When talking to families raising kids in Morgantown, the topic of private schools often comes up.

Public schools are decent in West Virginia, but parents have their preferences. Some families want smaller class sizes, while others prioritize Christian or Catholic education.

In the Morgantown area, there are more families choosing private schools than you might expect, so it's worth knowing about a few options.

First up is Trinity Christian School, which is frequently mentioned. It started in 1997 as Trinity High School and later merged with Alliance Christian School to become the institution it is today. One advantage is that students can attend from kindergarten through 12th grade at the same school.

With around 350 students, it's not a very large school, and the student-to-teacher ratio is about 12 to 1, which appeals to parents looking for a smaller educational setting. The school focuses on Christian faith-based education and offers sports programs like basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and golf.

The most pressing question is, of course, tuition. For higher grades, you can expect it to be around $9,000 per year. Divided monthly, that's about $700 to $800, but you should check with the school for any additional fees like registration, textbooks, and sports activities.

Considering private school tuition in the U.S., this isn't an outrageous amount, but it adds up if you have two kids. That's nearly $20,000 a year, so parents will need to do the math.

The second option is Whitmore School. However, this is different from the traditional private school with a gym and classrooms. It's an online private high school based in Morgantown. It serves grades 9 through 12 and features a mastery learning approach, allowing students to study at their own pace. The tuition for the general program is around $2,000, making it significantly cheaper than traditional private schools.

That said, you must consider that it's an online school. If your child is the type who can plan and study independently, this could be a great fit.

If you're a Catholic family, you've probably heard of St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School.

This school operates on a foundation of Catholic tradition, offering both religious education and a standard curriculum.

It's not a large school, so families who prefer a more intimate environment where their child can receive closer attention might find it appealing.

St. Francis is not a K-12 school; it currently serves Pre-K through 8th grade.

So, families looking for a high school will need to plan for where their child will go after graduation.

Tuition can vary based on grade level and parish registration, so it's best to check directly with the school for the most accurate figures.

Ultimately, choosing a school isn't just about the name.

Trinity is a good fit for families wanting a typical private school experience with Christian education, while Whitmore could be a great alternative for students who value flexibility in time and location. St. Francis is worth considering for families wanting Catholic education from an early age.

And don't just compare tuition. You need to calculate the total cost for the year, including registration fees, uniforms, meals, transportation, sports, and after-school activities.

Whenever possible, it's best to visit the school with your child.

No matter how good the reviews are, if it's not a good fit for your child, it won't matter. After all, the school is where your child will go every morning, not where the parents attend.