.

Should I select a home solely because it is close to a private school?

No. Proximity is only one consideration. Families should independently evaluate the school and also consider traffic, work commutes, tuition, childcare, activities, property taxes, and overall housing expenses.

How often should private-school information be verified?

It should be verified before each application or enrollment decision. Tuition, staffing, grade levels, sports, advanced classes, admissions rules, and waiting lists can change from one school year to the next.

A Practical Closing Thought

This guide is meant to help people organize their research, not make the decision for them. When clients are comparing different parts of Madison County, I can help them evaluate home prices, drive times, property taxes, and practical housing options while they make their own independent decisions about schools.

Sources and Important Notice

Information was organized from the final June 2026 client guide, which drew from official school websites and published materials, the National Center for Education Statistics, recognized school directories, diocesan or denominational information, accrediting organizations, and other publicly available sources. School-published claims are identified as such where material.

Important Notice: This article is provided as a general informational resource and is not intended to recommend, rank, or steer any person toward or away from a school, neighborhood, or community. School selection is a personal decision that should be made by the student’s parent or guardian. Enrollment, tuition, grade levels, programs, admissions requirements, staffing, accreditation, athletics and student outcomes may change. All information should be independently verified directly with the school before making an enrollment, housing, or relocation decision. Robert Hussey and Keller Williams Realty do not represent or warrant the accuracy or continued availability of information supplied by schools or third-party sources. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Last reviewed: June 2026.