Private Schools in Gallatin

Families researching private schools in Gallatin can begin with Sumner Academy, an independent Pre-K–8 school, and Saint John Vianney Catholic School, a Pre-K3–8 Catholic school. Both publish admissions information for prospective families. Nearby Sumner County options include Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville for grades 6–12. Tuition, financial aid, transportation, grade availability and enrollment requirements should be confirmed directly with each school before applying.

Families searching for private schools in Gallatin generally begin with two documented Pre-K–8 options: Sumner Academy and Saint John Vianney Catholic School. Sumner Academy describes itself as an independent school serving Pre-K through eighth grade. Saint John Vianney is a Catholic school serving Pre-K3 through eighth grade.

This guide focuses on schools with current official information and clearly documented local or nearby addresses. It does not rank schools. Instead, it explains the differences families are most likely to weigh: grade span, educational approach, faith affiliation, tuition, admissions, financial aid and options after eighth grade.

Private school options in Gallatin at a glance

School — Location — Grades publicly listed — Educational approach — Tuition information located

Sumner Academy — 464 Nichols Lane, Gallatin — Pre-K–8 — Independent; academics, creativity, character and hands-on learning — 2026–27 rates published

Saint John Vianney Catholic School — 501 North Water Avenue, Gallatin — Pre-K3–8 — Catholic education with faith formation, core academics, STEM, arts and electives — 2025–26 rates published; 2026–27 requires confirmation

Sumner Academy identifies early-learning, lower-school and middle-school divisions. Saint John Vianney identifies a Pre-K3–8 program that combines academics with Catholic faith formation.

Sumner Academy

Sumner Academy may suit families seeking an independent, nonreligious school serving children from early learning through middle school. The school lists its campus at 464 Nichols Lane in Gallatin and says it has served families in the area since 1973.

Its published divisions are:

• Early Learning: Pre-K and kindergarten
• Lower School: Grades 1–4
• Middle School: Grades 5–8

The school describes a program centered on academics, curiosity, creativity, independence and character. Its official materials also mention hands-on projects, field studies, outdoor learning and the IDEA HUB. Those descriptions represent the school’s own published materials rather than an independent evaluation.

Sumner Academy tuition and admissions

For the 2026–27 school year, Sumner Academy lists annual tuition of:

• Pre-K: $11,715
• Kindergarten: $13,415
• Lower School: $15,715
• Middle School: $16,200

The school says tuition includes technology, textbooks, supplies, day field trips and lunch. Its published information separately identifies a $60 nonrefundable application fee and a $400 registration fee, with additional costs for items such as uniforms, after-school care and overnight field trips. Confirm the complete cost directly with admissions before applying.

The admissions sequence published by Sumner Academy begins with an inquiry, followed by a campus tour, application and decision. The school says applications are considered using test results, previous school records and personal qualifications.

Saint John Vianney Catholic School

Saint John Vianney Catholic School is located at 501 North Water Avenue in Gallatin. The school identifies itself as a Pre-K3–8 Catholic school and places faith formation at the center of its educational program.

Its published curriculum includes core subjects along with technology or STEM, Spanish, art, physical education, music and library. In grades 5–8, students move into a departmentalized middle-school model with religion, science, literature, language arts, social studies and mathematics through Algebra.

Saint John Vianney may be particularly relevant for families seeking Catholic education. The admissions policy gives priority to registered, contributing Saint John Vianney parishioners, followed by parishioners from area Catholic parishes and then non-Catholic applicants. Non-parish students are expected to participate in religious functions and religious instruction.

Saint John Vianney tuition and admissions

The tuition page located for this guide lists 2025–26 rates of $9,000 for full-day Pre-K, with separate part-time Pre-K rates. K–8 tuition is listed from $8,500 for one child receiving a church subsidy to $11,000 for one child without the subsidy. Because those figures are for 2025–26, families should request the 2026–27 schedule before comparing costs.

The admissions page lists materials that may be required, including a student application, birth certificate, school records, health and immunization records, and special-education or psychological records when applicable. The school’s published policy also identifies a kindergarten age requirement and readiness screening. Class-size limits may affect availability, so ask whether a requested grade has openings or a waiting list.

The school says limited financial aid is available for students in grades K–8 and is assessed through FACTS. Families should ask about current deadlines, parish subsidies, after-school care, application fees and grade availability.

Nearby private schools in Sumner County

Families seeking grades beyond eighth grade or a college-preparatory Catholic program may also consider options outside Gallatin.

Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School is located at 117 Caldwell Drive in Hendersonville and serves grades 6–12. The school describes a Catholic, college-preparatory program with academic, arts, athletics, faith and service opportunities.

JPII’s published admissions process includes an inquiry form, online application, a required Knight for a Day visit, an entrance exam and an interview. The school also directs families to review financial-aid and scholarship options.

The school’s admissions materials identify tuition, registration and other fees separately. Families should review the current tuition and financial-aid pages directly because amounts, deadlines and eligibility can change.

Other Sumner County listings may include preschools, church-related schools, special-purpose programs, homeschool-support programs or schools whose current status needs confirmation. Tennessee’s Department of Education distinguishes among several types of non-public schools, including approved private schools, church-related schools and special-purpose schools. The state school directory is a useful starting point for checking current identity, type and contact information.

How to compare private schools in Gallatin

Start with grade span and long-term fit

A Pre-K–8 school may provide continuity through middle school, but ask where graduates typically enroll for ninth grade. If your child is already in middle school, compare high-school pathways before choosing a K–8 program.

Understand the educational approach

Ask how the school balances core academics, arts, physical education, technology, homework and extracurriculars. For faith-based schools, ask how often religious instruction occurs and what participation is expected. For independent schools, ask how curriculum and student progress are assessed.

Compare the complete cost

Tuition is only one part of the budget. Ask about application and registration fees, uniforms, books, meals, transportation, after-school care, athletics, field trips and technology. Tennessee guidance recommends reviewing tuition, required fees, curriculum, class size, admissions policies, transportation and financial-aid options.

Ask about admissions and student support

Find out whether the school requires testing, interviews, teacher recommendations, prior records or readiness screening. If your child receives reading, language, behavioral or special-education support, ask what services the school can provide and which services remain the family’s responsibility.

Visit before applying

A tour can answer practical questions that a website cannot: arrival and dismissal procedures, classroom size, lunch arrangements, accessibility, campus routines, student transitions and teacher interaction. Tennessee’s non-public-school guidance encourages families to schedule a visit and prepare questions before enrolling.

Questions to ask before enrolling

• What grades have openings for the 2026–27 school year?
• What are the total annual costs beyond tuition?
• Is financial aid available, and what is the deadline?
• Are transportation, before-care or after-care available?
• What academic support is available if a student is struggling?
• How does the school support students with disabilities, medical needs or learning differences?
• What curriculum and assessments are used?
• What are the attendance, discipline, technology and parent-communication policies?
• If the school ends at eighth grade, what high-school options do families commonly consider?
• Does the school participate in a state scholarship or aid program, and is the student eligible?

A practical next step for Gallatin families

Make a short list based on your child’s grade, preferred educational or faith approach and total budget. Then contact Sumner Academy and Saint John Vianney directly to confirm openings, current tuition, admissions requirements and tour dates. Families seeking grades 6–12 should also contact Pope Saint John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville.

Tennessee’s non-public-school guidance recommends checking the school’s category and confirming participation in any state aid program before relying on that funding. Eligibility is not automatic, and program rules, participating-school lists and deadlines can change.

Last verified: August 16, 2026. School tuition, admissions, schedules, eligibility and available seats can change; confirm details with each school before applying.