The Best Private Schools in Arcadia, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arcadia. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Michael School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Michael School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school located approximately 10 miles from Arcadia. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values with strong emphasis on academic excellence. The school features modern facilities including dedicated science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. Their curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts education, and competitive sports teams. Parent satisfaction is notably high with praise for dedicated teachers, strong community atmosphere, and excellent preparation for high school.
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Liberty-Benton Local Schools
Liberty-Benton School District
Liberty-Benton High School, located just 8 miles from Arcadia, is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Northwest Ohio. While technically a public district, it serves as a premier educational option for families in the Arcadia area seeking exceptional academic programs. The school offers extensive Advanced Placement courses, a dedicated STEM academy, state-of-the-art performing arts facilities, and championship-caliber athletic programs. The district is known for its high graduation rates, strong college acceptance records, and exceptional teacher quality with many faculty holding advanced degrees.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School serves students from multiple counties including Hancock County where Arcadia is located. Located approximately 20 miles from Arcadia, LCC offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong college preparatory programs. The school features modern science laboratories, competitive athletic programs including state championship teams, and extensive extracurricular opportunities. Their academic program includes honors and advanced placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and robust fine arts programs. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college acceptances to prestigious universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arcadia, Ohio
What are the private school options for families residing in Arcadia, Ohio, and are there any located directly within the village?
Arcadia, Ohio, is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent local Catholic option is St. Michael School in Findlay (approximately 15 minutes away), which serves grades K-8. For high school, many families consider Lima Central Catholic High School in Lima (about a 30-minute drive). Liberty-Benton Local Schools is a public school district, not a private institution. Due to Arcadia's size, private education typically involves commuting to neighboring towns, and many families also explore Protestant-affiliated or non-denominational private schools in the greater Findlay area.
How does tuition at private schools near Arcadia, Ohio, compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Michael School (Findlay) has a parishioner tuition rate of approximately $4,300 and a non-parishioner rate around $6,700 for K-8. Lima Central Catholic High School's tuition is roughly $8,500-$9,500. Ohio offers several state-funded scholarship programs that can significantly offset costs. The EdChoice Expansion Scholarship provides income-based vouchers, and the EdChoice Scholarship offers vouchers based on resident public school district performance. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship is available for students with IEPs. All these programs are applicable to state-approved private schools like those near Arcadia.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Arcadia, Ohio, students offer that differ from the public school experience?
Private schools in the region often provide distinctive programs rooted in their missions. St. Michael School emphasizes a faith-based education integrated into all subjects, with strong community service components. Lima Central Catholic High School offers a notable STEM program, college credit plus courses through partnerships with local universities, and competitive athletic leagues distinct from the public school system. These schools typically have smaller class sizes than many public districts, allowing for more individualized attention. Their curricula are often designed to meet or exceed state standards while incorporating specific values or pedagogical approaches not found in the public Arcadia school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Michael or Lima Central Catholic for a family from Arcadia?
The enrollment process for these schools usually begins in January or February for the following fall. It's crucial to apply early, especially for limited seats in younger grades. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records from previous schools, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many schools host open houses in the fall and winter. As an Arcadia resident, you should also investigate transportation options, as some private schools may offer limited bus service from designated areas, or carpooling with other local families may be necessary.
For an Arcadia, Ohio resident, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Arcadia Local Schools) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Commute:** Private school requires daily travel to Findlay, Lima, or elsewhere, impacting family logistics and extracurricular participation. **Cost:** Public school is tax-funded, while private school requires tuition, though Ohio scholarships may help. **Educational Approach:** Arcadia Local Schools offer a community-centered, comprehensive public education. Private options provide specific religious formation (Catholic) or alternative pedagogical environments. **Social & Extracurriculars:** Consider whether your child will build community locally in Arcadia or within the private school's network, which may be more geographically dispersed. Many families value the strong local ties and sports rivalries of the small public school system versus the often broader, mission-based community of a private school.