The Best Private Schools in Bellevue, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bellevue. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Villa Madonna Academy
Private Catholic School
Villa Madonna Academy is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the northern Kentucky region including Bellevue. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade with small class sizes and individualized attention. The campus features modern STEM labs, extensive athletic facilities, and a strong emphasis on character development. The school consistently achieves high academic performance with graduates attending top colleges nationwide. Programs include Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programming.
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Notre Dame Academy
Sisters of Notre Dame
Notre Dame Academy is an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school serving Bellevue and the northern Kentucky region. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 20 Advanced Placement courses and specialized academies in STEM, business, and arts. The campus features modern science and innovation labs, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. The school emphasizes leadership development, service learning, and empowering young women with a 100% college acceptance rate and numerous merit scholarship recipients annually.
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Covington Catholic High School
Diocese of Covington
Covington Catholic High School is an all-boys Catholic college preparatory school serving Bellevue and the greater northern Kentucky area. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate and offers 21 Advanced Placement courses. The campus features state-of-the-art science and technology labs, extensive athletic facilities including a new stadium, and modern performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes leadership development, community service, and academic excellence with a strong tradition of athletic success and extracurricular involvement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bellevue, Kentucky
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Bellevue, Kentucky, and are there any located directly within the city?
While Bellevue, KY, is a smaller residential city, it is part of a vibrant metro area with several highly-regarded private schools in neighboring communities. The most prominent options include Villa Madonna Academy (PreK-12) in nearby Villa Hills, Covington Catholic High School (9-12, all-boys) in Park Hills, and Notre Dame Academy (9-12, all-girls) in Park Hills. There are no major private K-12 campuses physically located within Bellevue's city limits, but its central location in Northern Kentucky provides excellent access to these schools, all within a short 10-15 minute drive. Many Bellevue families choose these institutions for their strong academic reputations and Catholic affiliations.
How does tuition for private schools like Villa Madonna Academy near Bellevue, KY, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for the top private schools serving Bellevue families is generally competitive with or slightly below the national private school average but above the Kentucky state average. For the 2024-2025 school year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000+ for high school, with elementary grades often being less. Critically, all major schools—Villa Madonna, Covington Catholic, and Notre Dame—offer need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Kentucky has the **Education Opportunity Account (EOA) program**, a tax-credit scholarship that can provide financial assistance to eligible families residing in certain counties (including Kenton County, where Bellevue is located) for tuition and other educational expenses.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by the private schools accessible from Bellevue, KY, that distinguish them from local public options?
The private schools in Northern Kentucky accessible from Bellevue offer distinctive programs rooted in their missions. **Villa Madonna Academy** features a unique, integrated Montessori program for early childhood and a renowned STEM curriculum through its Upper School. **Covington Catholic** and **Notre Dame Academy** both offer extensive, competitive athletic programs (like Colonel and Panda athletics) and signature academic tracks, such as Notre Dame's global studies and engineering pathways. All three schools provide a college-preparatory curriculum with mandatory theology/faith formation, which is a key differentiator from Bellevue's public schools. Their smaller average class sizes also allow for more individualized attention.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a kindergarten or 9th-grade student at these Northern Kentucky private schools, and are there priorities for Bellevue residents?
The enrollment process for schools like Villa Madonna, Covington Catholic, and Notre Dame Academy is highly structured and begins early. For kindergarten and 9th-grade entry—the most common entry points—applications typically open in August or September for the following academic year, with deadlines in January or February. The process includes submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often an entrance exam or assessment. **Priority is usually given to siblings of current students, children of alumni, and active parishioners of supporting Catholic parishes** (like St. Anthony in Bellevue or St. Joseph in Crescent Springs). There is no geographic priority specifically for Bellevue residents, but living in the Diocese of Covington is beneficial. Families are strongly encouraged to attend open houses in the fall.
For a family moving to Bellevue, KY, what are the key considerations when deciding between the Bellevue Independent School District and the nearby private schools?
The decision hinges on several factors specific to the Bellevue context. **Bellevue Independent Schools** offer the convenience of neighborhood schooling, no tuition, and recently updated facilities. The private school option involves tuition but provides a faith-based education (if desired), often a wider range of Advanced Placement/college-prep courses, and extensive extracurricular networks that extend across the Northern Kentucky region. Transportation is a practical consideration; while Bellevue schools provide busing, private schools require parent-provided transportation, though carpool networks are robust. Many families also consider the cultural environment; the private schools draw a diverse student body from across multiple counties, which can differ from the more locally-focused Bellevue district. We recommend touring both your assigned public school and the private options to feel the difference firsthand.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Catholic Schools Near Bellevue, KY: A Parent's Guide
When you find yourself searching for "private catholic schools near me" from your home in Bellevue, you are tapping into a rich educational tradition that has shaped our community for generations. For families in our river city, the decision often goes beyond academics, seeking a values-based environment that aligns with your faith and fosters a true sense of community. Bellevue’s unique position, nestled along the Ohio River and part of the greater Cincinnati metro area, offers a distinctive blend of small-town closeness with access to exceptional institutions. The journey here is not just about finding a school, but finding the right fit for your child’s spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth.
Several standout institutions serve Bellevue families, each with its own character and strengths. Right within our city, Villa Madonna Academy provides a co-educational experience from preschool through twelfth grade, which is a significant advantage for parents seeking continuity. Its campus on Amsterdam Road is a cornerstone, known for a rigorous academic program deeply integrated with Catholic teachings. For families considering single-gender education, two highly-regarded options are a short commute away. Covington Catholic High School, located just across the river in Park Hills, offers a college-preparatory environment for young men, with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and brotherhood. Similarly, Notre Dame Academy in nearby Covington provides an empowering environment for young women, renowned for its STEM programs and commitment to developing confident leaders. The proximity of these schools means your child can benefit from these specialized environments while you maintain your family’s roots in Bellevue’s welcoming community.
Choosing between these excellent options requires local consideration. Think about your daily rhythm. Bellevue’s commute to these schools involves short trips across the bridges, so understanding traffic patterns on routes like the Taylor Southgate Bridge or I-471 is practical. Many Bellevue families carpool, creating immediate connections. It’s also wise to visit during a school day. You’ll want to feel the community spirit and see how the school’s mission is lived out. Ask about how they welcome students who may not be parishioners at a specific church, as many families in our area belong to different parishes. Inquire about extracurriculars that matter to your child, whether it’s sports, arts, or robotics, and see how students get to and from these activities from Bellevue.
Ultimately, your search for "private catholic schools near me" in Bellevue, Kentucky, is a search for partnership. You are looking for a school that will work with you to nurture not just a student, but the whole person. The investment is significant, but the return—a grounded, compassionate, and well-educated young adult—is immeasurable. Take your time, talk to other Bellevue parents at the local parks or coffee shops, and trust your instincts. The right school will feel like an extension of your family’s values, providing a faith-filled foundation as your child navigates the world from our special spot on the river.