The Best Private Schools in Cambridge, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cambridge. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas School
Diocese of Steubenville Catholic Schools
St. Thomas Aquinas School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving students from Cambridge and surrounding communities in the Zanesville area. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. Features include modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with low student-teacher ratios, competitive sports programs, and robust extracurricular activities including music, art, and STEM enrichment. The school maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings and has a reputation for preparing students well for high school and beyond.
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Bishop Fenwick High School
Diocese of Columbus Catholic Schools
Bishop Fenwick High School is a premier Catholic college-preparatory high school that serves students from Cambridge and throughout the region. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum with numerous Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. With modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes, Bishop Fenwick provides a well-rounded education focused on character development and academic excellence. The school has strong college acceptance rates and maintains high parent and student satisfaction through its supportive community and dedicated faculty.
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Mid-East Career and Technology Centers
Ohio Technical Centers Network
Mid-East Career and Technology Centers provides exceptional private technical education serving Cambridge students and surrounding communities. While primarily a career-tech institution, it offers comprehensive high school programs and adult education with specialized tracks in healthcare, engineering, information technology, skilled trades, and business. The school features state-of-the-industry equipment, experienced instructors with real-world expertise, and strong industry partnerships that lead to excellent job placement rates. Mid-East maintains high satisfaction ratings for its practical, career-focused approach to education and its commitment to student success in both technical skills and academic foundations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cambridge, Ohio
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Cambridge, Ohio?
In Cambridge, Ohio, the primary private school options are faith-based institutions. The notable schools include St. Thomas Aquinas School, which typically serves elementary and middle school grades, and Bishop Fenwick High School in nearby Franklin, which is a common destination for Cambridge families seeking a Catholic high school education. Additionally, the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers, while not a traditional private school, offer specialized career-tech programs that students from both public and private schools can attend part-time. The private school landscape in Cambridge is characterized by smaller, community-focused environments with strong religious foundations.
How does tuition at Cambridge, Ohio private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition at Cambridge's private schools, like St. Thomas Aquinas, is generally below the average for major Ohio cities but aligns with regional norms for Southeastern Ohio. Annual elementary tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per student. Ohio offers specific financial aid programs that Cambridge families can utilize, most notably the EdChoice Scholarship, which provides state-funded vouchers based on income or if the student's assigned public school is underperforming. Additionally, most local Catholic schools have parish subsidy programs for active members and offer need-based scholarships funded by local donors and diocesan programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Cambridge area offer?
Private schools in the Cambridge area leverage their size to offer personalized learning and strong foundational academics, often with integrated religious education. A unique aspect is the partnership with the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers. Students from Bishop Fenwick High School and other private schools can enroll in Mid-East's programs for hands-on training in fields like healthcare, engineering, automotive technology, and agriculture—a significant advantage for career-minded students. Furthermore, local private schools often emphasize community service projects tied to the Cambridge and Guernsey County area, fostering local civic engagement.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Cambridge, Ohio?
The enrollment process for Cambridge private schools like St. Thomas Aquinas usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. Key steps include submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many families in this area prioritize early application, as spaces, particularly in specific elementary grades, can be limited due to small class sizes. An important local consideration is the deadline for applying for state scholarship programs like EdChoice, which often aligns with the spring enrollment period. It's highly recommended to contact the school directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year.
For a family in Cambridge, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision in Cambridge often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and cost. Cambridge City School District offers a comprehensive K-12 system with diverse extracurriculars. In contrast, private options provide a faith-based education (primarily Catholic) with typically smaller class sizes and a consistent disciplinary environment. A major practical consideration is transportation; Ohio law provides transportation services to private school students, but the specifics depend on distance from Cambridge City Schools' bus routes. Furthermore, families should evaluate the long-term plan: many local private school students transition to a private high school outside the immediate Cambridge area, which involves commuting to places like Bishop Fenwick.