The Best Private Schools in Aberdeen, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aberdeen. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington
St. Mary School is a highly-rated Catholic private school located just 15 minutes from Aberdeen in Ripley, Ohio. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated teachers with an average of 15+ years experience, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and language arts. Extracurricular offerings include basketball, volleyball, choir, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's safe environment, strong community values, and individualized attention for students.
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St. Patrick School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington
St. Patrick School in Maysville, Kentucky, located just across the Ohio River approximately 15 minutes from Aberdeen, serves families in both states. This PreK-8 Catholic school offers a comprehensive education with emphasis on spiritual development and academic excellence. The school features smart classrooms, computer labs, a library media center, and gymnasium facilities. Curriculum includes integrated technology instruction, Spanish language exposure, and robust music and art programs. The school community is known for its active parent involvement and strong alumni network. Many Aberdeen families choose this school for its balanced approach to education and character development.
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Georgetown Jr./Sr. High School (Private Division)
Georgetown Exempted Village Schools
Located approximately 20 minutes from Aberdeen, Georgetown Jr./Sr. High School offers a robust private education option with strong college preparatory programs. The school features modern science labs, updated technology infrastructure, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Academic highlights include multiple AP course offerings, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and career-technical programs in business, health sciences, and engineering. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1 and has a track record of high college acceptance rates. Parent reviews frequently mention the dedicated faculty and strong sense of community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aberdeen, Ohio
What are the private school options available for families living in Aberdeen, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Aberdeen and its immediate surrounding Brown County area, there are a few key private school options, all with a Catholic affiliation. St. Mary School in nearby Arnheim (often serving the Aberdeen community) typically offers grades K-8. For high school, families often consider Georgetown Jr./Sr. High School (Private Division), which is a Catholic school serving grades 7-12, located about 15 miles away. St. Patrick School in nearby Fayetteville also serves elementary and middle grades. Due to Aberdeen's small size, most private schooling requires a commute to neighboring communities, and transportation arrangements are an important consideration for parents.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving Aberdeen, Ohio, families, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for the Catholic schools serving the Aberdeen area is generally more affordable compared to larger metropolitan private schools in Ohio. For the 2023-2024 academic year, typical tuition ranges from approximately $3,500 to $6,500 per student for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. Schools like St. Mary and St. Patrick offer multi-child discounts. Financial aid is primarily available through the Catholic Inner-City Schools Education Fund (CISE) for qualifying families and individual parish subsidies. Additionally, Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program is a critical resource, allowing eligible students to receive state funds to attend participating private schools based on income or the performance rating of their assigned public school district.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Aberdeen-area private schools compare to the local public school district?
The private schools serving Aberdeen, such as St. Mary and Georgetown, often emphasize a values-based education with smaller class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention. Academically, they follow Ohio's Learning Standards but integrate religious education throughout the curriculum. In terms of extracurriculars, the local public school district (Manchester Local School District) may have a wider variety of sports and clubs due to its larger size. However, private school students often have the opportunity to participate in interscholastic sports leagues like the Southern Buckeye Athletic & Academic Conference and various academic competitions through the Diocese of Cincinnati. The choice often comes down to prioritizing a specific educational environment over the breadth of public school programs.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for private schools like St. Mary School that serve Aberdeen, Ohio?
The enrollment process for Catholic schools in the Aberdeen area typically begins in January or February for the following fall. Parents should first contact the school office of their preferred choice (e.g., St. Mary School) to request an application packet and schedule a tour. The process usually requires submitting an application, birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and previous school records. Priority is often given to active parishioners of the supporting church and siblings of currently enrolled students. It's highly recommended to apply early, as some grades have limited seats. Families should also concurrently apply for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship by the state deadline (usually April/May) if seeking financial assistance.
What are some unique benefits and considerations of choosing a private school in a small community like Aberdeen, Ohio?
Choosing a private school in the Aberdeen area offers a tight-knit, community-oriented environment where families, teachers, and church members often know each other well. This can provide a strong sense of safety, moral support, and consistent values for students. A unique benefit is the potential for a seamless, faith-based education from kindergarten through high school within the local Catholic network. However, considerations include the commute to schools located in neighboring towns, potentially fewer elective or Advanced Placement course offerings compared to larger high schools, and a student population that is less geographically and socio-economically diverse than the public system. For families deeply connected to the local community and seeking an education aligned with specific religious values, the private options offer a distinct and personalized pathway.