The Best Private Schools in Baltimore, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Baltimore. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Academy
Independent
Columbus Academy is a highly-regarded independent day school serving students from Baltimore and throughout central Ohio. Located approximately 30 minutes from Baltimore, the school offers a comprehensive PreK-12 education with exceptional college preparatory programs. The 231-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. The school is known for its academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities and colleges nationwide.
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Fisher Catholic High School
Diocese of Columbus
Fisher Catholic High School is a Catholic college-preparatory school serving the Baltimore area and surrounding communities. Located just 8 miles from Baltimore in Lancaster, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a 12:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, and comprehensive athletic facilities. Students benefit from a values-based education with strong college acceptance rates and diverse extracurricular opportunities including theater, music, and competitive sports programs.
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Liberty Christian Academy
Non-denominational Christian
Liberty Christian Academy is a private Christian school serving families in the Baltimore area and surrounding communities. Located approximately 25 minutes from Baltimore in Pickerington, the school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong biblical worldview integrated throughout the curriculum. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Liberty Christian emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and personalized attention for students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Baltimore, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Baltimore, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Families in Baltimore, Ohio, have several notable private school options, though many are located in nearby communities due to Baltimore's smaller size. The most prominent local option is **Fisher Catholic High School** in Lancaster, serving grades 9-12. For a broader range, parents often consider schools in the greater Columbus area, such as **Columbus Academy** in Gahanna (Pre-K through 12) and **Liberty Christian Academy** in Pataskala (K-12). It's important to note that Baltimore itself does not host a major private K-12 campus, so commuting to Fairfield or Licking counties is typical. Exploring each school's transportation policies is a key step for Baltimore residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Baltimore, Ohio, area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Ohio state programs?
Tuition varies significantly among schools near Baltimore, OH. Fisher Catholic High School, as a diocesan school, typically has a lower tuition range, often between $8,000-$10,000 annually. Independent schools like Columbus Academy have a substantially higher tuition, often exceeding $30,000. Ohio offers several financial aid programs that Baltimore residents can access. The most significant is the **EdChoice Scholarship**, which provides state-funded vouchers based on either residency in a low-performing public school district or family income. Additionally, the **Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship** and **Autism Scholarship** programs are available for eligible students. Each private school also has its own need-based financial aid and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Baltimore, Ohio, community offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Private schools in the region offer specialized programs that may not be as robust in the local public districts. **Fisher Catholic High School** emphasizes a faith-based education with college-prep curriculum and has strong traditions in athletics and community service. **Columbus Academy** offers an extensive array of Advanced Placement courses, renowned arts programs, and competitive athletic leagues. **Liberty Christian Academy** provides a distinct biblical worldview integration across all subjects and may offer smaller class sizes. For Baltimore families, these schools can provide alternatives with specific pedagogical approaches (e.g., classical, faith-based, or highly academic) that are not the focus of the Liberty Union-Thurston local public school system.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Fisher Catholic that serve Baltimore, Ohio, students?
The enrollment process for schools like Fisher Catholic High School generally begins nearly a full year in advance. For fall admission, open houses and application deadlines often occur in the prior October through January. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a family interview or student assessment. **Important for Baltimore residents:** Many private schools in the area have geographic priority zones, but being outside the immediate parish or community does not disqualify applicants. However, transportation becomes the family's responsibility. It is crucial to contact the admissions office directly, as timelines for financial aid and scholarship applications (like EdChoice) may have earlier deadlines than the general admission application.
For a family in Baltimore, Ohio, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Academics & Environment:** Liberty Union-Thurston Local Schools is the public district for Baltimore. Families may consider private options for religious education, a different student-teacher ratio, or a specialized academic focus. **Logistics & Cost:** Commuting is a major factor, as most private options require a 20-45 minute drive to Lancaster, Pataskala, or Columbus. This impacts daily schedules and extracurricular participation. **Financial Investment:** Families must weigh the cost of private tuition against the no-tuition public option, while exploring Ohio's EdChoice scholarships which can offset cost if eligible. **Community:** Consider whether a close-knit, faith-based community (at Fisher Catholic) or a larger, resource-rich environment (at Columbus Academy) aligns with your family's values versus the local community-centered public school experience.