The Best Private Schools in Clifton, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Clifton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Ursula Academy
Catholic School
St. Ursula Academy is a premier Catholic college preparatory school for young women located in the Walnut Hills neighborhood near Clifton. The school offers a challenging academic program with 23 Advanced Placement courses and extensive STEM opportunities. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-enhanced classrooms, and excellent athletic facilities. St. Ursula emphasizes leadership development and community service while maintaining a strong Catholic identity. The school has a remarkable 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its supportive community and outstanding faculty. Students benefit from a comprehensive arts program and numerous extracurricular activities.
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Cincinnati Country Day School
Independent School
Cincinnati Country Day School is a highly regarded independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Clifton, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 62-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence and offers extensive extracurricular programs in arts, athletics, and community service. With a strong focus on preparing students for top colleges, CCDS maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and has a reputation for academic excellence throughout the Greater Cincinnati area.
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The Seven Hills School
Independent School
The Seven Hills School is a highly respected independent school serving students from early childhood through grade 12. With campuses in Cincinnati, the school offers both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and Advanced Placement courses, providing students with multiple pathways to academic excellence. The school features outstanding facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic complexes. Seven Hills emphasizes global education, critical thinking, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities from robotics to theater. With a strong college counseling program, graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Clifton, Ohio
What are the primary private school options serving families in Clifton, Ohio, and are they located directly in the neighborhood?
While Clifton itself is a neighborhood within Cincinnati, it is notably served by several top-tier private schools in the greater Cincinnati area. The schools you mentioned, such as Cincinnati Country Day School (in Indian Hill), St. Ursula Academy (in East Walnut Hills), and The Seven Hills School (with campuses in Madisonville and Walnut Hills), are all independent schools that draw many students from Clifton. There are also prominent Catholic options like St. Francis de Sales School in nearby Walnut Hills. It's important for Clifton parents to know that most sought-after private schools are a short commute away, with many offering transportation services.
How does Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program affect tuition for private schools accessible to Clifton residents?
Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the cost of private school tuition for eligible families in Clifton. This state-funded voucher program is based either on household income or on the performance rating of your assigned public school building. Many of the private schools serving Clifton, especially the Catholic and other faith-based schools, participate in this program. For example, a family living in Clifton and zoned for a specific Cincinnati Public School may qualify for an EdChoice Expansion (income-based) or Traditional (building-based) scholarship, which can be applied toward tuition at a participating private school. It's crucial to check each school's financial aid office for specific details and application processes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are emphasized by private schools in the Cincinnati/Clifton area?
Private schools in the Cincinnati area, accessible to Clifton families, often distinguish themselves with specialized programs that leverage local resources. For instance, Cincinnati Country Day School has a renowned Center for Civic Engagement and a strong environmental science program utilizing its 62-acre campus. The Seven Hills School emphasizes global studies and has extensive partnerships with local institutions like the Cincinnati Art Museum and the University of Cincinnati, which is adjacent to Clifton. St. Ursula Academy, an all-girls school, has a well-regarded STEM-focused Ursuline Academy Science Institute. Many of these schools also have robust arts and athletics programs that compete at the state level.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Cincinnati area, and how far in advance should Clifton parents apply?
The enrollment process for the top private schools serving Clifton is highly structured and often begins more than a year in advance. Most schools, like Cincinnati Country Day and Seven Hills, have an application deadline in January or February for admission the following fall. The process typically includes an open house (often in the fall), a submitted application, student assessments or visits, parent interviews, and sometimes standardized testing. Financial aid applications usually run concurrently. For kindergarten or 9th-grade entry, it is strongly advised that Clifton parents start researching and visiting schools in the fall, 15-18 months before the desired start date. Waiting lists are common, so early application is key.
For families living in Clifton, what are the notable considerations when comparing the local Cincinnati Public Schools (like Fairview-Clifton German Language School) to area private schools?
This is a central question for Clifton families, as the neighborhood is home to some of Cincinnati's highest-rated and unique public magnet schools, such as the Fairview-Clifton German Language School (a K-6 language immersion magnet) and Clark Montessori (7-12). The primary considerations are program focus, cost, and community. The public magnets offer specialized, tuition-free education but have competitive lottery-based enrollment. Private schools offer a consistent educational philosophy (e.g., Montessori, college-prep, single-gender), often smaller class sizes, and a defined community, but at a significant cost. Many Clifton families navigate both systems, applying to magnets while also exploring private options. The decision often hinges on whether the specific focus of a magnet aligns with a child's needs versus the broader, often more resource-intensive, offerings of a private institution.
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