The Best Private Schools in Anna, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Anna. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Troy Christian Schools
Independent Christian School
Troy Christian Schools serves students from multiple counties including Shelby County residents from Anna. The school offers a comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school with strong college preparatory focus. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. Academic programs feature Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized tracks in STEM and humanities. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement.
Programs:
Lehman Catholic High School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Lehman Catholic High School serves students throughout Shelby County and surrounding areas including Anna. As a comprehensive Catholic high school, it offers rigorous college preparatory programs with a 100% graduation rate and strong college acceptance record. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports teams, performing arts, and community service programs, all grounded in Catholic values and character development.
Programs:
St. Mary's School
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati
St. Mary's School provides Catholic education for students from preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout Shelby County including Anna. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, with small class sizes and individualized attention. Curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious education. The historic school has modernized facilities and offers comprehensive extracurricular activities including sports, choir, and academic competitions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Anna, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Anna, Ohio?
While Anna itself is a small village, families have access to several well-regarded private schools in the surrounding Shelby and Miami County area. The most prominent are Lehman Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Sidney, St. Mary's School (PreK-8) in Sidney, and Troy Christian Schools (PreK-12) in Troy. These schools provide a faith-based education with St. Mary's and Lehman offering a Catholic curriculum and Troy Christian providing an interdenominational Christian environment. For Anna residents, these schools represent the core of private K-12 education within a reasonable commuting distance.
How does tuition at private schools near Anna, OH, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for private schools in the Anna area is generally below the average for major Ohio metropolitan areas but is a significant consideration for local family budgets. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition typically ranges from $4,500 to $6,500 annually, while high school tuition at Lehman Catholic is approximately $8,500. Ohio offers two key financial aid programs: the EdChoice Scholarship (voucher) program, which provides state-funded scholarships for students assigned to lower-performing public schools or based on family income, and the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. All local private schools actively assist families in applying for these state programs and offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for member families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Anna, Ohio, offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the Anna region emphasize small class sizes, character formation, and specialized programs. Lehman Catholic High School boasts a strong college-prep curriculum with notable STEM and theology programs, along with competitive athletics in the Northwest Central Conference. St. Mary's School integrates Catholic teachings across all subjects and emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy. Troy Christian Schools offer a distinctive "Portrait of a Graduate" program focusing on leadership and biblical worldview, along with extensive fine arts and athletic opportunities. These schools often have more flexibility to tailor education to individual student needs within their faith-based missions than the larger regional public school districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Anna, Ohio, families?
The enrollment process for schools like Lehman Catholic, St. Mary's, and Troy Christian usually begins in January or February for the following fall semester. It's highly recommended to attend open houses, which are typically held in the winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many schools have priority deadlines for returning families and siblings, so new families from Anna should apply early. Some grades, particularly kindergarten and pre-K, may have waiting lists. Contacting the admissions office by early winter is crucial to secure a spot and complete any necessary financial aid (EdChoice) paperwork.
For an Anna resident, what are the key logistical and community factors to consider when choosing a private school?
The primary logistical factor is commuting. Anna is centrally located between Sidney (home to Lehman and St. Mary's) and Troy (home to Troy Christian), with drives of 15-25 minutes. Parents should consider carpool possibilities and after-school activity transportation. Community-wise, these schools draw from a wide regional area, so your child will build friendships across multiple towns. This can be a benefit for social connections but may require extra effort for playdates and local community integration. Additionally, the faith-based community is a major factor; participating in the associated church parish (for Catholic schools) or church life (for Christian schools) often deepens the experience and can provide additional support networks for Anna families.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Anna, Ohio: A Parent's Guide
For families in Anna, Ohio, the search for the best private schools is often a journey centered on values, community, and a desire for a tailored educational environment. While Anna itself is a close-knit Shelby County community, your search for exceptional private education naturally extends into the surrounding region, offering a blend of local parish schools and respected institutions a short drive away. Understanding the landscape is key to finding the right fit for your child’s unique needs and your family’s priorities.
Right here in Anna, St. Mary’s School provides a foundational pillar for many families, offering a faith-based education from preschool through eighth grade. This continuity in a familiar, community-oriented setting is a significant advantage, allowing children to build strong roots before considering high school options. When that time comes, many Anna families look to nearby Sidney, where Lehman Catholic High School stands as a prominent choice. As a regional Catholic high school, Lehman draws students from multiple counties, offering a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum, a wide array of athletics and arts, and a tight-knit community that echoes the values many Anna parents seek. The transition from a school like St. Mary’s to Lehman can feel seamless, maintaining a consistent educational philosophy.
However, the definition of the best private schools is deeply personal. Some families may prioritize a specific pedagogical approach or seek an environment with a particular denominational focus. This is where exploring options in neighboring communities becomes valuable. For instance, Troy Christian Schools, located about a 30-minute drive from Anna, offers another well-regarded PK-12 Christian education pathway. The decision often comes down to daily logistics, the specific extracurricular programs important to your child, and the campus culture that feels most like home.
When evaluating these options, we encourage Anna parents to think beyond just academic rankings. Consider the daily commute and how it fits into family life. Attend open houses and feel the atmosphere—does the school’s culture align with how you are raising your child? Talk to current parents, especially those who make the drive from Anna, about their experiences. Inquire about how each school fosters community among families who may not live in the immediate township. The best private schools in this area are those that successfully extend their community feel to encompass students from surrounding towns, making every family feel integral.
Ultimately, your search for the best private schools near Anna, Ohio, is blessed with quality choices that serve different needs. It’s about matching your child’s learning style and your family’s values with the environment that will challenge and nurture them. Whether you choose the local continuity of St. Mary’s followed by Lehman Catholic, or explore the comprehensive pathway at Troy Christian, you are investing in a community-focused education. Take your time, visit campuses, and trust that a great fit is out there, combining excellent academics with the character-building foundation you desire right here in west-central Ohio.