By type & community
Independent Schools in Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby
6 independent schools in Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby; 4 on the CHOOSE Act participating list. Shelby County beyond the 280 corridor: Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana, Montevallo and the Coosa side of the county.
Where this comes from. School details are from the NCES Private School Survey (2023-24, or 2021-22 where a school skipped the latest round). CHOOSE Act status is from the Alabama Department of Revenue participating-school list dated October 23, 2026, matched by name and city. Tuition is not published in either source, so confirm it with the school.
Independent schools often charge well above $7,000, so the ESA is usually the first layer and the school's own aid is the second.
| School | Type | Community | Grades | CHOOSE Act | Students (federal survey) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coosa Valley Academy Harpersville | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | Not on file | ✓ Participating | — |
| Indian Springs School Indian Springs | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | Not on file | ✓ Participating | — |
| Primrose School of Riverwoods 501 Riverwoods Ct, Helena 35080 | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-K | Not on list | 45 |
| River & Cape Montessori School 534 Industrial Rd, Alabaster 35007 | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-K | ✓ Participating | 6 |
| The Day Program 117 Plz Cir, 2nd Fl, Alabaster 35007 | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | 7-11 | Not on list | 39 |
| The Hillsboro School 73 Elvira Rd, Helena 35080 | Independent Schools | Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Columbiana & South Shelby | PK-12 | ✓ Participating | 34 |
What a CHOOSE Act flag on a listing means
| It means | It doesn't mean |
|---|---|
| The school appears on ALDOR's participating list dated October 23, 2026 | Every applicant to that school will be awarded an ESA |
| The $7,000 ESA can pay its tuition and listed fees | The ESA covers uniforms, athletics or aftercare there |
| The school is accredited or in process, as ALDOR determined | We have verified the school's tuition or seats |
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