The Best Private Schools in Aurora, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aurora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Western Reserve Academy
Independent
Western Reserve Academy is a highly prestigious coeducational boarding and day school serving the Aurora area. As one of the nation's top private schools, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and exceptional faculty. The 190-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, athletic centers, and arts spaces. Students benefit from a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and consistently achieve outstanding college placement results. The school combines academic excellence with extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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University School
University School
University School is a premier all-boys independent school serving students from Aurora and surrounding communities. With two campuses in Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, the school offers a comprehensive educational experience from kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership development, and character education. Facilities include modern science labs, technology centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains small class sizes and has an outstanding record of college matriculation at top universities nationwide.
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Old Trail School
Independent
Old Trail School is a highly respected independent school serving Aurora families with children from early childhood through eighth grade. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme, providing a globally-focused education. The 62-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school emphasizes project-based learning, environmental education, and character development. With a strong community atmosphere and dedicated faculty, Old Trail prepares students for success in secondary education and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aurora, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Aurora, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Aurora, Ohio, is home to several prestigious private schools, though it's important to note that some are located just outside the city limits in the broader region. The most notable include **Western Reserve Academy** (grades 9-12), a top-ranked co-ed boarding and day school in Hudson; **University School** (Shaker Heights campus for grades 9-12, Hunting Valley campus for K-8), an all-boys school with a significant draw from Aurora; and **Old Trail School** (grades PK-8), a co-ed independent school in Bath. While not in Aurora proper, these schools are primary options for Aurora families seeking private education, with many providing bus transportation from the area. Local Catholic schools like those in the Cleveland Diocese also serve younger grades.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Aurora, OH, compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid or scholarship programs?
Tuition for the premier private schools serving Aurora families is significant and varies by grade. For the 2024-25 school year, expect day student tuition to range from approximately **$25,000 to $40,000+** annually. Old Trail School (PK-8) and University School (K-8) are on the higher end for elementary/middle, while Western Reserve Academy's day tuition is comparable to its peer secondary schools. Critically for Ohio residents, the **EdChoice Scholarship Program** is a major financial consideration. This state program provides vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income, which can be used at participating private schools. All the mentioned schools have robust need-based financial aid programs, and families are encouraged to apply for aid simultaneously with admission.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Aurora-area private schools offer that leverage their specific locations or resources?
Private schools near Aurora capitalize on their semi-rural/suburban setting and proximity to Cleveland. **Western Reserve Academy** (WRA), with its 190-acre campus, integrates its environment into programs like environmental science and offers a distinctive residential life curriculum. Its proximity to the Cleveland Clinic and other cultural institutions facilitates unique internships and seminars. **University School** utilizes its two campuses to offer specialized facilities, like the Squire Valleevue Farm for experiential learning. **Old Trail School** emphasizes outdoor education and sustainability, with its campus serving as a living laboratory. All three schools leverage their Northeast Ohio location for robust arts partnerships, history trips, and easy access to University Circle's museums.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Aurora, Ohio, region?
The process for schools like WRA, University School, and Old Trail is highly structured and begins early. For the following fall entry, the ideal timeline starts **12-18 months in advance**. Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by **January or February** (with some schools having earlier deadlines for financial aid), and completing student visits/interviews and standardized testing (like the ISEE or SSAT) in the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically released in **March**. For kindergarten entry, some schools have earlier deadlines or lotteries. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades, Aurora families are advised to plan well ahead and engage with admissions offices directly.
For an Aurora resident, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated Aurora City Schools district to the nearby private school options?
This is a central decision for Aurora families. The **Aurora City Schools** district is consistently ranked among the top public districts in Ohio, offering excellent academics, sports, and facilities with no tuition. The primary considerations for choosing private are often philosophical and programmatic. Private options may offer: a specific educational approach (e.g., single-gender at University School, boarding option at WRA), smaller average class sizes, different religious or values-based foundations, or specialized programs not available in the public curriculum. The trade-off involves cost, commute time to schools outside Aurora, and leaving the local peer community. Many families in Aurora choose the strong public system, while others seek the distinct mission or perceived competitive edge of the elite private institutions in the region.