The Best Private Schools in Ashley, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ashley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Delaware Christian School
Independent Christian School
Delaware Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through high school. It emphasizes a Christ-centered education with rigorous academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and STEM initiatives. The school features modern facilities such as science labs, computer labs, and athletic fields, and is known for its dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and strong community involvement. Parent satisfaction is high due to its focus on character development, college readiness, and extensive extracurricular activities like music, arts, and sports.
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St. John Neumann Catholic School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. John Neumann Catholic School offers a comprehensive faith-based education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, serving families in the Ashley area. It is acclaimed for its strong academic standards, integration of technology in the classroom, and emphasis on spiritual growth. The school boasts well-maintained facilities, including smart classrooms, a library, and playgrounds, and provides a variety of extracurriculars such as choir, band, and athletic teams. Parents appreciate the supportive environment, committed teachers, and focus on holistic student development.
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The Graham School
Independent
The Graham School is an innovative private high school located in Columbus, serving students from Ashley and the broader central Ohio region. It is renowned for its project-based learning approach, personalized education plans, and strong college preparatory curriculum, including STEM and arts integration. The school features collaborative learning spaces, technology labs, and art studios, and offers diverse extracurriculars like robotics, theater, and community service projects. High parent and student satisfaction stems from its engaging teaching methods, inclusive community, and success in preparing graduates for higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ashley, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Ashley, Ohio?
Ashley itself is a small village, so most private school options are located in nearby communities. The most prominent include Delaware Christian School in Delaware (a K-12 non-denominational Christian school), St. John Neumann Catholic School in Sunbury (a K-8 Catholic school), and The Graham School in Columbus (a private, independent school with an expeditionary learning model). For Ashley residents, transportation and commute times to these schools in Delaware County and Franklin County are important practical considerations. Some families may also explore smaller parochial or faith-based schools in neighboring towns like Mount Vernon or Westerville.
How does the tuition for private schools near Ashley, Ohio, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the primary options near Ashley varies. Delaware Christian School's tuition is generally lower than many independent private schools, reflecting its community-based model. St. John Neumann Catholic School typically has a tiered tuition rate for parishioners versus non-parishioners. The Graham School, as a Columbus-based independent school, has a higher tuition rate more in line with metropolitan private schools. Ohio offers several financial aid avenues, including the EdChoice Scholarship (income-based and based on public school building eligibility) and the Autism Scholarship Program, which can significantly reduce costs. All these schools also offer their own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Ashley area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The schools near Ashley offer distinct educational philosophies. Delaware Christian School provides a comprehensive Bible-integrated curriculum and a strong agricultural science program, appealing to the rural community. St. John Neumann Catholic School emphasizes faith formation, sacramental preparation, and often has smaller class sizes than regional public districts. The Graham School is notable for its project-based "expeditionary learning," where students engage in in-depth, multi-disciplinary projects and frequent field work, a stark contrast to traditional models. These specialized approaches cater to specific parental priorities that may not be the focus of the Buckeye Valley or Delaware City public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Ashley, Ohio, and are there waitlists?
Enrollment processes and timelines are school-specific. For Delaware Christian School and St. John Neumann Catholic School, which have strong ties to local churches and communities, priority enrollment often begins in January or February for existing families and church members, opening to the public in early spring. The Graham School in Columbus may have an earlier winter application deadline. It's crucial to contact these schools directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year. While Ashley's rural setting might suggest less competition, popular grades at these schools, especially kindergarten and middle school transition years, can have waitlists, so early inquiry is strongly recommended.
For an Ashley family, what are the key considerations when choosing between a local public school (like Buckeye Valley) and a private school in a neighboring town?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute**: Private options require a daily drive to Delaware, Sunbury, or Columbus, impacting family logistics. Second is **cost**: Weighing private tuition against the funded, well-regarded programs of Buckeye Valley Local Schools is essential. Third is **educational philosophy**: Ashley families must decide if they seek a specific faith-based environment, a particular pedagogical model like expeditionary learning, or the comprehensive offerings of a public district. Finally, consider **community**: Attending a local public school keeps children in community networks, while a private school may connect them to a wider regional or faith-based network. Visiting both types of schools is the best way to compare the feel and fit for your child.