The Best Private Schools in Clayton, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clayton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Albert the Great School
Archdiocese of Cincinnati Catholic Schools
St. Albert the Great School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the Dayton metropolitan area including Clayton. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning and academic excellence. Features include modern STEM labs, competitive athletics programs, music and arts education, and small class sizes. The school is known for its strong community involvement and consistently high academic performance scores, with many graduates attending top Catholic high schools in the region.
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The Miami Valley School
Independent School Association
The Miami Valley School is an elite independent day school serving the greater Dayton area including Clayton students. Offering International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through 12th grade, MVS provides a rigorous college-preparatory education with exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The campus features science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic facilities, and extensive technology integration. Known for its diverse student body and personalized learning approach, the school consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities nationwide.
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Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School
Marianist and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School is a renowned co-educational Catholic high school serving students from Clayton and throughout the Dayton region. With a rich history spanning over a century, CJ offers comprehensive college preparatory programs including advanced STEM courses, extensive arts curriculum, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern academic facilities, innovative technology integration, and strong community service programs. CJ is recognized for its academic excellence, with graduates consistently achieving high college acceptance rates and scholarship awards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clayton, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Clayton, Ohio, and are they located within the city limits?
While Clayton itself is a smaller suburb, families have access to several highly-regarded private schools in the immediate Dayton area. The most prominent include St. Albert the Great School (K-8 Catholic in Kettering), The Miami Valley School (independent, PreK-12 in Washington Township), and Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School (9-12 in downtown Dayton). It's important to note that none of these top-tier schools are physically located within Clayton's municipal boundaries, so commuting is a standard consideration for Clayton residents seeking private education. Many families also consider smaller parochial schools in neighboring Huber Heights, Englewood, or Trotwood.
How does tuition for private schools in the Clayton, Ohio area compare, and what financial aid options are available through Ohio state programs?
Tuition in the Dayton/Clayton area varies significantly by school type. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect a range from approximately $5,000-$8,000 per year for parish-supported Catholic elementary schools like St. Albert, to over $25,000 for independent schools like The Miami Valley School. Ohio offers two key financial aid programs: the EdChoice Scholarship (voucher), which provides state funds for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on household income, and the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. Eligibility for EdChoice can depend on your specific public school district designation (Northmont City Schools for Clayton). Additionally, most private schools offer their own need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Clayton, OH, that differentiate them from local public schools?
Schools in this region offer distinct specializations. The Miami Valley School is known for its rigorous, globally-focused International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from PreK through Diploma Programme, a rarity in the area. Chaminade Julienne (CJ) provides strong STEM pathways through its Engineering and Bioscience Centers, with partnerships at local universities and hospitals. St. Albert the Great offers a structured Catholic liberal arts foundation with dedicated Spanish instruction from a young age. These programs often feature smaller class sizes, specialized facilities, and unique partnerships (like CJ's with the University of Dayton) that can be more intensive than standard public school offerings in Northmont City Schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Clayton, Ohio families, and when should we start?
The process is school-specific but generally follows an annual cycle. For sought-after schools like The Miami Valley School or CJ, the process for the following fall often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the early fall (September-October). Application deadlines are typically between January and February, with admissions decisions and financial aid awards communicated by March. Many Catholic elementary schools like St. Albert have rolling admissions but prioritize parish members and siblings, so registering with a parish early is advised. For Clayton families, we recommend starting research and attending open houses in the fall, two years before desired high school entry and one year before elementary/middle school entry.
For a family living in Clayton, what are the key considerations when deciding between the well-regarded Northmont City public schools and area private schools?
This decision hinges on priorities for educational approach, cost, and community. Northmont City Schools offer a robust, tuition-free public education with extensive athletic programs and AP courses. Choosing a private school often involves a significant financial investment for attributes like a specific religious formation (Catholic), a particular pedagogical approach (like IB), or a perceived more disciplined environment. The commute is a major practical factor, as all leading private options require a daily drive. Many Clayton families who choose private schools do so for mission alignment—seeking an education that integrates faith (Catholic schools) or a specific progressive, global outlook (MVS)—that transcends the strong academic foundation available in the public district.