"I think we have high academic standards and high expectations for students and they meet those standards," said Bishop Kelley Principal Anne Estelle. "We work to meet the needs of all students."

Tuition at Bishop Kelley is $1,500 on up, with discounts for multiple children in a family and registration fees. The school does offer payment plans. All of its teachers are certified. The school is affiliated with the Detroit Catholic Archdiocese and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Bishop Kelley has 14 teachers, athletics, weekly mass, graduation, and field trips. Estelle said four of the school's teachers are graduates of Bishop Kelley.

Bishop Kelley is located at 926 W. Nepessing, next to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. For more information or for a tour call (810) 664-5011. The school's Web site is at www.lapeer.org.

Byers said the school offers a classical and Biblically-based curriculum. It offers formal chapel weekly, athletics, and field trips. The school also runs a homeschool umbrella program. Tuition is $1,000 annually and up. Discounts are available to children of full-time pastors and ministers.

The academy, which was formerly known as Wesleyan Christian, is located at 6674 Rogers Drive. It offers classes in preschool through 12-grade. For more information, call (810) 688-2575 or e-mail the school at wesleyan25@yahoo.com.

Kooy said he has found the people at Imlay City Christian School "awesome." "There's an enduring need for a Christian education to give kids discovery in unwrapping their God-given talents," he said and added the school is about providing an education that's rooted in religion.

Last year, Imlay City Christian had between 55-60 students. Tuition is $2,850 annually and up and is open to all Christians. The first day of classes for 2008-09 is Sept. 2.

The school is located at 7197 East Imlay City Road. For more information, call (810) 724-5695 or e-mail the school at icchristianschool@yahoo.com.

The school sits on seven acres and is a private institution teaching Roman Catholic traditions and a traditional curriculum. "Enrollment is going slow. We had 10 students last year and we're hoping through our recent open house we'll gain students," Ferrara said. "We're doing K-8 because we don't have any high school students."

The curriculum at Our Lady Academy includes learning in such subjects as: English, math, history, geography, religion, language arts, phonics, and science. Students at the academy wear uniforms.

"We're smaller and give more individualized attention," Ferrara said. Our Lady Academy tuition is $950 and up per year. For more information or for a tour of the school call (810) 334-1384 or visit www.ourladyacademy.org.

Sturm said the school is currently working on its accreditation with the National Lutheran Schools Association as part of a rigorous process. The school also offers a music program, athletics, and latchkey.

Tuition per family is up to $2,850 per child in a family depending on if they are a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. There are also separate fees for registration and technology.

Teacher/student ratio averages one to 15 with a limit of 25 in any class. Last year, the school had an enrollment of 118 kids and 76 preschoolers. New this fall, the school will offer all-day, everyday kindergarten is being offered and there are openings for pre-school. For more information, visit www.stpaul-lapeer.org or call (810) 664-0046. Free welcome folders and tours are also available.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at (810) 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.