The Best Private Schools in Brownsville, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brownsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Steubenville Catholic Central High School
Steubenville Catholic Schools
Steubenville Catholic Central High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple Ohio counties including Jefferson County where Brownsville is located. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 90% of graduates attending four-year colleges. Features include modern science labs, comprehensive athletics programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school emphasizes character development and community service alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty providing personalized attention.
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The Linsly School
Independent
The Linsly School is a prestigious coeducational college preparatory school located just across the Ohio River in Wheeling, West Virginia, serving students from the tri-state area including eastern Ohio. With over 200 years of educational excellence, Linsly offers a comprehensive academic program with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. Linsly emphasizes character education, leadership development, and academic rigor, with 100% college acceptance rate and strong scholarship awards for graduates.
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Madonna High School
Diocese of Steubenville
Madonna High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in Weirton, West Virginia, serving students from the Ohio Valley region including eastern Ohio communities like Brownsville. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM programs, and competitive athletics. Madonna emphasizes faith-based education combined with academic excellence, featuring modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and provides extensive college counseling services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brownsville, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Brownsville, Ohio?
While Brownsville itself is a small village, families in the area typically look to nearby cities for private school options. The most prominent include Steubenville Catholic Central High School (in Steubenville, OH, about 15 miles east), which is a diocesan Catholic high school; The Linsly School (in Wheeling, WV, about 20 miles southeast), a prestigious co-ed, college-preparatory day and boarding school; and Madonna High School (in Weirton, WV, about 25 miles northeast), another Catholic high school. For younger grades, several Catholic elementary schools are affiliated with these high schools in the tri-state area. Transportation is a key consideration, as most options require a commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Brownsville, Ohio area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio?
Tuition in the Brownsville area varies significantly. Steubenville Catholic Central's tuition is typically lower, often around $7,000-$9,000 annually, as it is supported by the Diocese of Steubenville. The Linsly School, as an independent college-prep school, has a higher tuition, often exceeding $20,000 per year for day students. Ohio offers two key financial aid programs: the **EdChoice Scholarship**, which provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income, and the **Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship**. Additionally, most schools offer their own need-based financial aid and parish subsidies for active Catholic families at diocesan schools.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Brownsville, OH?
Schools in the region offer distinct programs. The Linsly School is renowned for its mandatory **Junior ROTC** program, strong college counseling, and a 5:1 student-teacher ratio. Steubenville Catholic Central emphasizes a **faith-based curriculum** integrated with STEM and humanities, and often has strong athletic rivalries within the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference. Madonna High School offers a **1:1 iPad program** and a focus on service learning. Given the proximity to the Ohio River and the tri-state area, some schools also have unique partnerships with local industries or colleges like Franciscan University of Steubenville for dual-enrollment opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private high schools near Brownsville, Ohio?
The process generally begins in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year (e.g., fall of 8th grade for 9th-grade entry). Key steps include: 1) **Open Houses** (often held October-January), 2) **Application Submission** (deadlines typically between January and March), 3) **Entrance Exams** (like the HSPT for Catholic schools, often scheduled in January), and 4) **Financial Aid Application** (due around March). The Linsly School may have its own assessment. Admissions decisions and financial aid offers are usually communicated in March or April. It's crucial to contact each school directly, as timelines can differ, especially for schools across state lines in West Virginia.
For a family in rural Brownsville, what are the main considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school requiring a commute?
The decision hinges on several local factors. **Academics & Environment:** Private schools offer smaller class sizes, religious education (if desired), and often more rigorous college-prep tracks. **Logistics & Cost:** The commute to schools in Steubenville or Wheeling can be 20-30 minutes each way, adding significant time and transportation costs. You must weigh this against tuition and potential state scholarship aid. **Community & Activities:** Brownsville's students attending private schools may have less day-to-day connection with local peers but gain a broader network. **Sports:** OHSAA rules allow participation in some sports at the local public school (Brownsville Local/Union Local School District) even if enrolled privately, but this requires coordination. Visiting both your local public school and the private options is essential to feel the difference.
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