The Best Private Schools in Cortland, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cortland. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten
Ursuline Sisters
While primarily serving younger students, Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten is highly regarded throughout the Mahoning Valley region for its exceptional early childhood education programs. Serving families from Cortland and surrounding communities, the school provides a nurturing environment with developmentally appropriate curriculum, experienced teachers, and outstanding facilities. The program emphasizes social-emotional development, academic readiness, and Catholic values. Many graduates continue to top private elementary schools in the region, making this a foundational choice for families beginning their private education journey.
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Maplewood Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Located just minutes from Cortland in Vienna, Maplewood Christian Academy provides a Christ-centered education for students in grades K-12. The school features a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, individualized attention, and comprehensive college preparation. Facilities include modern classrooms, computer labs, science laboratories, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development, community service, and spiritual growth alongside academic achievement, making it a popular choice for families throughout the Cortland area seeking faith-based education.
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John F. Kennedy Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Youngstown
JFK Catholic School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and is one of the most respected private institutions in the Warren area, serving families throughout Trumbull County including Cortland. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with Advanced Placement courses, strong athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, JFK emphasizes academic excellence while fostering spiritual development and character formation. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cortland, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for K-12 education in Cortland, Ohio, and what grade levels do they serve?
Cortland, Ohio, offers a few key private school options, primarily with a religious affiliation. John F. Kennedy Catholic School, part of the Youngstown Diocese, is a major provider offering education from Pre-K through 8th grade. For families seeking a Protestant Christian environment, Maplewood Christian Academy serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade, providing a continuous educational pathway. For early childhood education, Ursuline Preschool & Kindergarten offers programs for younger children. It's important to note that the selection within Cortland itself is limited, and many families in Trumbull County also consider private schools in nearby Warren or Howland for additional options.
How does tuition for private schools in Cortland, OH, typically compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition for private schools in the Cortland area is generally below the statewide average for Ohio private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For example, parish-supported Catholic schools like JFK often have lower rates for registered parishioners. Ohio offers several state-specific financial aid programs that Cortland families can utilize. The most significant is the EdChoice Scholarship Program, which provides state-funded vouchers for students attending designated public schools or based on family income, applicable to participating private schools. Additionally, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and the Autism Scholarship Program are available for eligible students. Individual schools also offer parish subsidies, multi-child discounts, and need-based financial aid.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Cortland area that distinguish them from local public schools?
Private schools in Cortland leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer distinctive programs. John F. Kennedy Catholic School integrates Catholic faith and values throughout its curriculum and offers weekly Mass. Maplewood Christian Academy emphasizes a Bible-based curriculum and may offer programs like its "Project Serve" community outreach. A key differentiator in this region is often the focus on foundational literacy and discipline in a smaller classroom setting. While Cortland's public schools (Maplewood Local Schools) have their own strengths, including potentially broader elective choices in higher grades, the private options provide a specific faith-based environment and community that is a primary draw for families in Trumbull County.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like JFK Catholic or Maplewood Christian Academy in Cortland, OH?
Enrollment timelines for Cortland's private schools often begin in early winter for the following academic year. Both John F. Kennedy Catholic School and Maplewood Christian Academy typically host open houses between January and March. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing records from previous schools, and possibly a family interview or student assessment. For JFK Catholic, priority is often given to active parishioners of supporting churches and siblings of current students. Given the limited seats, especially in popular grade levels, applying by the spring priority deadline is highly recommended. Some schools may offer rolling admission if space allows, but waiting lists are common.
For families in Cortland, what are the key considerations regarding transportation to and from these private schools?
Transportation is a crucial logistical consideration in Cortland. Ohio law requires public school districts to provide transportation to private school students if the school is within the district's boundaries or within a specified distance. For families residing in the Maplewood Local School District, you should contact the district's transportation office to arrange busing to your chosen private school, as routes and pick-up times are coordinated by the public system. However, availability for students attending schools outside the immediate area or for specialized drop-off times (e.g., for after-school care) may be limited. Many families in this semi-rural area form carpools or arrange private transportation, so connecting with other school families early is beneficial.