The Best Private Schools in Alexandria, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Alexandria. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Francis de Sales School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
St. Francis de Sales School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Alexandria area and surrounding Licking County communities. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation, academic excellence, and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. The school maintains small class sizes and offers robust extracurricular programs including sports, music, and art. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high with praise for the dedicated teachers and strong community atmosphere.
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St. Leonard School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
St. Leonard School serves students from Alexandria and surrounding communities in Licking County with a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic values. The school features a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by technology integration, advanced mathematics programs, and strong literacy development. Facilities include a dedicated science lab, computer lab, library, and gymnasium. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with numerous service projects and community events throughout the year.
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Columbus Academy
Independent School
Columbus Academy is a premier independent college preparatory school that serves students from Alexandria and throughout central Ohio. The school offers a comprehensive educational experience from PreK through 12th grade with exceptional academic programs, including extensive Advanced Placement offerings and distinguished faculty. The 231-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, athletic complexes, and technology-rich classrooms. The school emphasizes character development, leadership, and global citizenship while maintaining a strong tradition of academic excellence and college placement success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Alexandria, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Alexandria, Ohio, and what are their key characteristics?
Alexandria, Ohio, is primarily served by a few notable private institutions, though many families also consider schools in the broader Licking County and Columbus metro area. Within the immediate area, St. Francis de Sales School (PreK-8) and St. Leonard School (PreK-8) are Catholic parochial schools offering faith-based education with strong community ties. For a college-preparatory independent school, many Alexandria families look to Columbus Academy in Gahanna (PreK-12), which is about a 25-minute commute. This school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, extensive arts and athletics, and a significant tuition investment. The private school landscape in Alexandria itself is limited, so exploring schools in nearby Granville, Newark, and Columbus is common for families seeking specific programs or grade levels.
How does tuition for private schools in the Alexandria, Ohio, area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Alexandria area varies significantly by school type. The local Catholic schools (St. Francis de Sales and St. Leonard) generally have more accessible tuition, often ranging from $5,000 to $8,000 annually for parishioners, with higher rates for non-parishioners. These schools typically offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid. In contrast, an independent school like Columbus Academy has a comprehensive tuition that can exceed $30,000 per year for upper grades but offers a robust need-based financial aid program. Ohio also offers state-funded scholarship programs, such as the EdChoice Scholarship, which can provide significant tuition assistance for eligible families attending participating private schools, making options more accessible based on income or the assigned public school's performance.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Alexandria area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Alexandria area often provide specialized programs that may not be as readily available in the public district (Northridge Local Schools). The Catholic schools integrate religious education and character formation throughout the curriculum. Columbus Academy offers distinct advantages like a globally-focused curriculum, extensive world language instruction starting in lower grades, advanced STEM labs, and a wide array of arts and competitive athletics. For families in Alexandria, a key differentiator can be smaller class sizes and a specific educational philosophy (e.g., faith-based vs. college-prep) that offers a more tailored environment than the local public school, which may have fewer resources due to its rural/suburban classification.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Alexandria, Ohio, families?
Enrollment timelines are crucial and vary. For the local Catholic schools, open enrollment often begins in January for the following academic year, with priority given to parish members and siblings of current students. It's advisable to contact the parish office and schedule a tour well before that. For a sought-after independent school like Columbus Academy, the process is more extensive and begins over a year in advance, with applications due in January for entry the following fall. This process usually includes standardized testing (ISEE), interviews, and school visits. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially for entry grades, Alexandria families are encouraged to start research and visits in the fall, at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment.
For a family living in Alexandria, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school (Northridge) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on several Alexandria-specific factors. **Academic & Program Fit:** Northridge Local Schools offer a solid public education, but private options provide alternative pedagogies (e.g., religious integration or intensive college prep). **Logistics & Community:** Commuting is a major factor; the local Catholic schools minimize travel, while schools like Columbus Academy involve a significant daily drive. The close-knit community of a small parochial school contrasts with the broader, resource-rich environment of an independent school. **Financial Investment:** Weighing the cost of private tuition against the no-cost public option is paramount, though state scholarships can offset this. Ultimately, families must assess their priorities for class size, specific academic or extracurricular offerings, values-based education, and the logistical reality of living in a semi-rural area like Alexandria.