The Best Private Schools in Worthington, Kentucky
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Worthington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Joseph Central Catholic School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Joseph Central Catholic School is a highly-regarded parochial school serving the Tri-State area including Worthington, KY. With a strong Catholic educational tradition spanning over six decades, the school offers comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with emphasis on academic excellence, faith formation, and character development. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, and robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and STEM activities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic preparation for high school.
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St. Mary School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Mary School has been serving families in the Huntington area, including Worthington residents, for over 70 years. This Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic school emphasizes academic rigor within a faith-based community. The school features updated technology resources, comprehensive arts programs, and strong athletic offerings. With small class sizes and experienced educators, St. Mary provides individualized attention and has earned recognition for its strong test scores and student achievement. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and active parent involvement.
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St. Peter and Paul School
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
St. Peter and Paul School offers a comprehensive Catholic education for students from Pre-K through 8th grade, serving the broader Huntington metropolitan area including Worthington families. The school maintains a strong academic reputation with focused programs in mathematics, language arts, and science. With dedicated faculty and modern educational resources, the school provides a well-rounded education that includes music, art, physical education, and competitive sports. The close-knit community and traditional values combined with academic excellence make this a popular choice for families seeking private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Worthington, Kentucky
What are the private school options for families in Worthington, Kentucky, and what grade levels do they serve?
Worthington, KY, is served by a small cluster of Catholic parochial schools, reflecting the area's strong community ties. The primary options are St. Joseph Central Catholic School (typically Pre-K through 8th grade), St. Mary School, and St. Peter and Paul School. It's important for parents to note that these are typically elementary and middle schools. For private high school education, families in Worthington often need to look at options in nearby larger communities like Ashland or Huntington, WV. These local schools are known for their tight-knit environments and values-based education.
How does tuition at Worthington's private Catholic schools compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Kentucky families?
Tuition at schools like St. Joseph, St. Mary, and St. Peter and Paul is generally more affordable than larger independent private schools in metropolitan areas, often ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 annually per child, with discounts for multiple children and parishioners. A key financial aid resource specific to Kentucky is the **Kentucky Education Opportunity Account (EOA) Program**, a tax-credit scholarship that can provide significant assistance to eligible families. Additionally, local parishes often have discretionary funds to support parish members. It's crucial to contact each school's office directly for the most current tuition schedules and to discuss all available aid avenues.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Worthington's private schools offer that leverage the local community?
Given their Catholic identity, these schools integrate faith-based learning and character education throughout the curriculum. Academically, they often emphasize strong foundational skills in reading and mathematics. Due to their small size, they may offer specialized programs through partnerships or local resources, such as agricultural or environmental science projects that connect to Kentucky's landscape. Extracurriculars are often community-centered, including local science fairs, parish-based service projects, and athletic teams that compete in the Diocese of Lexington's league. The intimate setting allows for personalized attention but may mean fewer specialized electives compared to larger schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Worthington, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Worthington's Catholic schools usually begins with an open house or private tour in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. Priority registration often goes first to current students, then siblings, registered parishioners of the supporting church, and finally the general community. Due to the small size of these schools—some with only one class per grade—waitlists can form quickly, especially for popular grades like Kindergarten. It is highly recommended to initiate contact with the school principal or admissions coordinator by early spring. Required materials typically include birth and baptismal certificates, prior school records, and an application fee.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the public schools in the Greenup County School District and the private Catholic schools in Worthington?
The key differences lie in educational approach, scale, and religious integration. Public schools in the Greenup County district, such as Worthington Elementary, are tuition-free and offer a broader range of state-funded programs, special education services, and potentially more diverse extracurricular activities. The private Catholic schools in Worthington provide a distinct environment with daily religious instruction, traditional values woven into the curriculum, and typically smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), which can foster close student-teacher relationships. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a faith-based education and the value placed on a small, community-centric environment versus the wider resources and secular curriculum of the public system. Transportation is also a factor, as private schools do not provide district busing.