The Best Private Schools in Carrollton, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Carrollton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Central Catholic High School
Diocese of Youngstown
Central Catholic High School is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory school serving students from multiple counties including Carroll County. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 17 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and extensive extracurricular activities including championship athletic teams. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Thomas Aquinas High School is an International Baccalaureate World School offering both the IB Diploma Programme and traditional college preparatory curriculum. The school serves students from Carroll County and surrounding areas with a focus on academic excellence and character formation. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school boasts a 99% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's School
Diocese of Youngstown
St. Mary's School provides comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade, serving families from Carroll County and surrounding regions. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and faith formation. The curriculum includes advanced mathematics, science enrichment, language arts, and technology integration. Students consistently test above national averages and are well-prepared for competitive high school programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Carrollton, Ohio
What are the private school options available for K-12 education in Carrollton, Ohio?
Carrollton, Ohio, offers a primarily Catholic-based private education system. The main institutions are St. Mary's School, which typically serves grades K-8, and two high schools: Central Catholic High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School. It's important to note that while these schools are located in or near Carrollton, some may serve a broader regional area of Carroll County and beyond. For families seeking non-religious private education, options within Carrollton itself are limited, and parents often look to neighboring communities or consider homeschooling cooperatives.
How does tuition at Carrollton's private schools compare, and are there Ohio-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies by school and grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, elementary tuition at St. Mary's is generally more affordable than high school rates at Central Catholic or St. Thomas Aquinas, which can range significantly. All Ohio families, regardless of income, can apply for the EdChoice Scholarship, a state-funded program that provides vouchers to attend private schools if their resident public school is designated as underperforming or through an expansion based on income. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship are key Ohio programs. Each Carrollton private school also typically offers parish subsidies for active church members and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Carrollton, OH, offer that leverage the local community?
Carrollton's private schools often integrate the region's agricultural and close-knit community values into their programs. For instance, schools may have strong FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters, agriculture science courses, or partnerships with local farms for hands-on learning. Given the rural setting, extracurriculars often emphasize community service, with students frequently involved in local food drives, county fair events, and supporting small-town initiatives. Athletic programs, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball, are a major point of community pride and rivalry, fostering a strong sense of local identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Carrollton, and are there considerations for transfer students?
The enrollment process for Carrollton-area private schools usually begins with an open house in the winter (January-February) for the following fall. Application deadlines are often in early spring. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records, standardized test scores, and sometimes a pastoral recommendation for parishioners. For families moving into Carrollton or Carroll County mid-year, these schools are generally accommodating to transfer students, given the area's small size, but availability is subject to class capacity. An interview or shadow day is commonly required for incoming high school students at Central Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas.
For a family in Carrollton, what are the key factors in choosing between the local public school district and the available private options?
The decision often hinges on values, class size, and specific student needs. Carrollton Exempted Village Schools offer a comprehensive, tuition-free public education with diverse extracurriculars. The private schools in Carrollton provide a faith-based education with typically smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on discipline and moral development. A key practical factor is the potential eligibility for Ohio's EdChoice voucher, which can make private school tuition more accessible. Many local families also value the continuity of a K-8 Catholic education at St. Mary's followed by a seamless transition to a familiar, values-aligned high school community, which is a significant advantage in a rural area where community ties are paramount.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top-Rated Secular Private Schools in Carrollton, Ohio
If you're a parent in Carrollton, Ohio, typing "secular private schools near me" into a search engine, you might find the initial results a bit surprising. Carrollton, nestled in the rolling hills of Carroll County, has a strong tradition of faith-based education, with excellent institutions like Central Catholic High School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and St. Mary's School serving the community for generations. For families seeking a private education that is not religiously affiliated, the search requires a slightly broader geographic lens and an understanding of what defines a truly secular program. This doesn't mean your options are limited; it simply means knowing where to look and what questions to ask to find the right fit for your child within a reasonable commute.
The concept of a secular private school is one that operates independently of any religious doctrine, focusing its curriculum, mission, and community life on academic excellence, critical thinking, and often a specific educational philosophy without a faith-based component. In our region, these schools are more commonly found in the larger metropolitan hubs. For Carrollton families, this means considering a commute to areas like Canton, Akron, or even the eastern suburbs of Cleveland. Schools in these areas may offer progressive pedagogies, such as Montessori or project-based learning, or simply a rigorous college-preparatory environment in a non-sectarian setting. The drive, often between 30 to 50 minutes, becomes part of the family's commitment, and many find the unique educational approach well worth the journey.
When expanding your search beyond Carrollton for secular private schools near you, it's crucial to define your priorities. Are you looking for a small, intimate classroom setting that our local public schools might not offer? Is a particular focus on STEM, the arts, or social-emotional learning important? Many secular private schools offer open houses and shadow days, which are invaluable. Plan a visit, have your child spend a day in the classroom, and speak candidly with administrators about their values and how they foster an inclusive, diverse community. Ask about transportation options; some schools offer bus services from designated areas, which can alleviate the daily drive.
Furthermore, don't overlook the importance of community connection. A school outside Carrollton will have its own social fabric. Inquire about how they help new families integrate and whether there are other students commuting from the Carroll County area. Building a small carpool network with other local families can transform the commute into a valuable social time and make the experience more sustainable. Ultimately, finding the right secular private school is about matching your child’s needs with a school’s philosophy. While it may require looking beyond our immediate Carrollton zip code, the result—a tailored education that aligns perfectly with your family's values—can provide an incredible foundation for your child’s future, all while maintaining the close-knit, supportive home life that our wonderful town provides.