The Best Private Schools in Columbus Grove, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Columbus Grove. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Charles Borromeo School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
St. Charles Borromeo School is a highly-rated Catholic elementary and middle school serving families throughout the region, including Columbus Grove residents. The school provides a faith-based education with strong academic foundations, featuring dedicated STEM labs, music and art programs, and comprehensive religious education. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention, and the school maintains strong parent involvement and community spirit. The campus includes modern classrooms, technology labs, and recreational facilities. The school offers bus transportation from surrounding communities.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic is a highly-regarded Catholic college preparatory high school serving students from multiple counties including Putnam County where Columbus Grove is located. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 12 Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and competitive athletic teams. With small class sizes averaging 15 students, LCC provides personalized attention and strong college counseling. The school features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Transportation is available from surrounding areas including Columbus Grove.
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Ottawa-Glandorf High School
Ottawa-Glandorf Local School District
While technically a public school, Ottawa-Glandorf High School accepts open enrollment students from surrounding districts including Columbus Grove and is recognized for its exceptional academic programs and facilities that rival many private institutions. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with multiple AP courses, a robust STEM academy, and extensive career-technical programs. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and outstanding athletic facilities. The school consistently ranks among the top schools in Northwest Ohio for academic performance and college readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Columbus Grove, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Columbus Grove, Ohio?
While Columbus Grove itself is a small village, families typically look to surrounding communities for private, primarily Catholic, education. The most prominent options include Lima Central Catholic High School (grades 9-12) in Lima, approximately 15 miles east, and St. Charles Borromeo School (PreK-8) in Lima. For a non-diocesan option, some families also consider Ottawa-Glandorf High School, a public school in the neighboring district that is often part of conversations due to its strong reputation, though it is not a private institution. There are no private schools physically located within Columbus Grove's village limits, so transportation is a key consideration.
How does tuition at private schools like Lima Central Catholic compare to the Columbus Grove area's cost of living, and are there financial aid options specific to Ohio?
Tuition at Lima Central Catholic High School for the 2024-2025 academic year is approximately $8,500 for parishioners and $10,500 for non-parishioners. This is a significant consideration against Columbus Grove's modest median household income. However, Ohio offers specific financial mechanisms to help. The most notable is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students assigned to low-performing public schools or based on family income, making private school tuition more accessible. Additionally, schools like LCC offer their own need-based financial aid, and Ohio's "Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship" may apply for eligible students.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Columbus Grove students offer that differ from the local public school?
Private schools like Lima Central Catholic High School offer a college-preparatory curriculum with a required theology component, which is a distinct difference from Columbus Grove Local Schools. LCC provides specific programs such as a 1:1 iPad initiative, dual-credit courses through partnerships with local colleges like The Ohio State University at Lima and Rhodes State College, and a focused STEM pathway. Furthermore, the culture of smaller, faith-based communities often translates into distinct extracurriculars like campus ministry, specific service-learning requirements, and Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) sports that may offer different competitive opportunities than the local public school.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Columbus Grove student seeking to attend Lima Central Catholic High School?
The enrollment process for Lima Central Catholic typically begins in the winter for the following fall semester. Prospective families, including those from Columbus Grove, are encouraged to attend open houses held between January and March. The formal application is submitted in the spring, and placement testing for incoming freshmen often occurs in early spring. A key step for Catholic families is obtaining a pastor's signature from their local parish (e.g., St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus Grove) for parishioner tuition rates. It's crucial to apply for Ohio's EdChoice Scholarship during the state's window (usually February-April) concurrently with the school application. We recommend contacting LCC's admissions office directly by January of your student's 8th-grade year.
For a family in Columbus Grove, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation to private schools like LCC or St. Charles?
Transportation is a major logistical factor. Columbus Grove Local Schools do not provide bussing to private schools outside the district. Families are responsible for arranging transportation to Lima (a 20-30 minute drive). Some solutions include forming carpools with other Columbus Grove families, utilizing the limited shuttle service some schools may offer from centralized locations, or adjusting work schedules. This daily commitment impacts time, fuel costs, and vehicle wear. It's a significant difference from the door-to-door bus service provided for the local public school. When considering private school, creating a reliable transportation plan is as essential as evaluating academic programs.