The Best Private Schools in Ada, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ada. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lima Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from multiple counties including Ada. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 12 Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges. Facilities include modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school has a strong tradition of academic excellence with 99% of graduates attending college. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, comprehensive fine arts programs, and numerous student organizations.
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St. Charles Borromeo School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Charles Borromeo School provides Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade and serves families throughout the region including Ada. The school emphasizes faith formation alongside academic excellence with small class sizes and individualized attention. Curriculum includes comprehensive language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs enhanced by technology integration in all classrooms. The school features modern facilities, dedicated STEM resources, and offers extensive extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and academic clubs. Parent satisfaction is high with strong community involvement.
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Liberty Arts Academy
Private Independent School
Liberty Arts Academy is a private independent school located in nearby Findlay that serves students from surrounding communities including Ada. The school offers a balanced educational approach with strong emphasis on STEM education, individualized learning plans, and arts integration. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and technology resources. The school maintains small class sizes with student-teacher ratio of 12:1, allowing for personalized instruction. Programs include comprehensive academic curriculum, character education, and diverse extracurricular opportunities including robotics, drama, and athletic activities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ada, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Ada, Ohio?
While Ada itself is a small village, families typically look to nearby communities for private K-12 education. The most prominent options include Lima Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Lima, approximately 15 miles away, which is a popular choice for secondary education. For elementary and middle school, St. Charles Borromeo School (PreK-8) in Lima is a well-regarded parochial option. Liberty Arts Academy, a charter school in Lima, offers a different model with a focus on arts integration. It's important for Ada residents to note that these schools require commuting, and transportation is usually the family's responsibility. Exploring these schools' specific missions—college-prep, faith-based, or arts-focused—is key to finding the right fit.
How does the tuition for private schools near Ada, OH, compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Lima Central Catholic High School's tuition is approximately $7,000-$8,000 for parishioners and higher for non-parishioners. St. Charles Borromeo School typically has lower elementary tuition, often around $4,000-$5,000 for parish families. Liberty Arts Academy, as a public charter school, does not charge tuition. A critical financial consideration for Ohio families is the **EdChoice Scholarship Program**. This state-funded program provides vouchers for students attending private schools, with eligibility based on either the assigned public school's performance or family income. Many families in the Ada area utilize EdChoice to offset tuition costs at schools like LCC and St. Charles.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Ada, Ohio, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools serving Ada offer specialized programs that cater to specific educational philosophies. Lima Central Catholic High School provides a strong college-preparatory curriculum with a Catholic foundation, including theology courses and service requirements, alongside robust athletic programs in the Northwest Conference. St. Charles Borromeo School offers a faith-integrated curriculum from a young age in a smaller, community-oriented setting. Liberty Arts Academy distinguishes itself with a project-based learning model where core subjects are taught through the lens of visual and performing arts, which is unique in the region. These focused approaches contrast with the broader, standardized curriculum of Ada's public school district, offering parents distinct choices based on their child's needs and values.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Lima Central Catholic that serve Ada students?
The enrollment process for schools like Lima Central Catholic High School and St. Charles Borromeo School usually begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. For LCC, prospective freshman families are encouraged to attend open houses in the fall, with application deadlines often in February or March. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and sometimes a pastoral recommendation. Many schools also require an entrance exam or placement test. For families in Ada, it's crucial to plan ahead due to commuting logistics and potential waiting lists for popular grades. Contacting the school's admissions office directly by January is highly recommended to ensure you meet all deadlines and requirements.
For a family living in Ada, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Lima?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commuting**: Attending a private school means a daily 15-30 minute drive to Lima, requiring a significant time and transportation commitment. Second is **cost**: While Ada Exempted Village Schools are tuition-free, private options involve tuition, though Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship can help. Third is **educational environment**: Ada's public schools offer a traditional, community-centered education with proximity to home. In contrast, private options provide religious formation (LCC, St. Charles) or a specialized arts curriculum (Liberty Arts) but with a more regional student body. Finally, consider **extracurriculars**: Larger private schools like LCC may offer different athletic or club opportunities compared to Ada's smaller public school teams. Weighing these daily logistics against the desired educational philosophy is essential for Ada families.