The Best Private Schools in Bakersville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bakersville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The New School
Independent
The New School is a highly-regarded independent private school located approximately 20 miles from Bakersville in Mount Vernon. Founded in 1999, this college-preparatory school serves students from preschool through 12th grade with a progressive, project-based curriculum. The school emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and a balanced approach to education that integrates STEM, humanities, and arts. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and is known for its innovative teaching methods and supportive community environment.
Programs:
St. Francis De Sales School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Francis De Sales School is a well-established Catholic private school located approximately 25 miles from Bakersville in Newark. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, this institution combines rigorous academic preparation with faith-based education. The school features modern facilities including technology-enhanced classrooms, science labs, gymnasium, and dedicated art and music spaces. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while offering comprehensive programs in technology, foreign language, and extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the school's strong community values, dedicated faculty, and excellent preparation for high school.
Programs:
Granville Christian Academy
Independent Christian
Granville Christian Academy is a respected private Christian school located approximately 30 miles from Bakersville in Granville. Founded in 1974, the school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum integrated with Christian values. The campus features modern academic buildings, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school offers a strong academic program with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive fine arts opportunities. Known for its close-knit community and high academic standards, GCA attracts families from throughout the region seeking quality Christian education with strong college preparation.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bakersville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Bakersville, Ohio, and what are their core educational philosophies?
Bakersville, Ohio, offers a few established private school options, each with a distinct approach. The New School typically emphasizes progressive, student-centered learning and may offer project-based curricula. St. Francis De Sales School provides a traditional Catholic education infused with faith-based values and sacramental preparation. Granville Christian Academy (located in nearby Granville, serving the broader Licking County area including Bakersville) focuses on a Christ-centered, college-preparatory education. Given Bakersville's smaller size, some families also consider private schools in neighboring towns like Newark or Heath, expanding their options for specialized philosophies.
How does tuition for private schools in the Bakersville, Ohio, area compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition in the Bakersfield area varies by school and grade level. Parish-affiliated schools like St. Francis De Sales often have lower tuition rates for active parishioners. Independent schools like The New School and Granville Christian Academy may have higher tuition reflecting their specific programs. Critically for Ohio residents, the state's EdChoice Scholarship Program is a major financial consideration. This program provides vouchers based on either household income or the performance rating of your assigned public school district, which can significantly offset private school costs. Parents should contact each school directly for current tuition rates and detailed guidance on applying for EdChoice and any institutional scholarships.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Bakersville-area private schools offer that leverage the local Ohio context?
Private schools in and near Bakersville often integrate Ohio's rich cultural and historical resources into their programs. This might include specialized history units on Ohio's statehood and Native American heritage, field trips to sites like the Ohio Statehouse or the Dawes Arboretum, and science curricula connected to local agriculture and ecosystems. Granville Christian Academy, for instance, may offer programs tied to the academic environment of nearby Denison University. Smaller class sizes in these schools allow for more personalized projects, potentially involving local community service or partnerships with businesses in Licking County, providing practical, place-based learning experiences.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Bakersville, Ohio, and when should parents start planning?
The enrollment process for Bakersville-area private schools generally begins in the winter or early spring for the following fall semester. Many schools host open houses from January through March. Key steps include submitting an application, providing academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. For schools with limited seats, like St. Francis De Sales or The New School, applying early is crucial. Given the use of the Ohio EdChoice Scholarship, parents must also be mindful of the state's application deadlines, which are typically in the spring. It is highly advisable to begin researching and contacting schools at least a full year before the desired enrollment date, especially for kindergarten or middle school transitions.
For a family in Bakersville, what are the practical considerations when comparing the local public school district to the available private school options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific student needs. Bakersfield is served by the Southwest Licking Local School District. Parents comparing options should consider that private schools like those mentioned offer smaller, more consistent class sizes and distinct value systems (e.g., religious or progressive). However, the public district provides a no-tuition option, a broader range of elective courses at the high school level, and typically more extensive special education resources. A major practical factor is transportation; Ohio law provides some public transportation to private schools, but routes and availability for Bakersville residents should be verified with each school. The potential eligibility for the EdChoice voucher can also dramatically change the financial comparison.