The Best Private Schools in Celina, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Celina. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Coldwater Elementary School
Coldwater Exempted Village School District
Located just 15 minutes from Celina, Coldwater Elementary School has earned a reputation for academic excellence in the broader Mercer County region. The school features a rigorous curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education and literacy development. Known for its highly qualified teaching staff and innovative instructional methods, the school consistently achieves high performance ratings. Facilities include modern technology labs, extensive library resources, and well-maintained athletic facilities. The school community is characterized by strong parental involvement and a tradition of academic achievement that has made it a popular choice for families throughout the area, including those from Celina.
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Celina Primary School
Celina City School District
Celina Primary School serves as the foundational educational institution for young learners in the Celina community, offering comprehensive early childhood and elementary education programs. The school is known for its dedicated teaching staff and strong community involvement, with a focus on developing fundamental academic skills in a supportive environment. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology integration, and age-appropriate learning spaces designed specifically for younger students. The school maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and has established strong parent-teacher partnerships that contribute to high satisfaction rates among families in the area.
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Holy Rosary School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Holy Rosary School provides a faith-based education option for families in the greater Celina area, located approximately 15 minutes away in St. Marys. This long-established Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a balanced approach that combines strong academics with character development and religious education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. Academic programs are complemented by extracurricular activities including sports, music, and community service opportunities. The school maintains high academic standards while emphasizing moral and spiritual development, making it a popular choice for families seeking private education with values-based instruction in the region surrounding Celina.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Celina, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families in Celina, Ohio, and what distinguishes them?
In Celina, Ohio, the main private school options include Holy Rosary School (a Catholic K-8 institution) and, for younger students, Celina Primary School and Coldwater Elementary School, which are often considered part of the broader private or parochial network in the Grand Lake St. Marys region. Holy Rosary is notable for its faith-based education integrated with standard academics, serving as a feeder for area Catholic high schools. The distinguishing factor for Celina's private schools is their small, community-focused environments, often with multi-grade classrooms and strong parental involvement, contrasting with the larger public Celina City Schools district. Availability can be limited due to smaller class sizes, so early inquiry is recommended.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools in Celina, Ohio, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio families?
Tuition for private schools in Celina, such as Holy Rosary School, typically ranges from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year for parishioners, with slightly higher rates for non-parishioners. It's important to note that Ohio offers specific financial aid programs that benefit Celina families. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending designated public schools or based on family income to attend participating private schools. Additionally, many local private schools offer their own need-based tuition assistance, and some may participate in the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. Consulting directly with the school's admissions office is crucial to understand all available options.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at Celina's private schools, like Holy Rosary, compare to the offerings in the public district?
Private schools in Celina, like Holy Rosary School, offer a core academic curriculum aligned with Ohio state standards but often enhanced with religious education (in faith-based schools) and a focus on character development. Class sizes are typically smaller, allowing for more individualized attention. In terms of extracurriculars, the public Celina City Schools district generally has a wider array of sports, arts, and advanced placement courses due to its larger size and funding. However, Celina's private schools often provide robust participation in local athletic leagues (like the Midwest Athletic Conference for some sports), music programs, and community service projects, fostering a tight-knit community feel. Specialized programs may be more limited compared to the public high school's offerings.
What is the enrollment process and timeline for securing a spot at a private school like Holy Rosary in Celina, Ohio?
The enrollment process for Holy Rosary School and similar institutions in Celina usually begins in January or February for the following academic year. It involves submitting an application form, providing birth and baptismal certificates (for Catholic schools), academic records from previous schools, and often a family interview or student assessment. Many Celina-area private schools have rolling admissions but encourage early application due to limited space, especially for incoming kindergarteners. Some schools may also have priority deadlines for parish members or siblings of current students. It's highly advisable to contact the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year to get exact dates and requirements.
For families moving to the Grand Lake St. Marys area, what are the key local considerations when choosing between Celina's public and private schools?
Key local considerations include community values, class size, and logistics. Celina's private schools, predominantly faith-based, offer an education centered on specific religious values, which is a major draw for many families in this region. The smaller, family-like atmosphere can be appealing for students who thrive with close supervision. Logistically, private schools in Celina do not provide state-funded transportation, so parents must arrange their own, whereas public school students have busing available. Academically, Celina City Schools offer a comprehensive K-12 pathway with more diverse elective and advanced coursework at the high school level. Ultimately, the decision often hinges on a family's priority for religious integration and small community versus the broader program offerings and no-tuition model of the public system.