The Best Private Schools in Delaware, Ohio
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Delaware. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Columbus Academy
Columbus Academy
Columbus Academy is a highly prestigious coeducational independent day school serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12. Located just 20 minutes from Delaware, it offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic standards. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, extensive athletic complexes, and dedicated arts spaces. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Columbus Academy consistently produces graduates who attend top-tier universities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through comprehensive extracurricular programs.
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Wellington School
Wellington School
The Wellington School is an acclaimed independent college preparatory school serving students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 15 miles from Delaware, Wellington offers the International Baccalaureate program alongside traditional college prep courses. The school is known for its innovative approach to education, emphasizing critical thinking and global perspectives. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Wellington maintains a strong community atmosphere with dedicated faculty and comprehensive student support services.
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St. Mary School
Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus
St. Mary School is Delaware's premier local private school option, serving students from preschool through 8th grade with deep roots in the community. As a Catholic parochial school, it integrates faith formation with strong academic preparation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced mathematics, science programs, and fine arts. Located in downtown Delaware, St. Mary provides a nurturing environment with small class sizes and dedicated teachers. The school features modern technology integration, recently updated facilities, and strong parent involvement, making it a top choice for families seeking private education within Delaware city limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Delaware, Ohio
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Delaware, Ohio, and how do their educational philosophies differ?
Families in Delaware, Ohio, have access to several highly-regarded private schools, though many are located in the broader Columbus metro area. Top options include Columbus Academy in Gahanna (a PreK-12 college-preparatory school with a rigorous liberal arts curriculum), Wellington School in Upper Arlington (a JK-12 school known for its innovative, project-based learning and global focus), and St. Mary School in Delaware (a Catholic PK-8 school offering a faith-based education). The key difference lies in their core philosophies: Columbus Academy emphasizes traditional academic excellence and character, Wellington prioritizes creative and independent thinking, and St. Mary integrates Catholic values with a strong academic foundation. Many Delaware families also consider other central Ohio independents, factoring in the commute.
How does tuition for private schools in the Delaware, Ohio, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Delaware families varies widely and is generally at or above the Ohio private school average due to the concentration of prestigious institutions in the Columbus region. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $6,000-$8,000 for a parish-based K-8 school like St. Mary to $30,000+ for upper schools at Columbus Academy or Wellington. Most schools offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission. Additionally, Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program can significantly offset costs for families who qualify based on income or if their resident public school is designated as underperforming, making private education more accessible.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools accessible from Delaware, OH, that might not be available in local public districts?
Private schools in the central Ohio area provide distinctive programs that attract Delaware families. Columbus Academy offers extensive global travel and language immersion opportunities, along with a renowned outdoor education program. Wellington School features a dedicated Center for Creative Arts and a comprehensive Global Studies curriculum with required international travel for seniors. For STEM-focused students, many schools have dedicated innovation labs, robotics teams, and advanced research opportunities. St. Mary School and other faith-based institutions offer daily religion classes and sacramental preparation. These schools often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more specialized electives and individualized academic paths than might be available in a standard public school curriculum.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Columbus region that serve Delaware, OH, residents?
The process for schools like Columbus Academy and Wellington is highly structured and begins early. Prospective families should initiate research 12-18 months before the desired entry date. Key steps include: attending open houses (typically in the fall), submitting applications by January or February for the following academic year, and scheduling student visits/assessments. Admissions decisions are often released in March. For kindergarten entry, some schools have birthdate cut-offs and may recommend applying for Pre-K. St. Mary School and other parish schools may have a more rolling admissions process but prioritize parish members. Given the competitiveness, especially for entry grades, starting early and engaging with the admissions office is essential for Delaware-based applicants.
For families in Delaware, Ohio, what are the major considerations when choosing between the Delaware City School District and a private school in the Columbus area?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, cost, and community. The Delaware City School District offers a strong, tuition-free public education with the benefit of neighborhood schools and extensive extracurriculars. Choosing a private school like those in Columbus involves a significant financial investment and daily commute but offers tailored educational approaches (progressive, classical, or faith-based), often smaller class sizes, and specialized facilities. Families may also consider college matriculation records, specific program offerings (like advanced arts or STEM), and values alignment. The private school community can be more geographically dispersed, whereas Delaware public schools foster hyper-local connections. Utilizing Ohio’s open enrollment or EdChoice scholarships can also blur the financial line, making private options more viable for some.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Delaware, Ohio: A Parent's Guide to Top Local Education
When you find yourself searching for "good private schools near me" in Delaware, Ohio, you are tapping into a desire shared by many local families: to find an educational environment that aligns closely with your values and aspirations for your child. Delaware offers a distinctive setting, a county seat with a strong sense of community, yet positioned within the dynamic orbit of Columbus. This creates a unique landscape for private education, where intimate, values-driven learning coexists with access to the robust resources and opportunities of a major metropolitan area. Your search is not just about proximity, but about finding the right fit within this special context.
Several institutions stand out for their long-standing reputations and distinctive educational philosophies right here in our region. Columbus Academy in Gahanna, though a short drive southeast, is a perennial consideration for Delaware families seeking a rigorous, college-preparatory experience with exceptional arts and athletics. Closer to home, The Wellington School in Upper Arlington offers a progressive, project-based learning model that emphasizes global citizenship and critical thinking, appealing to parents who want a modern approach to academic excellence. For families prioritizing a faith-based education integrated with strong academics, St. Mary School right here in Delaware provides a nurturing, parish-centered environment from preschool through eighth grade. Each of these schools represents a different answer to the question of what makes a school "good," underscoring the importance of defining your own family's priorities.
Your evaluation should extend beyond curricula to consider the daily logistics and community life. A "good private school near me" must also be a practical choice. Consider the commute along routes like Route 23 or Route 315, especially during Central Ohio’s variable weather. Many Delaware families form carpools, turning travel time into social time for students. Investigate how each school fosters community among families who may be spread across Delaware County; look for active parent associations, family events, and after-school programs that can help build connections closer to home. The investment in private education is significant, so understanding the financial aid landscape, transportation options, and the school’s approach to homework and extracurricular involvement is crucial for long-term satisfaction.
Ultimately, the best way to move from an online search for "good private schools near me" to a confident decision is to experience these communities firsthand. We strongly encourage you to schedule visits to schools like Columbus Academy, Wellington, and St. Mary. Walk the halls, observe classroom interactions, and speak directly with teachers, administrators, and current parents. Ask specific questions about how they support students transitioning from Delaware’s community feel into their environment. The right school will feel like an extension of your family’s values and a launchpad for your child’s potential. Your diligent search through the options in and around Delaware is the first step in a rewarding journey toward finding an educational partner dedicated to your child’s individual growth and success.