The Best Private Schools in Continental, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Continental. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ottawa-Glandorf High School
Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools
Ottawa-Glandorf High School is a highly-rated private school serving the Continental area, located approximately 15 miles away. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong STEM programs and numerous Advanced Placement courses. Known for excellent academic performance and competitive athletics, the school features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and comprehensive arts programs. Parent satisfaction is high with praise for dedicated teachers and strong community involvement.
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Liberty Benton High School
Liberty-Benton Local School District
Liberty Benton High School is a top-rated private school option serving the Continental area, located approximately 20 miles away in Findlay. The school offers an exceptional academic program with a strong focus on college preparation, including a dedicated STEM Academy and numerous Advanced Placement courses. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, technology centers, performing arts spaces, and comprehensive athletic facilities. The school is known for its high academic standards, dedicated faculty, and strong sense of community with excellent parent and student satisfaction ratings.
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Lima Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Toledo
Lima Central Catholic High School is a well-established Catholic private school serving students from Continental and surrounding communities, located about 25 miles away. The school provides a comprehensive college-preparatory education grounded in Catholic values, with strong academic programs including advanced STEM courses, fine arts, and extensive extracurricular activities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, athletic facilities, and technology resources. The school is recognized for its strong community atmosphere and high college acceptance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Continental, Ohio
What are the primary private high school options available for families in Continental, Ohio, and how accessible are they?
Continental itself is a small village with a limited number of private schools within its immediate boundaries. Therefore, families typically look to surrounding areas for options. The notable private high schools in the region include **Lima Central Catholic High School** (in Lima, about 30 minutes west), **Ottawa-Glandorf High School** (a public school often confused as private due to its reputation, located in Ottawa, about 25 minutes north), and **Liberty-Benton High School** (a public school in Findlay, about 40 minutes south). True private options like Lima Central Catholic require a commute. Accessibility is a key consideration, as most families will need to arrange transportation. Exploring Catholic elementary schools in nearby towns like Ottawa or Delphos can also be a pathway to these high schools.
How does tuition at a private school like Lima Central Catholic in nearby Lima compare to the cost of public school in Continental, and what financial aid is available?
Attending a private high school like Lima Central Catholic involves direct tuition costs, which for the 2023-2024 school year were approximately $7,000-$9,000 for parishioners and higher for non-parishioners. This is in contrast to Continental Local Schools, which are taxpayer-funded and tuition-free. However, Ohio offers several financial mechanisms to help. The **EdChoice Scholarship** program is critical; based on income or the performance rating of your assigned public school, it can provide significant tuition assistance. Additionally, Lima Central Catholic and similar schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies, and payment plans. It's essential to apply for both state scholarships and institutional aid early in the enrollment process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Continental, Ohio, region offer that differ from the local public school?
Private schools in the region, such as Lima Central Catholic High School, often provide a distinct combination of college-prep rigor and faith-based education that may not be available in the public system. Specific differentiators include: **Theologically-focused curriculum** with required religion courses and campus ministry; **Specialized STEM or Arts Programs** that are bolstered by private funding; and **Competitive Athletic Leagues** (like the Northwest Conference or Blanchard Valley Conference) that offer a different level of competition than Continental's Putnam County League. Furthermore, these schools often have smaller average class sizes, which can allow for more individualized attention compared to the rural public school setting.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a private high school like Lima Central Catholic for a student coming from Continental Local Schools?
The process typically begins a full year in advance. For 9th-grade enrollment, families should attend **Open Houses** in the fall (October-November) of the student's 8th-grade year. Application deadlines are often in early winter (January-February). The process involves submitting an application, academic records from Continental Elementary, standardized test scores, and sometimes a pastoral recommendation. Crucially, this is also the time to apply for the **Ohio EdChoice Scholarship** and the school's own financial aid. Placement tests or shadow days (where the student spends a day at the school) are common steps. Admission decisions and financial aid packages are usually communicated in the spring.
For families in Continental, what are the major considerations when choosing between the local public school and a commuting private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. First is **commute and logistics**: Attending a private school means a daily 30-60 minute drive to Lima, Findlay, or Ottawa, requiring a significant family time and transportation commitment. Second is **educational philosophy**: Continental Local Schools offer a strong, community-centered public education, while private options provide a faith-based environment and often a different peer network. Third is **cost vs. benefit**: Families must weigh the tuition and commute costs against perceived benefits like specific academic programs, smaller classes, or religious instruction. Finally, **extracurricular fit** is key—consider whether the private school's sports leagues, clubs, and community align with your child's interests more closely than the offerings in Continental.