The Best Private Schools in Beaver, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Beaver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Notre Dame Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth
Notre Dame Elementary School has been serving the Beaver and greater Scioto County area for over six decades as part of the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. This highly-rated institution offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on academic excellence, character development, and spiritual formation. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletic teams. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent college preparatory foundation. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade and maintains strong ties to the local Beaver community.
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Bishop Flaget School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
Bishop Flaget School serves students from Beaver and surrounding Ross County communities with a distinguished college preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic traditions. Established in 1966, this respected institution offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on academic rigor, spiritual development, and character formation. The school features modern facilities including science labs, technology-integrated classrooms, art studios, and athletic facilities. Programs include advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive language arts, competitive sports teams, and extensive fine arts offerings. Parent reviews highlight the school's exceptional teacher quality, strong community involvement, and successful student outcomes in high school placement.
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St. Mary Elementary School
Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Mary Elementary School in Waverly has been serving Pike County and the Beaver area since 1979, providing a comprehensive Catholic education with strong academic foundations. The school offers programs from preschool through 8th grade with particular emphasis on STEM education, literacy development, and faith formation. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, a library media center, and dedicated spaces for music and art instruction. The school community is known for its family atmosphere, dedicated faculty with extensive experience, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Extracurricular opportunities include academic competitions, sports teams, music programs, and community service initiatives that reinforce the school's commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for high school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Beaver, Ohio
What are the private school options for K-8 education in Beaver, Ohio, and are they all faith-based?
In Beaver, Ohio, the primary private school options are all faith-based Catholic institutions, reflecting the area's strong parochial school tradition. The three main schools are Notre Dame Elementary School, Bishop Flaget School, and St. Mary Elementary School. These schools typically serve students from preschool through 8th grade. For high school, families in Beaver often look at private options in nearby cities like Portsmouth or Chillicothe, or consider the regional Catholic high schools that serve the Diocese of Columbus. The concentration of Catholic schools provides a consistent, values-based education but means secular private school options are not available locally within Beaver itself.
How does tuition at private schools in Beaver, OH, compare to the state average, and what financial aid or parish subsidies are typically available?
Tuition at private schools in Beaver, OH, such as Notre Dame, Bishop Flaget, and St. Mary, is generally below the statewide average for Ohio private schools, reflecting the region's lower cost of living. Annual tuition for one child often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 for parishioners. A key financial consideration specific to these schools is the active role of local parishes. Families who are registered, contributing members of the affiliated Catholic parish typically receive a significantly reduced tuition rate. Additionally, schools offer financial aid through diocesan programs, local scholarship funds (like the Ohio ACE EdChoice Scholarship for eligible families), and in-house assistance. It's essential to speak directly with the school's office about your specific parish status and to apply for aid early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Beaver, Ohio's private schools offer that leverage the local community and environment?
Private schools in Beaver, OH, integrate the local Appalachian community and values into their programs. Academically, they often emphasize strong foundational skills in literacy and mathematics, with a character education component woven through the curriculum. Given the small, close-knit nature of the schools, extracurriculars may include community service projects partnering with local churches and organizations, agricultural or environmental science activities that connect to the rural setting, and traditional sports like basketball and volleyball where they compete in small-school leagues. Technology integration is growing, but programs are often tailored to be practical and hands-on. The small class sizes—a hallmark of these schools—allow for highly individualized attention and a family-like atmosphere that is deeply connected to the Beaver community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Beaver, and are there considerations for families moving into the area?
The enrollment process for Beaver's private schools usually begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with re-enrollment of current families taking priority. However, due to their small sizes, these schools often accept applications year-round if spaces are available. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records, and possibly a family interview. A key consideration for families moving to Beaver is the emphasis on parish boundaries and membership. Gaining the in-parish tuition rate requires registration and active participation in the local Catholic parish associated with the school. It's highly recommended to contact the school principal and parish priest simultaneously when planning a move to understand both the educational and parish requirements.
For a family in Beaver, what are the primary factors to consider when choosing between the local public school system and the available private schools?
The decision between the local Beaver public schools (likely part of the Eastern Local or Pike County school districts) and the private Catholic schools hinges on several location-specific factors. Academically, the private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower) and a consistent, faith-based environment from preschool through 8th grade. The public schools provide a broader range of specialized services, such as extensive special education programs, and lead into a public high school. Financially, public school is free, while private school requires tuition, though scholarships can offset costs. Culturally, the private schools are central community hubs for many Beaver families, offering a tight-knit network. Transportation is also a key factor; public schools provide busing, while private school families often must arrange carpools. Ultimately, the choice often centers on the value placed on religious education and small-school culture versus the no-cost, comprehensive services of the public system.