The Best Private Schools in Bradford, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bradford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Miami Valley School
Independent School
Miami Valley School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the greater Dayton region, including Bradford area families. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. With a focus on developing critical thinking and leadership skills, MVS features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a diverse student body and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities in arts, athletics, and community service.
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St. Patrick School
Catholic School System
St. Patrick School is a well-established Catholic private school serving families throughout Miami County and surrounding areas, including Bradford. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations in core subjects while integrating technology and 21st-century learning skills. The curriculum emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual growth. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and offers comprehensive athletic programs and extracurricular activities.
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Lehman Catholic High School
Catholic School System
Lehman Catholic High School serves students from multiple counties including those from the Bradford area, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education within a Catholic faith community. The school features advanced placement courses, robust STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With a focus on academic excellence and character formation, Lehman provides modern facilities including science laboratories, technology integration, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and active alumni networks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bradford, Ohio
What are the main private school options available for families living in or near Bradford, Ohio?
While Bradford itself is a small village, families in the area have access to several well-regarded private schools in neighboring communities. The most prominent options include St. Patrick School in Troy (PreK-8, Catholic), Lehman Catholic High School in Sidney (9-12, Catholic), and The Miami Valley School in Dayton (PreK-12, independent). For Bradford residents, these schools typically involve a commute, with Lehman Catholic being the closest secondary option. It's important to research each school's specific transportation policies, as some may offer bus service from designated areas.
How does the tuition for private schools near Bradford, Ohio, compare, and are there state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly based on the school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Patrick School's elementary tuition is approximately $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners, Lehman Catholic High School's tuition is around $8,000-$9,000, and The Miami Valley School's tuition is significantly higher, reflecting its independent school status. Ohio offers the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which can provide substantial tuition assistance to eligible families based on residence in a designated public school district or income. Many local Catholic schools also have parish subsidies and need-based aid. It's crucial to contact each school's financial office directly for the most current rates and aid applications.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Bradford, OH, area offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools near Bradford offer distinct programs tailored to their missions. Lehman Catholic High School provides a college-prep curriculum with a required theology program and strong emphasis on service hours, alongside robust sports in the Northwest Central Conference. The Miami Valley School, as an independent school, features an advanced, globally-focused curriculum, smaller class sizes, and unique offerings like intensive interim courses. St. Patrick School offers a faith-based foundation with sacramental preparation. A key differentiator for these schools is their ability to maintain specific values-based education and often more specialized arts or advanced STEM tracks than might be available in the smaller rural public districts surrounding Bradford.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Bradford, Ohio, families?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. For schools like St. Patrick and Lehman Catholic, priority is often given to active parish members and siblings of current students, so early inquiry is essential. The Miami Valley School has its own independent timeline with application deadlines, entrance assessments, and family interviews. Key steps for all schools include submitting an application, providing academic records, teacher recommendations, and often a shadow day for the student. Many schools host open houses between October and January. Given the limited seats, especially in specific grades, Bradford-area parents are advised to start the process by October to secure a spot and complete financial aid paperwork, which often has early winter deadlines.
For a family in Bradford, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and community when choosing a private school outside the village?
This is a critical logistical factor. Most private schools near Bradford do not provide district-wide bus transportation, meaning parents must typically arrange for carpooling or private transportation. The commute can range from 15-20 minutes to Lehman Catholic in Sidney to 45+ minutes to The Miami Valley School in Dayton. This impacts daily schedules and extracurricular participation. On the community side, choosing a school like Lehman or St. Patrick often means your child will build friendships across a wider regional area, which can affect social planning. However, these schools actively foster their own tight-knit communities through events, sports, and church activities, helping families from towns like Bradford integrate.