The Best Private Schools in Union, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Union. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Henry District High School
Diocese of Covington Catholic Schools
St. Henry District High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving the northern Kentucky region, including Union families. With a strong academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular programs, the school offers a rigorous curriculum with 17 AP courses, competitive athletics across 14 sports, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Parent and student satisfaction is consistently high, with graduates attending top-tier universities nationwide.
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Covington Latin School
Diocese of Covington Catholic Schools
Covington Latin School offers a unique accelerated program for academically gifted students, serving families throughout northern Kentucky including Union. The school provides a classical education foundation with students typically completing high school in three or four years. With small class sizes and individualized attention, the curriculum includes extensive AP offerings, robust STEM programs, and character development. The historic campus features updated technology and academic facilities while maintaining traditional educational values that have earned strong parent satisfaction ratings.
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Villa Madonna Academy
Diocese of Covington Catholic Schools
Villa Madonna Academy is a premier Catholic independent school serving northern Kentucky communities including Union. The school offers both traditional college preparatory tracks and the prestigious International Baccalaureate Programme, providing rigorous academic challenges for diverse learners. With comprehensive STEM facilities, competitive athletic programs, and outstanding arts education, Villa Madonna creates a well-rounded educational experience. The beautiful campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, performance spaces, and athletic facilities, supported by a strong community reputation and high parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Union, Kentucky
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Union, Kentucky, and are they located within the city limits?
While Union, Kentucky itself is a primarily residential community, it is part of the broader Northern Kentucky region with several highly-regarded private schools nearby. The most prominent options include St. Henry District High School (located in Erlanger, about a 15-minute drive), Covington Latin School (in Covington, approx. 20-25 minutes), and Villa Madonna Academy (in Villa Hills, approx. 15-20 minutes). These schools serve Union families and are the primary choices for K-12 private, faith-based education. There are limited, if any, private school campuses physically located within Union's city boundaries, so commuting to neighboring communities is the standard expectation.
How does tuition for private schools in the Union, KY area compare, and are there Kentucky-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the top private schools near Union, KY typically ranges from approximately $8,500 to $12,500 per year for high school, with elementary levels often being slightly lower. Kentucky offers a unique financial aid opportunity through the **Education Opportunity Account (EOA) Program**, which provides tax-credit scholarships for families with students in certain Kentucky counties, including Boone County where Union is located. Eligibility is often income-based. Additionally, all the major schools (St. Henry, Covington Latin, Villa Madonna) offer their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and investigate the state EOA program as part of your financial planning.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs distinguish the private schools accessible from Union, Kentucky?
The private schools serving Union offer distinct specializations. **Covington Latin School** is notable for its accelerated, 7-year classical program for academically gifted students, starting in 7th grade. **Villa Madonna Academy** offers a robust International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rare offering in Northern Kentucky. **St. Henry District High School** features strong STEM pathways and a renowned athletic program within the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KSA). All three schools emphasize college preparatory curricula, but their unique structures (accelerated, IB, traditional college-prep) allow parents to match a school's pedagogy to their child's learning style and goals.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private high schools near Union, Kentucky, and when should we start?
The enrollment cycle for competitive private schools in Northern Kentucky begins early. The process typically starts in the **fall** (September-October) a full year before desired entry. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held October-January), submitting applications by **January or February deadlines**, completing entrance exams (like the HSPT), and participating in student shadow days. Admissions decisions and financial aid awards are usually communicated in March. For families in Union targeting 9th grade entry, starting research and visits during the student's 7th-grade year is highly advisable, especially for schools with limited seats like Covington Latin.
For a family moving to Union, how do the local public schools (Boone County Schools) compare with the nearby private school options?
Union is served by the highly-rated **Boone County Schools** district, including Ryle High School, which offers strong academics, extensive AP courses, and large-scale extracurriculars. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and environment. Private schools like St. Henry, Covington Latin, and Villa Madonna provide smaller class sizes, a specific faith-based (Catholic) education, and a tight-knit community feel. The public schools offer a larger, more diverse student body and no tuition. Many Union families choose the public system, while others opt for private education for its religious integration, distinct pedagogical approaches (like classical or IB), or perceived disciplinary environment. It's recommended to tour both your assigned public school and the private options to feel the difference firsthand.
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